Description
PSY 530 Discussion Question Module 1
Explain how social psychology is different from sociology, psychology, and other subfields of psychology. Why is there a need for social psychology as a unique scientific field different from the subfields of psychology?
PSY 530 Discussion Question Module 2
We encounter various types of statistics on a daily basis; some are correlational (nonexperimental) and others are causational (experimental). Describe how these two methods differ. Using an example of a statistic from a commercial, political group, or other day to day forum, explain how the statistic was used to support a specific claim. Develop a hypothesis that could be studied to make the statistic more reliable and valid. Explain why.
PSY 530 Module 2 Discussion 1
In what ways do the typical attributions of people from collectivistic cultures differ from those of people from individualistic cultures? Why do these differences exist? Provide empirical evidence supporting your explanations.
PSY 530 Module 2 Discussion 2
Describe the ways in which knowledge about the “self” organizes cognitive information and motivates behavior. Discuss how the “self” influences our judgment of others. How do Eastern and Western cultures define the “self” differently?
PSY 530 Module 3 Discussion 1
Prejudice has traditionally been assumed to be the product of some form of malice, brought about by social or emotional forces. In recent years, there has been increasing research on how prejudice can result from cognitive processes, without malicious intent. Discuss how and why cognitive processes can produce prejudice. What is the impact of culture on prejudice? Once stereotypes and prejudices are formed, how do they come to be self-perpetuating?
PSY 530 Module 3 Discussion 2
Discuss and provide research evidence for five reasons why attitudes sometimes fail to predict behavior.
PSY 530 Module 4 Discussion 1
Provide a real-life example of informational social influences impacting a person’s decision or behavior. Provide a real-life example of normative social influences impacting a person’s decision or behavior. Can the influence of conformity, compliance, or obedience be decreased? How would this impact the situations you identified?
PSY 530 Module 4 Discussion 2
In what ways can social influence have a positive impact on behavior? Provide examples to support your response.
PSY 530 Module 5 Discussion 1
Consider how being part of a crowd or group changes your behavior. How can deindividuation change people’s behavior? Could deindividuation lead to positive outcomes? What is a way to encourage members of a crowd to behave in line with their “normal” values?
PSY 530 Module 5 Discussion 2
Select one scholarly article on aggression. Explain situational forces, sociocultural pressures, and individual differences that promote aggressive behavior. In addition, discuss theories of aggression as they apply to the article selected.
PSY 530 Module 6 Discussion 1
Groupthink and group polarization are influences that often cause groups to reach different solutions to a problem than individuals. Explain each concept and discuss the conditions that are thought to lead to each. How might the presence of others and institutional groupthink impact helping those who are less fortunate?
PSY 530 Module 6 Discussion 2
Are you better off being an optimist (perhaps a Pollyanna) or is it better to be a realist (grounded in reality) as far as your health and well-being are concerned? Why?
PSY 530 Module 7 Discussion 1
Explain how religion influences social relationships, moral attitudes, and moral behaviors, including cheating, substance abuse, sexuality, criminality, and domestic violence.
PSY 530 Module 7 Discussion 2
Select a scholarly article that discusses religion and happiness. Discuss the effect that religious belief has on people’s happiness or unhappiness as it relates to their behaviors and attitudes. What effect does religion have on helping behavior, the prevalence of prejudice, and health of religious people? Share your findings.
PSY 530 Module 8 Discussion 1
Using Hofstede’s theory, compare and contrast two countries on these four types of cultural values.
PSY 530 Module 8 Discussion 2
The Module 8 lecture discussed both pessimistic and optimistic perspectives on global unity. Where do you weigh in on this issue and why?
