Social Psychology is one of the most interesting areas of the larger scope of psychology. It examines how our behavior is influenced by those around us. Picture yourself being the first student to arrive to class. What do you do? If you are like most of the students I know, you will probably look at your phone, but does your behavior change when another student walks in? What about when you are waiting at a doctor’s office, or elevator? The moment that we are aware of the presence of one or more persons, our behavior is influenced by the “other” or “others”. Social psychology looks at how we attribute our behavior, as well as, the behavior of others. It looks to explain obedience and conformity. It also looks at how we respond in situations where another needs help, as well as how we handle the discomfort that comes about when we have two opposing thoughts or feelings. The media is always calling attention to how people react in different situations.

For the beginning of this week’s discussion, I would like for you to:

• Review the key terms in the Social Psychology chapter (key terms can be found under “course information”) and explain the concept that you find most interesting.
• Explain the concept that you chose and discuss why you find it interesting and relative to understanding our thoughts, feelings, or behavior.
• When responding to fellow students’ posts, make sure to ask questions and give your opinion. What I want is for us to have a lively discussion about the very important concepts that social psychology studies.

Make sure to respond quickly an check often this week.

In addition:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vjS6j3BO_t4

Watch the video and discuss the problems with obedience and how the roles we are given can so easily be adhered to. We can easily become self-fulfilling prophecies and behave the way others say we are.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vjS6j3BO_t4

Mote that you have 2 weeks for this discussion. I know that this is a tough time of the semester and want to make sure you are able to do all that you have to do for all your classes.