Social Psychology
Psychology - Social Assessment Questions If a teacher tells you to do something it is usual that you obey. This situation can be changed for example if the person resisting obedience has an ally. This can make it more difficult for the teacher to discipline the student as they feel they are being backed up by one of their peers, they would feel more confident about ignoring teacher's orders. 2) People may or may not conform to others in-group situations. Asch's study shows people conforming in group situations. This is evident in the study conducted by Asch (1956) who aimed to find out whether people conformed to the majority on a group situation. He found that on the 12 critical trials, 36.8% of the responses made by true participants were incorrect. Approximately, one quarter of the participants didn't conform in any of the trials. This shows that almost half of the group conformed to a group situation even if they didn't agree with the answers of the others. Asch conducted another study into the role of allies whereby each participant was paired with that of another participant. The rate of conformity decreased, as the participant felt more confident going against the majority view. Allen and Levine conducted a study similar to that of Asch's study. There were 3 conditions, in one, the supporter had bad vision i.e. invalid social support, and the second supporter had
Social Psychology
Social Psychology Abstract A major component of Social Psychological research is based on social loafing. Social loafing can result in diverse possibilities and also not only affects the individual who is conducting the social phenomenon but also group members are subjected to exposure. Discussion regarding the reasons of social loafing as an occurrence will be based primarily on evidence from literature regarding the specific component, envy. Possibilities of outcomes range from members being awarded unfair workloads or dissatisfaction, to group performance being decreased. Theories that support some of these and other notions will become evident after the recognition of previous research findings. Discussion will be based primarily on Ringleman who is supported by Ingham and also Latane, Karau Williams and Harkins (specifically Latane) and. To sum up, personal opinion will be reviewed and compared to its validity in reducing social loafing in an educational setting. 'Educational setting', on this occasion is specifically referring to groups of University students creating poster presentations. Initially the definition of social loafing according to a recognised Psychology dictionary will be stated. The dilemma as to what aspects result in 'social loafing' is recognised in this literature with differences from theories, concepts and experiments as cited being evaluated.
Outline and evaluate evolutionary explanations of parental investment.
Outline the influence of childhood experiences on adult relationships. Bowlby believed that the type of relationship an individual has with their primary caregiver as an infant, will predict their future relationships as an adult, i.e. the continuity hypothesis. He argued that this first relationship provides a basis, so in essence, acts as a template or an internal working model for future relationships. Using Ainsworth’s findings of the strange situation, the hypothesis suggests that the child’s attachment classification may influence their popularity with peers. If they are securely attached then they should be more confident and thus more popular. This can also be used for adolescent relationships. Those who are securely attached will find it easier to make friends and have intimate friendships, whereas insecurely attached individuals will find it harder to do this so may be more socially awkward and tend to be alone or have one or two friends. Furthermore in adult romantic relationships, Hazan and Shaver (1987) through their ‘Love Quiz’, found a strong positive correlation between childhood attachment type and adulthood attachment type. The findings showed that secure people should find it in their nature to trust their partner and their relationships will be long lasting as they do believe in true love. Insecure people won’t trust their partner and their
Outline and evaluate explanations of institutional aggression
Outline and evaluate explanations of institutional aggression: The Importation Model claims that some people who enter prison do so already possessing certain characteristics (i.e values, attitudes and experiences) that predispose them toward interpersonal violence within prisons. Cheeseman (2003) said that said that men in prison have a certain way of behaving and that they apply that behaviour to that new institutional setting, leading to institutional aggression. Therefore according to this explanation of institutional aggression, interpersonal violence is not a product of the institution itself but rather of the characteristics of those violent individuals who enter such institutions. This is summarised by Toch (1997) who stated “All prisoners inherit their sub cultural sediments from the street corners that supply them with clients”. Statistics suggest that young inmates have a more difficult time adjusting to prison; therefore they are more likely to have confrontations with other inmates and with prison staff, and are more likely to view violence as an appropriate way to deal with conflicts within prison. Research in the USA has shown that Black inmates are more likely to be associated with interpersonal violence than White inmates. This model argues that this is due to the fact Black prisoners enter prison from impoverished communities with higher rates of violent
Outline and evaluate research into obedience
________________ Outline and evaluate research into obedience (12 marks) Obedience is complying with an order from another person to carry out an action. Many studies have been conducted into looking at obedience in people and what factors in a situation lead people to obey. Milgram (63) conducted a study to find out whether ordinary Americans would obey an unjust order from a person in authority to inflict pain on another person. Milgram gained a volunteer sample of 40 males from a range of backgrounds who were each paid $4.50 and were deceived into thinking they were giving electric shocks. The participants were told the study concerned the role of punishment in learning. The participant had the role of a teacher and a confederate played the learner. He had to memorize pairs of words. The teachers role was to administer a shock every time the learner made a mistake. The teacher had 30 levers each indicated the level of shock to be given. The participant watched the confederate being strapped into the electric chair. The learner began to answer correctly but then made mistakes. Shocks started at 15 volts and rose in 15 volt increments up to 450 volts. The researchers encouraged the teachers to give the shock when they hesitated. However no shocks were actually administered. The experiment continued until either the teacher refused to move on or 450 volts were reached and
Outline and evaluate two explanations relating to the breakdown of relationships
Outline and evaluate two explanations relating to the breakdown of relationships Duck proposed that there were four phases in the dissolution of a relationship. The intra psychic phase involves a partner growing increasingly dissatisfied with the relationship, which either may not be openly expressed, or there may be a determination to resolve the issue. The dyadic phase is where the dissatisfaction is expressed in the open, characterised by argument. Maintenance and repair strategies may be used to repair the relationship, which can still be saved. The social phase comprises the involvement of the individuals' social networks, in which the break-up becomes public. These people may help mend disputes between the partners but may also speed dissolution by taking sides. Social implications, such as who has the house, are discussed. The grave dressing phase begins with the ex-partners starting their post relationship lives. Individual accounts of the breakdown are favourably publicised to avoid the hindrance of future successful relationships, whilst simultaneously justifying their original commitment to the relationship. To its advantage, the model highlights that dissolution is not just a sudden step, but a process, which is now a widely accepted underlying insight. The crucial factor it considers is that relationships are long term and recognises that they embrace many
Negotiation and Conflict
Subject: Negotiation and Conflict Lecturer: Group Members: Date: November 2003 Report Title: Conflict resolution The area of conflict that the group has chosen to base its report on is Conflict Resolution. Conflict resolution refers to a process in which the ultimate objective is to end the conflict between the parties in disagreement. Kenneth Thomas (1976) distinguished five conflict resolution techniques based upon the two dimensions of: . How assertive or unassertive each party is, in pursuing it's own concerns. 2. How co-operative or uncooperative each is in satisfying the concerns of the other. He labelled these competing/forcing (assertive and cooperative); avoiding (unassertive and uncooperative); compromising (mid range on both dimensions); accommodating (unassertive and cooperative); collaborating (assertive and cooperative) These strategies for conflict resolution take into account the possible tactics for conflict resolution. It should be noted that although all individuals will have their own style or approach to the resolution of conflict, an effective manager must be capable of switching styles depending on the particular conflict in order for them to be effective at conflict resolution. In reality, all individuals will generally use only a limited number of styles to resolve all of the conflicts in which they are involved. It is hardly surprising
Pro and Anti Social Behaviour
Pro- and Anti-Social Behaviour a) Nature and causes of aggression Use for: a) Outline two psychological theories of aggression (12 marks) b) Evaluate two theories of aggression that you outlined in part a) in terms of relevant research studies (12 marks) a) Outline and evaluate two psychological theories of aggression (24 marks) Aggression is an example of anti-social behaviour. It has been defined as 'any form of behaviour directed towards the goal of harming or injuring another living being who is motivated to avoid such harm'. Social Psychological theories of aggression These explain aggression as a result of social interactions Social Learning Theory (SLT) One of the most influential theories of aggression is the Social Learning theory put forward by Bandura (1973). The nature of the theory suggests human aggression is learned either through direct experience or by observing aggressive behaviour in other people i.e. indirect experience. Bandura produced two assumptions in relation to the social learning theory. He stated that if a child acts aggressively against another child and as a result gets what they want, their aggressive behaviour has been reinforced. This is an example of learning by direct experience, derived from the principles of the traditional learning theory; operant and classical conditioning. Secondly, he stated that if a child
Trait Theory is better at describing than explaining personality. Discuss
Trait Theory is better at describing than explaining personality. Discuss Word Count: The question of whether 'Trait Theory is better at describing than explaining personality' can be interpreted as 'Trait Theory is better at giving the main characteristics and features of personality rather than making it clear why we have personality and why it is the way it is.' This interpretation raises two significant questions. The first being what personality is and the second what Trait theory is. Personality is a unique combination of psychological and behavioural characteristics. Mischel (1986) defines personality as "distinctive patterns of behaviour (including thoughts and emotions) that characterises each individuals adaptation of the situations in his or her life." However according to Peterson 1992 personality has a number of attributes. It is an integrated part of every individual and refers to his or her actions, thoughts and feelings. Personality is made up of smaller units called characteristics and can be functional or dysfunctional, that is to say our characteristics can help us to succeed or hinder us. Thus personality is a key factor of modern research. Personality research offers valid and useful insights into human psychology and its main concern is to understand the role played by personality and to find out what factors make us different and consistent from
Understanding Discipline.
Understanding Discipline. BTEC National Diploma - Public Services - Scenario You decide that you will put up a notice on the board explaining to all new recruits the role and importance of discipline in your Public Service. Task One Your Superior likes the notice and asks you to prepare the following for a seminar on discipline: Explain the role of Discipline in Public Services. The role of discipline in the Public Services is to: * Create trust, both inside and outside the service * Create a team - work ethos * Save public money * Increase job satisfaction * Limit accidents * Allow the Public Service to reach its objectives Discipline means obedience, order, control and self control. > Following orders > Efficiency > Self respect > Respect for others > Hard work > Giving a good impression to the public > Team work > Punctuality and promptness > Putting other peoples needs before your own > Keeping fit > Organising work > Good manners > Professionalism > Working to improve your understanding of the job > Developing new skills > Evaluating your own performance > Always giving your best (100%) > Doing what you can to make sure others give their best (motivation) > Knowing and doing what to do in a life threatening situation such as fire, danger etc What does discipline mean ? Imposed discipline - is what the Army imposes on new recruits
