SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY: CHAPTER 12 ASSIGNMENT (TOTAL = 20 points)

Instructions: Answer the following question(s) thoroughly in paragraph/essay format.

Describe the two general types of attributions people use to explain the behavior of themselves and others, and discuss key concepts in attribution theory, such as the fundamental attribution error, the self-serving bias, and the just-world hypothesis.

 

Compare and contrast situational influences and dispositional influences and give an example of each. Explain how situational influences and dispositional influences might explain inappropriate behavior.

 

Define the meaning of cognitive dissonance. Give an example (one not used in class or your text) of cognitive dissonance and how an individual might resolve this.

 

Describe how seeking outside opinions can prevent groupthink. Compare and contrast social loafing and social facilitation.

 

The evolutionary theory argues that humans are motivated to perpetuate their genes and reproduce.
Using an evolutionary perspective, describe traits in men and women that humans find attractive.

 

Imagine that you work for an advertising agency, and you’ve been tasked with developing an advertising campaign to increase sales of Bliss Soda. How would you develop an advertisement for this product that uses a central route of persuasion? How would you develop an ad using a peripheral route of persuasion?

 

Explain and provide examples of how people from individualistic and collectivistic cultures would differ in explaining why they won an important sporting event.

 

Most students adamantly state that they would never have turned up the voltage in the Milligram experiment. Do you think you would have refused to shock the learner? Why? Looking at your own past behavior, explain what evidence suggests that you would or would not go along with the order to increase the voltage?