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? (250-500 words with 2 references)
Discuss some of the research methods that social psychologists use to gain insight into question posed in the field. Be sure to include a description of empirical research in your response. Do you feel this is best research method for social psychologists, explain why or why not. (250-500 words with 2 references)
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. (250-500 words with 2 references)
Human beings often speculate as to the causes of others’ behavior. Explain how cognitive and motivational factors can cause people to be biased when making attributions. What are some of the social and individual consequences of the types of attributions they make? (250-500 words with 2 references)
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? (250-500 words with 2 references)
In what ways can social influence have a positive impact on behavior? In what ways can social influence have a negative impact on behavior? Provide examples to support your response. (250-500 words with 2 references)
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? (250-500 words with 2 references)
Describe institutional bias. Provide some examples of institutional biases? What roles do attitudes, stereotypes, and prejudices play in institutional biases? What impact does cultural influence have on institutional biases? (250-500 words with 2 references)
