PSY 2210 NSTCC Social Psychology Perspectives on Behavior Discussion

/in /by

PSY 2210 NSTCC Social Psychology Perspectives on Behavior Discussion

Description

 

 

Two cases are listed below. For each case, try to use different theoretical perspectives to understand the behavior.  See if any of the following perspectives provide insight: situational pressures, Social Exchange Theory, Social Cogniton, Self-Esteem.

Hint: The situational pressures suggest how expectations, social roles, and overt pressure from others might affect behavior.  The Social Exchange Theory focuses on rewards and costs of the behavior and of alternative behaviors. The Social Cognition Approach emphasizes how the person interprets or construes the situation. The Self-Esteem approach focuses on how the person may act to build or preserve his or her self-esteem and how he or she may choose to interpret events in ways that preserve self-esteem.

For each cases listed below, try to apply concepts from the following theoretical perspectives to understand the behavior: situational pressures, Social Exchange Theory, Social Cognition, Self-Esteem.

Situation 1: Allen is a junior in college and is vice-president of his fraternity. He is very bright, but spends little time studying and barely squeaks by. He spends most of his days and nights at the fraternity house talking, goofing off, or partying. Explain Allen’s behavior.  

Situation 2 Kim and Steve have been dating for a couple of months. He wants to settle into a steady relationship, but she isn’t sure. Several guys keep calling Kim to go out. She is tempted to go, but knows that Steve would be very upset. Finally, Kim decides to drop Steve. Explain Kim’s behavior.

 

Unformatted Attachment Preview

GENERAL THEME and BROAD THEORIES General Theme B = f (P, E)  LEWIN: B = ( f P, E ) f is a symbol meaning is a function of, or depends upon P represents the person E represents the environment or the situation Aggression B represents a person’s behavior 6 5 4 Girls 3 Boys 2 1 0 Nonviolent Violent The equation says that Behavior depends upon both the person and the situation How Appropriate is each behavior: 1= inappropriate, 2= unsure, 3 = appropriate  Behavior is determined by social and cultural forces (social currents)  Culture: beliefs, customs, habits shared by people of a similar nationality, social class, etc. sex roles, eating habits  Because behavior is affected by the situation, we may act differently in different situations. Talk Laugh Cry Belch Read Situation Date Own Room Job Interview Church Movie 1 Three Broad Theories SOCIAL EXCHANGE THEORY  REWARDS (MATERIAL & SOCIAL)  Social Exchange  COSTS  Social Cognition  OUTCOME LEVEL = (R – C)  Self-Esteem SOCIAL EXCHANGE THEORY OUTCOME LEVEL = (R – C) COMPARISON LEVEL  OL > CL, SATISFIED  OL < CL, DISSAT. CL OF ALTERNATIVES  OL > CLALT , STAY  OL < CL ALT , GO SELF–ESTEEM SELF  We try to maintain a positive view of SOCIAL COGNITION  EMPHASIZES PERCEPTIONS, THOUGHTS, UNDERSTANDINGS, CONSTRUALS  (TUMBLEWEED, COMPLIMENT, TEASING) DIFFERENT THEMES AND THEORIES PROVIDE DIFFERING (COMPLEMENTARY) PERSPECTIVES ourselves.  This may lead to self-serving explanations (credit for success, but excuses for failure) and rationalizations ( justification of our decisions or behavior) ex. treat someone badly. 2 Please take a few minutes and write down 5 to 10 statements to answer the following question. SELF  Who am I? SELF-CONCEPT ORIGINS: SELF-CONCEPT  Perception of “Who am I?”  LOOKING LOOKING–GLASS SELF       INTROSPECTION physical (tall, female) skills & competencies (smart, athletic) psychological (beliefs, shy, energetic) social (friendly, popular) groups (club, church, family, family roles)  SELF SELF–PERCEPTION  SOCIAL COMPARISON SCHEMATIC INFORMATION IS MORE EASILY NOTICED 3 SELF-SCHEMA 2 INDEPENDENT WORDS 1 DEPENDENT WORDS 0 oneself that organizes and guides the processing of selfself-relevant information. REACTION TIME  A organized knowledge structure about INDEPENDENT PARTICIPANTS DEPENDENT PARTICIPANTS Judged words & indicated whether they were: a) in big letters, b) rhymes with “kite”, c) means “intelligent”, d) describes self. Aspects of Self-Esteem  Social Confidence: How one gets along with others (likable, friendly)  Competence (intellectual ability, physical SMART polite athletic bright LAZY abilities, skills)  Physical Attractiveness  Personal Goodness (moral, ethical, conscientious) SELF-AWARENESS SELF AWARENESS (CONTROL THEORY) WHEN SELFAWARE DOES BEHAVIOR MATCH STANDARD? CONTROL THEORY  TRICK OR TREAT MIRROR REDUCES STEALING FROM 50% TO 10%  FAILURE TO MATCH STANDARDS LEADS TO NEG. EMOTIONS: DISAPPOINTMENT, SHAME, GUILT, FEAR, EMBARRASSMENT  WHEN SELFSELF-AWARE AND BEHAVIOR DOESN’T MATCH STANDARDS (FAILED TEST) SUBJECTS LEAVE EXPERIMENT MORE QUICKLY NO CAN BEHAVIOR BE CHANGED TO MATCH STANDARD? YES NO POSITIVE FEELINGS EXIT SELFAWARENESS NEGATIVE EMOTIONS AVOID SELFAWARENESS YES CHANGE BEHAVIOR IMPRESSION MANAGEMENT IMPRESSION MANAGEMENT  Impression management represent attempts by people to get others to see them as they want to be seen.  Self Self–Enhancement: Enhancement: Seeking to Present Positive a Positive Image of Oneself  Self Self–Verification: Verification: Seeking to Confirm One’s SelfSelf-Concept  When people have low selfself-esteem, these motives conflict. They choose self verification if:  They are certain of their low evaluation  Consequences of false evaluation are great  They think they can use feedback to improve  Otherwise, people prefer selfself-enhancement Perceived Dominance Self Verification: Getting Others to Share One’s Self-Concept Creating Impressions  Self Self–Presentation: 50 45 40 35 30 25 20 15 10 5 0 Consistent Other Discrepant Other Dominant SelfConcept Submissive SelfConcept Conveying who we are (or who we want others to believe we are) to others through words, nonverbal behavior, and actions.  Impression Management: Controlling and manipulating our selfselfpresentation in an attempt to create a desired impression. Too Much Concern About SelfEnhancement Can Lead to Unhealthy Behavior  Sun Tanning  Failure to Use Condoms  Alcohol, Tobacco, Drugs  Safety Devices (cycle helmets, earplugs) Pamela Anderson 1990 Playboy Playmate Ht. 5’7”, Wt. 105, BMI = 16.45  Excessive Dieting UNDERWEIGHT IMPRESSION MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES  Self Self–Handicapping  Basking in Reflected Glory  Ingratiation  Intimidation  Self Self–Promotion  Exemplification  Supplication
Purchase answer to see full attachment

Explanation & Answer:

4 Paragraphs