PSYC 312 Social Psychology

Many individuals go through their daily routines with little thought as to what influences their own thoughts and behaviors, as well as the behavior of those around them. They seem unaware of how other people influence their thoughts and behavior. Still, others attempt to understand and explain their behavior, but their explanations are inaccurate. This course will seek to explain how the student’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are influenced by the actual or imagined presence of others so that the student can better understand him/herself and those around him/her.

Textbook readings and lecture presentations

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Course Requirements Checklist

After reading the Course Syllabus and Student Expectations, the student will complete the related checklist found in the Course Overview.

Discussions (2)

Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. Therefore, the student will complete 2 discussions throughout the term. The student is required to provide a thread in response to the provided prompt. Each thread must be 300–500 words and demonstrate course-related knowledge. For each thread, the student must use and cite the textbook, and Scripture in current APA format. In addition to the thread, the student is required to reply to 2 other classmates’ threads. Each reply must include 150-250 words and cite at least 1 item of information from the textbook. (CLO: A, B, D)

Big Ideas in Social Psychology Assignment

Understanding the major concepts of social psychology will provide the student a foundation for success in this course. To help ensure understanding of these basic concepts (also described by the textbook authors as “Big Ideas”) the student will be asked to write a 500-700 word paper within which he/she will identify each of these “Big Ideas” within the textbook, select a quote that summarizes the concept, provide a real-life example of the concept, and reflect on what the Bible says about the concept. One textbook and 1 Scripture citation should be included in each of the 3 “Big Idea” paragraphs. The paper must be in current APA format. (CLO: A)

Real World 1: Social Cognition and Perception Assignment

For this assignment, the student will explore and critically analyze a video clip from a television show or movie that illustrates a concept related to social cognition or social perception in the textbook (e.g., schemas, self-fulfilling prophesy, availability heuristic, first impressions, attributions, etc.). The paper must be 500-700 words and be in current APA format. (CLO: A, D)

Video Games and Aggression Assignment

The student will explore, summarize and critically analyze a current research article as it relates to the topic of video games and aggression and then discuss a biblical perspective on this research, and explain how the evidence found in the paper might be used to solve problems or enhance well-being related to behavior and/or mental processes. The body text for this assignment must include 500-700 words and citations from the textbook, article, and Scripture must be included. The paper should be in current APA format. (CLO: A, B, C, D)

Pop Culture and Relationships Assignment

For this assignment, the student will explore, summarize, and critically analyze a popular song (from any era) as it relates to the information provided in the textbook in Chapter 11: Attraction and Intimacy. The goal for this paper is to examine lyrics from a scholarly perspective and write a thoughtful comparison of song lyrics viewed through the lens of Social Psychology. A series of questions is provided in the assignment instructions to guide the analysis and evaluation. The body text for this assignment must include 500-700 words and the paper, including citations, must be in current APA format. (CLO: C)

Bystander Training Video PSA Assignment

For this assignment, the student will submit a brief video created in the style of a public service announcement to help individuals understand at least one reason (as described in the textbook) for why people do not help in an emergency and what might be done to overcome this barrier to helping. The student must be featured in the video. Content should be presented in a conversational tone rather than being read from a script. Creativity is encouraged, but the student must be visible and heard in the video. Video must be 3-5 minutes in length. (CLO: C, D)

Quizzes (8)

Each quiz will cover the Learn material for the Module: Week in which it is assigned. Each quiz will be open-book/open-notes, allow 1 attempt, contain 50 multiple-choice questions, and have a 1-hour time limit. (CLO: B, C, D)