Read the chapter on social psychology.

Think of a major social problem, possible causes, and ways to reduce it, as described below.

Write in full sentences, define the terms you use in your own words, and give good examples for how each relates to the social problem you chose. As with the last paper, this one will not be accepted if there are a lot of grammatical or spelling mistakes, so get someone who has excellent writing skills to help you to proofread the paper before you turn it in.

Your paper should be about 3 pages. For each of the 10 terms you use (5 in each section), you will receive 10 points – 5 for a correct definition in your own words, and 5 for an appropriate example as it relates to the social problem. This assignment is worth 5% of your course grade.

If you want more information on some of the terms, check the videos at http://psychlopedia.wikispaces.com/Social+Psychology (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.

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Select a social problem such as crime, drug or alcohol abuse, poverty, racism or sexism, and analyze its possible causes, using 5 of the concepts below. Use only one social problem in this whole essay.
In one paragraph, describe the social problem in your own words. You do NOT need to do any research. I am sure you know enough about it just to introduce the topic.
First, define (in your own words) and give examples of 5 of the terms below in your explanation of possible causes: (starred items are from class notes, not the text)
Fundamental attribution error

Actor-observer bias

Stereotyping/prejudice/discrimination

Scapegoating*

In-group favoritism/Outgroup bias

Explicit and implicit attitudes

Cognitive dissonance or post-decisional dissonance

Persuasion – central route & peripheral route processing

Social loafing

Deindividuation

Role playing affects attitudes (leading to the problem)

Group polarization

Groupthink

Normative social influence (leading to the problem)

Informational social influence (leading to the problem)

Foot-in-the-door technique (leading to the problem)

Door-in-the-face phenomenon (leading to the problem)

Conformity to social norms and obedience

Enemy/Mirror image perception*

The just world phenomenon*

Social traps*

Bystander apathy

4. Then define (in your own words) and give examples of 5 of the terms below and how they could be used positively to reduce the occurrence of the problem you chose: (starred items are from class notes, not the text)

Superordinate goals (cooperation among

competitors as in the study by Sherif)

Persuasion – central route & peripheral route processing

Mere exposure effect

Social facilitation

Ways to avoid groupthink

Role playing affects attitudes (leading to a solution)

Normative social influence (leading to a solution)

Informational social influence (leading to a solution)

Foot-in-the-door or door-in-the-face phenomenon (leading to a solution)

Factors that tend to increase altruism

How a minority can sway (influence) a majority*

Mediation* (Careful: this is not meditation!)

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