Once a week, you will write a brief journal entry (1-2 paragraphs) explaining how a recent social interaction demonstrates a concept discussed in lecture. Each entry is worth a maximum of 5 points. Points will be awarded based on how clearly you described the social interaction and how accurately you related it to a social psychology concept. Journal entries will be made – and available for others to view – on this discussion forum. Each will be due at 11:59PM on Sunday night between Weeks 1-10. Click on the “Reply” button below to begin your entry.
Example journal entry:
Today as I was driving into work, a car cut me off on I-5 and almost caused me to rearend him. I was furious. I drove up next to him to look into his car and saw exactly what I was expecting: a young, a male driver. I immediately thought, “what an asshole!” My assumption that his behavior (cutting me off) was a product of his disposition (being a young man), rather than his situation illustrates the fundamental attribution error discussed in class. Perhaps he is not an asshole, but was late for work. We are more likely to commit the fundamental attribution error when explaining others’ behavior, so I bet that if I were the one to have cut somebody off, I would have more quickly considered the impact of the situation.
Struggling with where to start this assignment? Follow this guide to tackle your assignment easily!
Step-by-Step Guide to Writing Your Journal Entry
Step 1: Begin with the Interaction
Start by describing the social interaction you experienced. Keep it brief but detailed enough so that your reader can easily understand what happened. Include the context, what occurred, and who was involved. You can talk about any conversation, encounter, or situation where you observed social behavior. For example, you might describe a situation at work, a conversation with a friend, or an event at school.
Example:
This morning, while I was having coffee with a friend, we got into a discussion about a recent decision she made to switch jobs. She was unsure about the change but expressed excitement about new opportunities.
Step 2: Relate the Interaction to a Social Psychology Concept
Once you’ve described the interaction, connect it to a social psychology concept discussed in class. Be specific about which concept you’re addressing (e.g., cognitive dissonance, social norms, groupthink, conformity, etc.) and explain how the interaction exemplifies that concept. Consider any social influences that may have shaped the behavior or perceptions of those involved in the interaction.
Example:
This interaction illustrates cognitive dissonance, as my friend seemed to be experiencing a clash between her excitement for the new job and her lingering doubts. Cognitive dissonance occurs when a person holds two contradictory beliefs or attitudes, and in an attempt to reduce discomfort, they may justify their behavior. My friend was trying to convince herself that the job change was a good decision, but her mixed emotions showed the typical stress that comes with such dissonance. She mentioned that even though she liked the current job, she felt the new position would offer greater career growth, which reflected her attempt to justify the decision and reduce the conflict in her mind.
Step 3: Conclude with Your Reflection
End your entry with a short reflection on the experience. You could discuss what you learned from this interaction or how you might respond differently in a similar situation in the future. This shows your ability to critically analyze the social dynamics at play.
Example:
Reflecting on this conversation made me more aware of how people often try to justify decisions to reduce dissonance, even when they are conflicted. In the future, I will try to be more mindful of the contradictions others may feel when making major decisions and offer support to help them process their thoughts.
Formatting Your Journal Entry
- Length: 1-2 paragraphs
- Clarity: Be clear and concise in your description of the social interaction.
- Concept Application: Make sure to accurately apply the social psychology concept to the interaction.
- Tone: Maintain a casual yet reflective tone, similar to the example.
This guide will help you write a structured and insightful journal entry, connecting your social experiences to the concepts discussed in your course. By following these steps, you’ll ensure your entry is relevant, reflective, and well-organized.
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