MODULE 3: SOCIAL RELATIONS
CHAPTER 11: Attraction and Intimacy
What is Love? What is Liking? What is the difference between the two? Why is beauty in the eye of the beholder? When deciding whether or not you are attracted to another person, why are physical attributes the most important quality? A good personality, intelligence, and money are all important qualities in developing interpersonal attraction to another. However, these qualities cannot be assessed unless you are first physically attracted to another. Otherwise you would most likely never introduce yourself. Poets, philosophers, and social psychologists have been trying to answer all of these questions centuries. The questions are difficult to answer but by now you would think that we have answers to many of these questions since interpersonal attraction between men and women has retained an underlying similarity across time and cultures. Fortunately social psychologists can make some sense out of all this love and affection that we all try to make sense of. For all the songs and poems written about love, attraction, and affection, social psychologists have said, "Really, it is quite simple."
Objectives/Outcomes
After participating in the Learning Activities of this section you should be able to:
1. Discuss the role of proximity and physical attractiveness in initial attraction.
2. Discuss research findings on the role of similarity in friendship and describe how liking is usually mutual.
3. Explain the reward theory of attraction.
4. Describe the nature of passionate love and identify cultural, personality, and gender variations in love.
5. Discuss the nature of compassionate love.
6. Identify the different attachment styles that characterize interpersonal relationships.
7. Discuss the importance of equity and self-disclosure in close relationships.
8. Identify several predictors of a stable marriage and describe the detachment process.
Learning Activities/Assignments
TEXT: (Myers) Read Module Chapter 11: "Attraction"
EXPERIENCES: Mate Preferences
Rate the following characteristics in terms
of their importance to you in choosing a mate. Use the following scale:
3 = indispensable
2 = important but not indispensable
1 = desirable but not important
0 = irrelevant
___ 1. ambition and
industriousness
___ 2. chastity (no
previous experience in sexual intercourse)
___ 3. dependable
character
___ 4. desire for home
and children
___ 5. education and
intelligence
___ 6. emotional
stability and maturity
___ 7. favorable social
status or rating
___ 8. good cook and
housekeeper
___ 9. good financial
prospect
___ 10. good health
___ 11. good looks
___ 12. mutual
attraction/love
___ 13. pleasing
disposition
___ 14. refinement,
neatness
___ 15. similar
education
___ 16. similar
religious background
___ 17. similar
political background
___ 18. sociability
E-mail your experiences to me.
I will e-mail the scoring scale.
INTERNET SITES:
http://www.personalityresearch.org/attachment.html
Attachment Theory
http://www.newscientist.com/article.ns?id=dn4691
Fertile Women Rate Other Women As
Ugly
Discussed what you experienced/learned at the web
sites you visited. Whenever possible, incorporate text material into your
review.
CHAPTER 12: Altruism
Altruism: A motive to increase another's
welfare without conscious regard for one's self-interests. After discussing aggression it is nice to have a chapter
discuss the positive side of human behavior! Human beings may not be innately aggressive but we will help
others unselfishly, without thinking about ourselves.
What a wonderful attribute for all human beings to have. Unfortunately, social
psychologists do not believe that
altruism exists in anyone! We may help others and think we are just being
Good Samaritans but we are not. We
only help others if there is something in it for us. If we were truly
altruistic all of our charitable donations might
be anonymous, but they are not. I once met a person who told me he always gives anonymous donations to his
church. So much for anonymity! Many of us give 20 or more dollars to the Salvation Army at Christmas
after we drop 300 to 400 dollars at a mall. Doesn't
that make you feel better! Maybe social
psychologists are wrong? Decide for yourself.
Objectives/Outcomes
After participating in the Learning Activities of this section you should be able to:
1. Define Altruism.
2. Describe theories of
altruism.
3. Identify situational
influences that enhance helpfulness.
4. Identify who is
likely to receive help.
Learning Activities/Assignments
TEXT: (Myers) Read Module Chapter 12: "Altruism: Helping Others"
EXPERIENCES: Survey (You may want to print this survey):
Respond to each of the following items by circling the appropriate number.
1. When I am reading an interesting story or novel, I imagine how I would
feel if the events in the story were happening to me.
0
1
2
3
4
does not describe me well
describes me very well
2. I really get involved with the feelings of the characters in a novel.
0
1
2
3
4
does not describe me
well
describes me very well
3. I am usually objective when I watch a movie or play, and I don't often
get completely caught up in it.
0
1
2
3
4
does not describe me
well
describes me very well
4. After seeing a play or movie, I have felt as though I were one of the
characters.
0
1
2
3
4
does not describe me
well
describes me very well
5. I daydream and fantasize, with some regularity, about things that might
happen to me.
0
1
2
3
4
does not describe me
well
describes me very well
6. Becoming extremely involved in a good book or movie is somewhat rare for
me.
0
1
2
3
4
does not describe me
well
describes me very well
7. When I watch a good movie, I can very easily put myself in the place of a
leading character.
0
1
2
3
4
does not describe me
well
describes me very well
8. Before criticizing somebody, I try to imagine how I would feel if I were
in their place.
0
1
2
3
4
does not describe me
well
describes me very well
9. If I'm sure I'm right about something, I donut waste much time listening
to other peoples arguments.
0
1
2
3
4
does not describe me
well
describes me very well
10. I sometimes try to understand my friends better by imagining how things
look from their perspective.
0
1
2
3
4
does not describe me
well
describes me very well
11. I believe that there are two sides to every question and try to look at
them both.
0
1
2
3
4
does not describe me
well
describes me very well
12. I sometimes find it difficult to see things from the “other
guys” point of view.
0
1
2
3
4
does not describe me
well
describes me very well
13. I try to look at everybody's side of a disagreement before I make a
decision.
0
1
2
3
4
does not describe me
well
describes me very well
14. When I'm upset at someone, I usually try to “put myself in his
shoes” for a while.
0
1
2
3
4
does not describe me
well
describes me very well
15. When I see someone being taken advantage of, I feel kind of protective
towards them.
0
1
2
3
4
does not describe me
well
describes me very well
16. When I see someone being treated unfairly, I sometimes donut feel very
much pity for them.
0
1
2
3
4
does not describe me
well
describes me very well
17. I often have tender, concerned feelings for people less fortunate than
me.
0
1
2
3
4
does not describe me
well
describes me very well
18. I would describe myself as a pretty soft-hearted person.
0
1
2
3
4
does not describe me
well
describes me very well
19. Sometimes I donut feel very sorry for other people when they are having
problems.
0
1
2
3
4
does not describe me
well
describes me very well
20. Other people's misfortunes do not usually disturb me a great deal.
0
1
2
3
4
does not describe me
well
describes me very well
21. I am often quite touched by things that I see happen.
0
1
2
3
4
does not describe me
well
describes me very well
22. When I see someone who badly needs help in an emergency, I go to pieces.
0
1
2
3
4
does not describe me
well
describes me very well
23. I sometimes feel helpless when I am in the middle of a very emotional
situation.
0
1
2
3
4
does not describe me
well
describes me very well
24. In emergency situations, I feel apprehensive and ill-at-ease.
0
1
2
3
4
does not describe me
well
describes me very well
25. I am usually pretty effective in dealing with emergencies.
0
1
2
3
4
does not describe me
well
describes me very well
26. Being in a tense emotional situation scares me.
0
1
2
3
4
does not describe me
well
describes me very well
27. When I see someone hurt, I tend to remain calm.
0
1
2
3
4
does not describe me
well
describes me very well
28. I tend to lose control during emergencies.
0
1
2
3
4
does not describe me
well
describes me very well
NOTE: From: A multidimensional approach
to individual differences in empathy by M. H. Davis, 1980, Catalog of Selected
Documents in Psychology, 10, p. 85. Reprinted by permission of the author and Select Press.
E-mail your experiences to me.
I will e-mail the scoring scale.
INTERNET SITES:
http://www.spectacle.org/297/alt.html
The Problem of Altruism
http://video.msn.com/v/us/msnbc.htm?g=214b96c4-272d-46c7-aba4-158d5355df71&f=00
Bystander Apathy
(Video) (Recommended)
http://www.objectivistcenter.org/articles/csilk_why-kitty-genovese-die.asp
Kitty Genovese
http://www.ex.ac.uk/%7EPWebley/psy1002/citylife.html
Life in the City
Discussed
what you experienced/learned at the web sites you visited. Whenever
possible, incorporate text material into your review.
CHAPTER 13: Conflict and Peacemaking
The term conflict implies disagreement,
discord, and friction among members of a group; interaction where words, emotions, and actions "strike
together" to produce disruptive effects. This chapter describes the ways in which conflicts can develop in
groups and the causes and value of these phenomena.
The second part of the chapter explores peacemaking; how the process develops
and leads
to conflict resolution.
Objectives/Outcomes
After participating in the Learning Activities of this section you should be able to:
1. Define conflict.
2. Explain how the
pursuit of self-interest can produce a social dilemma.
3. Suggest specific
ways of resolving social dilemmas.
4. Describe how
competition produces conflict.
5. Describe the
criterion most people use to define justice.
6. Identify specific
misperceptions that fuel conflict.
7. List the conditions
under which close contact reduces hostility between opposing parties.
8. Describe how superordinate goals reduce conflict.
9. Explain how
bargaining, mediation, and arbitration can be used to resolve differences
between opposing
parties.
10. Describe the GRIT
model for reducing conflict.
Learning Activities/Assignments
TEXT: (Myers) Read Module Chapter 13: "Conflict and Peacemaking"
EXPERIENCE: Arguementativeness Scale
The questionnaire contains statements about
arguing controversial issues. Indicate how often each
statement is true for you personally by placing
the appropriate number in the blank to the left of the
statement. If the statement is almost
never true for you, place a "1" in the blank. If the statement
is
rarely true for you, place a "2" in
the blank. If the statement is occasionally true for you, place a
"3" in
the blank. If the statement is often true
for you, place a "4" in the blank. If the statement is almost
always true for you, place a "5" in
the blank. (Print this page out)
____1. While in an argument, I worry that the person I am
arguing with will form a negative
impression of me.
____2. Arguing over controversial issues improves my
intelligence.
____3. I enjoy avoiding arguments.
____4. I am energetic and enthusiastic when I argue.
____5. Once I finish an argument I promise myself that I
will not get into another.
____6. Arguing with a person creates more problems for me
than it solves.
____7. I have a pleasant, good feeling when I win a point in
an argument.
____8. When I finish arguing with someone I feel nervous and
upset.
____9. I enjoy a good argument over a controversial issue.
____10. I get an unpleasant feeling when I realize I am about
to get into an argument.
____11. I enjoy defending my point of view on an issue.
____12. I am happy when I keep an argument from happening.
____13. I do not like to miss the opportunity to argue a
controversial issue.
____14. I prefer being with people who rarely disagree with
me.
____15. I consider an argument an exciting intellectual
challenge.
____16. I find myself unable to think of effective points
during an argument.
____17. I feel refreshed and satisfied after an argument on a
controversial issue.
____18. I have the ability to do well in an argument.
____19. I try to avoid getting into arguments.
____20. I feel excitement when I expect that a conversation I
am in is leading to an argument.
Note. From "A Conceptualization and
Measure of Argumentativeness" by D. A. Infante
and A. S. Rancer,
1982, Journal of Personality Assessment, 46, p.
76. Reprinted by permission.
E-mail your experiences to me.
I will e-mail the scoring scale.
INTERNET SITES:
http://www.jigsaw.org/
The Jigsaw Classroom
http://www.princeton.edu/~mdaniels/PD/PD.html
The Prisoner's Dilemma
Discussed what you experienced/learned at the web sites you visited. Whenever possible, incorporate text material into your review.
CHAPTER 14: Social Psychology in The Clinic
Applied social psychology is the use of social psychological research and practice in real world settings. Module A applies social psychological principles to clinical psychology. When an individual walks into a therapist's office, a dyad forms as well as a unique environment. New norms emerge, roles are defined, attributions are made, and attitudes develop. The factors influencing the relationship between a client and the individual providing therapy are much the same as those involved in forming a friendship. It is helpful if the therapist likes the client, but clinicians react negatively to patients dissimilar from themselves. Clinicians that do not wear a tie may be viewed negatively by the client since the clinician is not following pre-determined norms.
Additionally, when a client receives a psychiatric diagnosis, his or her behavior can be effected. Someone who is diagnosed with depression may engage in self-fulfilling prophecies to fulfill expected behaviors. This module examines problems that are systemic to the field of clinical psychology.
Objectives/Outcomes
After participating in the Learning Activities of this section you should be able to:
1. Describe how thinking errors
may contaminate the personality interpretations made by mental health
professionals.
2. Discuss implications of illusory thinking
principles for psychology as a scientific discipline.
3. Describe the thought patterns of depressed
persons and discuss whether their attributions are a cause or consequence of
their depressed mood.
4. Describe the thought patterns associated with
loneliness and social anxiety.
5. Discuss factors influencing people's
reactions to illness and the role of negative emotions in health.
6. Identify social psychological principles that
can usefully be applied in treating psychological disorders.
7. Discuss the links between close relationships
and well being.
Learning Activities/Assignments
TEXT: (Myers) Read Chapter 14: "Social Psychology in The Clinic"
EXPERIENCES: Shyness Scale: http://www.shyness.com/qa2.html
AND/OR
The UCLA Loneliness Scale
Indicate how often each of the statements below is descriptive of you.
Circle one letter for each statement:
O indicates "I often feel this way"
S indicates "I sometimes feel this way"
R indicates "I rarely feel this way"
N indicates "I never
feel this way"
E-mail your experience to me.
I will e-mail the scoring scale.
INTERNET SITES:
http://www.davidmyers.org/fears/
Do We Fear The Right Thing?
http://www.apa.org/monitor/jan05/stereotyping.html
Automatic Stereotyping
Discussed
what you experienced/learned at the web sites you visited. Whenever
possible, incorporate text material into your review.
CHAPTER 15: Social Psychology in Court
Our legal system is based on procedures that are designed to yield objective and fair decisions. It is a system designed to separate the facts from the fancy. When we are judged by our peers, how do our peers judge us? You may think that we are judged by the facts presented to a jury by attorneys and judge. This however is only a part of the judgmental process. Whether or not we are guilty or innocent goes beyond separating the facts from the fancy, jurors decisions are also based on social psychological processes that have been discussed in previous chapters. Recall for a moment the research on attributions, social cognition, attitudes and persuasion, and social influence. It should not be difficult to imagine how these variables operate within the legal system. These variables are not left outside of a courtroom. Psychological research has clearly demonstrated that witnesses do not always remember events accurately, that judges nonverbal behavior can bias trial outcomes, and that numerous characteristics of defendants and jurors interact to determine the decisions that are reached.
The relationship between psychological research and legal system has led to a growing number of law related courses in graduate psychology programs. In 1981 and new Psychology and Law division of the American Psychological Association was formed. In this section we will examine a sample of the applied research that deals with psychological variable in the legal system.
Objectives/Outcomes
After participating in the Learning Activities of this section you should be able to:
1. Identify issues pertinent to both social psychology and the law.
2. Discuss findings on eyewitness testimony and describe ways of reducing
error.
3. Identify defendant characteristics that may influence jurors' judgments and
describe the
effects of the judge's instructions.
4. Show how jurors' individual dispositions may influence their verdicts.
5. Discuss how a jury functions as a group.
6. Explain the value of simulated juries.
Learning Activities/Assignments
TEXT: (Myers) Read Chapter 15 "Social Psychology in the Courtroom"
EXPERIENCES: http://www.psychology.iastate.edu/FACULTY/gwells/theeyewitnesstest.html
INTERNET SITES:
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/dna/interviews/loftus2.html
Elizabeth Loftus. Discuss her interview with
Frontline
http://www.exploratorium.edu/memory/loftusandschooler.html
Audio discussion. Will count as 2 web reviews
(6 points). Listen to Loftus' lecture or Schoolers' discussion. Each is approximately one hour
long.
Discussed what you experienced/learned at the
web sites you visited. Whenever possible, incorporate text material into
your review.
CHAPTER 16: Social Psychology and the Sustainable Future
In Chapter 16, Myers suggests that one of the mandatory adjustments needed for reaching long-term sustainability given the current population boom is to start living more simply. Learning how to live and function with less material wealth and learning how to decrease consumption of nonrenewable energies seems to be more important now than ever before.
Objectives/Outcomes
After participating in the Learning Activities of this section you should be able to:
1. Identify issues pertinent to the social psychology of materialism and
wealth.
2. Discuss research findings on enabling sustainable living.
3. Evaluate research findings on what makes us happy.
Learning Activities/Assignments
TEXT: (Myers) Read Chapter 16 "Social Psychology in the Sustainable Future"
EXPERIENCES: Materialism Scale:
1. _____ I have all the things I really need to enjoy life.
2. _____ I usually buy only the things I need.
3. _____ I admire people who own expensive homes, cars, and clothes.
4. _____ My life would be better if I owned certain things I don’t have.
5. _____ I try to keep my life simply, as fare as possessions are concerned.
6. _____ Some of the most important achievements in life include acquiring material possessions.
7. _____ I wouldn’t be any happier if I owned nicer things.
8. _____ The things I own aren’t all that important to me.
9. _____ I don’t place much emphasis on the amount of material objects people own as a sign of success.
10. _____ I’d be happier if I could afford to buy more things.
11. _____ I enjoy spending money on things that aren’t practical.
12. _____ The things I own say a lot about how well I am doing in life.
13. _____ It sometimes bothers me quite a bit that I can’t afford to buy all the things that I’d like.
14. _____ Buying things gives me a lot of pleasure.
15. _____ I like to own things that impress people.
16. _____ I like a lot of luxury in my life.
17. _____ I don’t pay much attention to the material objects other people own.
18. _____ I put less emphasis on material things then most people I know.
Reprinted from Richins and
Dawson, Journal of Consumer Research
(Vol. 19), pp. 303–316. Copyright by the
INTERNET SITES:
http://www.newdream.org/live/column/2.php
Wealth, Wealth Being, and the New American Dream
http://www-personal.umich.edu/~rdeyoung/envtpsych.html
Environmental Psychology
SELF TEST FOR MODULE THREE
Practice tests for these five chapters are available at the author's web site: http://www.mhhe.com/myers9 It is highly recommended that you practice before taking the on line examination.
END OF MODULE THREE