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 , 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 , 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 ********************************************************************* 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: 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 meditation!)