Part One:
Of the following topic about aggression and write at least three paragraphs about how and why it influenced you, for better or worse. Be specific, about the behaviors you witnessed, but do not include and names or other personal identification of the persons involved.
1.Emotional aggression in a public place. Describe a recent example of emotional aggression, such as an argument between an adult couple in a restaurant, store, theater, etc. Explain whether that emotional outburst was, in your opinion, justified or not justified and if and how you would have handled the social situation differently than the couple you saw.
Part Two:
The Group That Succeeded.
1.First Question. Think about a group in your life that succeeded.
-What was the main goal or task of the group? For example, it could have been a work group, a school group, social group or some other kind of group.
-How were group members selected; were they self-selected (voluntary) or assigned?
-What were the main obstacles to success for that group, such as individual member social loafing, time pressure or other resource problems, such as lack of information?
-Why did the group succeed in reaching its assigned goals?
-What part did group leadership play?
-Why were group members motivated to succeed?
2. The Group that Failed.
Think of a group you were in that failed to attain its goals. Based on what you have learned so far in social psychology, identify one or more reasons why you believe that group failed. Be specific. Realistically, what, if anything, could have been done differently to make the group succeed, such as changing the group leader or replacing a disruptive or incompetent group member, or needing more time or more information?
3. The Big Tasks Remaining to be Solved.
Time to think big! Based on what you have learned so far in social psychology, think about the major problems or challenges facing human society today. There are many, such as climate change, pollution, socioeconomic differences, high crime, cost of living, and many others in the daily news. Select one and explain how, in your opinion that problem or challenge might be at least partially solved by increased cooperation between groups. Be specific.
Part Three:
Answer the following questions. Be specific.
1.Describe the time that you personally experienced hearing a negative stereotype comment that disturbed you the most. The disturbing stereotype could have been based on race, ethnicity, age, religion, nationality, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation or any concept. Why did it bother you?
2.Describe any stereotype or personal prejudice (mental attitude) that you might be aware of and that you try to control. For example, do people with facial tattoos bother you? Or do physically obese people bother you? Or does being around very old people or people with severe physical handicaps, like missing arms or legs, or severe speech defects, bother you? Why?
3.Describe the worst case of actual discrimination (physical behavior) that you have personally witnessed. Why do you think it occurred? What was the result of the discriminatory activity?
