PSY MODULE 3
3.2 | Aggressive Behavior Discussion (1 page at max)
 
Introduction and Alignment
Humans can learn novel behaviors by gaining reinforcements from their environment. However, humans are relational beings and can gain insight about their environment by observing others around them. Observational learning hinges on social models. Social models are typically an authority figure or someone of higher status. Social models can demonstrate how one should effectively navigate different social situations. However, social models can display aggressive behavior. In this discussion forum, you will consider the role of social models in aggressive behavior.
Upon completion of this assignment, you should be able to:
  • Discuss the implications of observational learning and aggression.
Resources
  ◦ Chapter 5, General Psychology: An Introduction Links to an external site.
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  ◦ Physical Discipline is Harmful and Ineffective Links to an external site.
Supplemental Resources (Optional)
  ◦ How to Write a Logical Statement
  ◦ Research in Aggression and Violence (7:39) - https://youtu.be/hGfwflwazJ4 Links to an external site.
  ◦ I am a Son of a Terrorist. Here is How I Chose Peace, TEDTalk (9:02) - https://www.ted.com/talks/zak_ebrahim_i_am_the_son_of_a_terrorist_here_s_how_i_chose_peace?language=... Links to an external site.
Assignment Instructions
Prepare to discuss the role of observational learning and aggressive behavior. Ensure that your initial post has a thesis statement, transitional phrases, and a conclusion. Your initial post should be two paragraphs (at least 12 sentences).
Select one of the following prompts:
  1 With regards to social learning do you think people learn violence from observing violence in movies? Why or why not?
  2 Consider the various causes of aggression described in our readings and elsewhere, and discuss whether aggression can be reduced, and if so how.
  3 With regards to social learning theory, do spanking and other forms of harsh punishment teach violence? Why or why not?


3.3: DECISION MAKING INFOGRAPHIC

Introduction and Alignment
Humans are not perfect decision-makers and we depart from rationality in predictable and systematic ways. This is actually good news! Once we have identified the predictable ways that lead humans to poor decision-making, we can develop strategies for making effective decisions and reasoned judgments.
Upon completion of this assignment, you should be able to:
  • Develop strategies for making better decisions.
  • Describe some of the cognitive biases that disrupt rational decision-making.
Resources
  • Chapter 10, specifically Judgement and Decision-Making, General Psychology: An Introduction.
  • List of Cognitive Biases
  • Infographic Example
  • Sourcing Information for an Infographic- You do not need to provide a reference for information from the required readings. Provide a reference for any icons or pictures that you may use (simply adding a statement such as “Found on Google Images” will suffice).
Supplemental Resources:
  • Google Drawings: The Complete Overview (19:30) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m_SRYwmj41Y&vl=en
  • Three Ways to Make Better Decisions By Thinking Like a Computer - TEDTalk (11:40) -https://www.ted.com/talks/tom_griffiths_3_ways_to_make_better_decisions_by_thinking_like_a_computer?...
Assignment Instructions
After reading the text and reviewing the infographic information, you may use Google Drawing (or another infographic tool), to begin constructing an infographic regarding decision-making.
Your infographic should include:
  • a title
  • three cognitive bias explained
  • three strategies to overcome the three cognitive biases
  • three icons
  • use the format from Sourcing l

3.4: HOW DOES LOVE CHANGE US REFLECTION PAPER (2 pages)

Introduction and Alignment
Some of the most rewarding aspects of human life can be developing and maintaining close, intimate relationships. Intimate relationships can be between caregivers, friendships, and romantic relationships. And, the most painful part of life can be the disruption or uncertainty for intimate relationships. Attachment theory explains the significance of close, emotional bonds in human relationships. The parent-child caregiver relationship is the earliest formation of human perception of love and well-being. Love, and our perception of what love is, changes as we manage and maintain various close relationships.  
Upon completion of this assignment, you should be able to:
  • Explain the theory of attachment and how various attachment styles develop throughout the lifespan
Resources
  • Chapter 11, specifically Attachment Through the Life Course, General Psychology: An Introduction.
  • Chapter 6, A General Theory of Love.
  • Relationship Structures Inventory
Supplementary Resource
  • APA Paper Format
Assignment Instructions
After completing the readings, participate in the Relationship Structures Inventory. Next, construct a 2-3 page (not including title page and reference page) reflection paper that addresses the following:
  1 Outline your results from the relationship structures inventory.
  2 What kind of relationship did you have with your parents or primary caregivers when you were young? Do you think that had any bearing on the way you related to others (e.g., friends, relationship partners) as you grew older? Why or why not?
  3 Most attachment research on adults focuses on attachment to peers (e.g., romantic partners). What other kinds of things may serve as attachment figures? Do you think siblings, pets, or gods can serve as attachment figures?
  4 Missing from our readings and the relationship structures inventory is our personal relationship with God. Answer how love changes who we can become in our personal life and spiritual life.

3.5: Eye Witness Case Analysis (1.5 pages)

Introduction and Alignment
When an eyewitness testifies before the court, it can be a compelling piece of evidence. However, eyewitness testimony can be faulty and susceptible to the same limitations of memory encoding. Witnesses can make errors in remembering specific details and can even remember whole events that did not occur. In this assignment, you will explore the implications of eyewitness memory within our justice system.
Upon completion of this assignment, you should be able to:
  • Discuss the implications of eyewitness memory.
Resources
  ◦ Chapter 7,  General Psychology: An Introduction.
  ◦ How Reliable is Your Memory, TEDTalk (17:23) - https://www.ted.com/talks/elizabeth_loftus_how_reliable_is_your_memory?language=en
  ◦ Innocence Project Cases
Supplemental Resources
  ◦ Why Teens Confess to Crimes They Did Not Commit, TEDTalk (14:36) - https://www.ted.com/talks/lindsay_malloy_why_teens_confess_to_crimes_they_didn_t_commit?language=en
Assignment Instructions
After reading the text, please view the TEDtalk, How Reliable is Your Memory. Next, go to the Innocence Project Cases and find a case where eyewitness testimony played a significant contribution to the wrongful conviction of an individual. Write a 2-3 page paper (not including the title page and reference page) describing the case and how eyewitness testimony was a significant contributor to the wrongful conviction.
Ensure the following points are addressed:
  1 An introduction to the case, including the crime committed and the individuals involved.
  2 The role of eyewitness testimony in the case.
  3 The conclusion of the case.

3.6: Memory Tools Paper (1.5 pages)

Introduction and Alignment
Memory is a single term that reflects many different abilities. We use memory to create passages of our life, to temporarily work with strings of information, and store our general knowledge. Memory has been conceptualized similarly to a computer. Memory involves encoding, storage, and retrieval. Memory failure can occur at any of these stages. The key to improving one’s memory is to improve processes of encoding and to use techniques that guarantee effective retrieval. In order to maximize retrieval, we should construct meaningful cues that remind us of the original experience, and those cues should be distinctive and not associated with other memories.
Upon completion of this assignment, you should be able to:
  • Describe the three stages in the process of learning and remembering.
  • Describe strategies that can be used to enhance the original learning or encoding of information.
Resources
  • Chapter 7, General Psychology: An Introduction.
  • Chapter 5, A General Theory of Love.
Supplemental Resources
  • How to Use Memory Techniques to Improve Learning and Education - TEDTalk (12:42) - https://www.ted.com/talks/boris_nikolai_konrad_how_to_use_memory_techniques_to_improve_learning_and_...
Assignment Instructions
This assignment will contribute to the Psychological Toolbox that you will create in Week 5. For this week, after reading the texts, please write 2-3 pages (not including the title page and reference page) describing the tools you could use to avoid memory failure.
Ensure the following points are addressed:
  1 Outline the processes of how memory works (encoding, storage, and retrieval).
  2 Describe how it is impossible for memory to be our own personal diary.
  3 List two ways that memory failure can occur at the encoding stage and two ways that you will attempt to address the failure.
  4 List two ways that memory failure can occur at the retrieval stage and two ways that you will attempt to address the failure.