EXPLANATION OF ASSIGNMENT: We expect detailed responses with cited sources as needed.

As you respond to DQs, you typically share information you have learned from a source. You should always include the in-text citation and Reference in your response when you are defining a new term. Let’s look at an example:

If the DQ asks you to apply the concept of Tuckman’s five stages of group formation to a workplace situation, you would learn what this term means by reading the course material first. When you do this, you must use an in-text citation in your post because you got the information from somewhere else. Even if you are paraphrasing this is necessary to prevent plagiarism, as well as lend validity to your assertions. And of course, when you use an in-text citation, you must also provide a proper reference as well. Others should be able to see where you retrieved this information. Not using scholarly sources is merely offering your opinion, which is not an academic discussion.

This might look like:

Tuckman’s five stages of group formation include forming, storming, norming performing and adjourning (Oke, 2011). These five stages….

Oke, R. (Ed.). (2011). Organizational behavior and management. Hoboken, (pp. 14) NJ: Wiley Custom Learning Solutions. Custom (abridged) text ISBN-13: 9780470942710

Please note… this IS NOT optional if you are using information from a source. If you are discussing something you have learned from your reading, you should always cite it.

Here is a good way to approach your posts:

When introducing a concept, you must:

1. Define/explain what the concept means using a scholarly source

2. Cite it properly

3. Then apply the concept to the topic of the DQ

Think of it as validating your statements. Using scholarly sources reinforces your ideas and ensures that we stay on topic in class. Also, remember that grammar and writing style do play into your grade, so be sure to proofread.

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THIS IS THE ASSIGNMENT

Topic 1 DQ 1
Explain two major differences between common sense understandings and social psychological theories. Illustrate with an example. What is the danger in relying on common sense or intuition in learning about the relationship between the individual and his or her environment?

Topic 1 DQ 2
Summarize three different positions that have been taken concerning the influence of values on social science. Illustrate the three positions with an example.

Topic 2 DQ 1
The literature on attribution processes identifies a number of “biases” in the processes by which we perceive other persons. How do these biases influence the impressions we form of others as we interact with them? In particular, to what extent and in what ways do these biases influence our perceptions of the identities and goals of those with whom we interact? What are some possible explanations for the existence of these biases?

Topic 2 DQ 2
Describe three important functions of the self. Give examples of each

Topic 3 DQ 1
Research on the relation between religion and prejudice is well summarized by Gordon Allport: “The role of religion is paradoxical. It makes prejudice and it unmakes prejudice.” In your opinion, do you agree, and, if so, why might this be true?
Read On Psychology of Prejudice, and explain your opinion. Who might be more prejudiced, one with intrinsic faith or one with extrinsic faith?

Topic 3 DQ 2
Assume that an individual engages in behaviors that are in conflict with their stated religious beliefs, and they experience dissonance. What impact might this have on their beliefs? What might allow people to productively resolve that dissonance?

Topic 4 DQ 1
To what groups do you belong? In the presence of a group of people, have you recently or ever experienced deindividuation, social loafing, or social facilitation of the dominant response while performing some task?

Topic 4 DQ 2
How are both the power of the situation and the power of the person evident in the results of Asch’s conformity research? Explain.