Dr. James Andrewe

Application: Dual Modes of Social Cognitive Processing

Understanding the dual modes of social cognitive processing requires a thorough understanding of the current literature. Many fields outside of social psychology also apply research methods designed to study dual modes of social cognitive processing, such as when marketing research examines the impact of subliminal message priming on consumer behavior. It is interesting to see how these social cognitive processes appear every day.

For this Application Assignment, use the Walden Library to locate an article within a field of your choice which examines automatic or controlled social cognitive processing. Consider the differences between the dual modes of processing and how each is likely to occur. Also, in summarizing this study, include which social cognitive process was examined, how the social cognitive process was studied, and what was found as a result of this research.

The assignment (2 pages)

• Explain two differences between the dual modes of social cognitive processing.
• Explain when conscious/controlled social cognitive processing is more likely to occur than unconscious/automatic social cognitive processing.
• Using the current literature, select a peer reviewed article that describes an empirical research study measuring a conscious or an unconscious social cognitive process within a work environment (e.g., health, legal, education, public administration, marketing, organizational).
• Summarize the article and explain which of the two social cognitive processes (conscious, unconscious) is demonstrated in the article and how. Include a description of how the social cognitive process was studied and the results of this research.