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What I Say Versus What I Do Assignment
Studies in social psychology look more into the interactions between individuals or
groups and how a person’s or group’s reactions are influenced by others. In this essay, we will
discuss the differences in what we say we would do versus what we actually do when placed in
certain situations, how these interactions matter in research, and how the Bible views these
interactions.
Many social psychology studies have been conducted that ultimately reveal why what we
as humans say we would do or never do versus what we may do in certain situations. Often, we
like to perceive ourselves as a person with high moral character, but when we are influenced by
positions of authority or acting out of obedience, we may falter and give in to the pressures. In
these situations, it is often perceived that we have no control of our personal choice or personal
freedoms, almost as if it is a coercion of sorts, and we do things out of obligation to achieve a
potential personal goal such as earning a promotion, fitting into a particular social circle,
protecting our own reputation, or a spot on a team, etc. (George et al., 2023, p. 121).
Through research we have found that there are several factors at play in the studies of
social psychology. Attitudes are a big component. When we break down our attitudes, we will
find three areas emotional, cognitive, and behavioral. These are drivers that will direct how we
treat others and direct our behaviors. (George et al., 2023, p. 118). Some other huge components
are conformity, compliance, and obedience. All of these can appear depending on the situation in
different ways. It is also important that through studies conducted on this topic we can see that it
has forced changes for the good. Two of the good outcomes were that it helped establish strict
ethical standards to protect those in research studies and it also created Institutional Review
Boards. (George et al., 2023, p. 121).
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The Bible gives many directives for how to treat others. We can see in Luke 6:31 where
Jesus teaches us, “And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.”
(King James Version, 1769/2017). However, often we can see that who is in our social circle can
have more of an effect than we thought. We can look at the following passages of scripture,
Proverbs 12:26, Proverbs 22:24-25, 1 Cor 15:33. We can see how important it matters the
company that we keep. If we as Christians are to be shining examples of God’s love and how he
paid the ultimate price for our sins, we must put our “self” on the altar of sacrifice and die daily
to keep our fleshly desires in check and balance.
In conclusion, social psychology plays a major role in how we act or approach a
situation. What we think we will never do can easily be altered if the right social situations are
present. However, we can also see how the Bible warns us of what will happen if we do not take
caution in these situations.
