FOR JANE THE TUTOR

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Module 4 Overview

In this Module we cover the topics of Motivation and Social Psychology. We will learn about some motivational theories and consider how culture and gender might play a role in ethically working with others. We will explore the social processes evident in behavior and some prominent research experiments tested by psychologists. We will learn about the behavior of individuals in social situations and the effects of social dynamics on behavior.

Assignment 1: Social Psychology Consider these examples from a typical, large suburban high school.

1. Kelly is a sophomore who attends a meeting of the all-male robotics club. She says she has an interest in joining the club and working on building a robot for an upcoming competition. The male members of the club snicker at her and one boy puts his foot out and “accidently” trips Kelly in the aisle. The male teacher in the room tells the boys to settle down, but he also tells Kelly that he isn’t sure she would have the necessary skills for the club, since the other members have all had several years experience building robots. “After all,” he said, “you were probably playing with dolls for all the years these boys were building things and experimenting with electronics.”

2. John is an artistic, intelligent boy who is not interested in sports or other “typical” male pursuits. He enjoys writing fiction and poetry for the school newspaper. When he gets on the school bus no one will share a seat with him. He ends up standing and a group of students in the back of the bus harass and heckle him, calling him homophobic slurs.

3. In the teachers’ lounge, a group of Caucasian teachers huddle around the water cooler gossiping about why one of their fellow teachers, an Asian-American woman, was promoted to assistant principle over other teachers with more years of experience. “I know she has a master’s degree, but I still think this is clearly an affirmative action thing—they just want to get more minorities in administration. They don’t care about who is really qualified, and that’s all there is to it.”

Select one of the examples above that you feel illustrates prejudiced attitudes. Answer the following:

1. What elements of this scenario make it an example of prejudice?

2. Is there also discrimination present?

3. Is there stereotyping in this example?

4. Explain why the prejudice is occurring using the following terms: Social categorization, in-group, out-group, and in-group-bias.

5. Based on your readings, what type of intervention could help to reduce prejudice in a situation like this?

Please be sure you address each question, using terms and concepts from your text. A good initial discussion response should be at least 150–250 words in length. In order to earn full credit for participation, you must respond to two or more classmates in a substantive manner before the end of the module.

Assignment 2: Motivation

Background

In psychology, Motivation refers to the forces that push and pull us toward specific goals and behaviors. Motivation is generally either internal (biological, cognitive) or external (environmental, situational). In psychology, the study of Motivation often focuses on biological behaviors, such as eating and sexual expression, or achievement behaviors, such as academics or career goals. Understanding how motivation works is key to guiding others and encouraging the highest level of performance.

Instructions

Choose one of the following options to explore:

· Option A: Eating Behavior and Eating Disorders

· Option B: Sexual Motivation and Sexual Orientation

Option A: Most psychologists focus on psycho-social aspects when explaining the origin of disordered eating behavior; however, there are also biological issues which may influence disordered behavior. Explore the biological and psycho-social aspects of disordered eating behavior by completing the following items.

1. Based on your assigned readings and videos this module, identify some biological or genetic factors that may predispose someone to disordered eating behavior. Describe two or more conclusions from biological research of disordered eating behavior. (These may include genes, brain functioning, metabolic, hormonal, etc.)

2. Based on your assigned readings and videos this module, identify some psychological and social/cultural factors that may predispose someone to disordered eating behavior. Describe two or more conclusions from psychological or social research of disordered eating behavior. (These may include personal issues, family issues, society, media, or cultural issues.)

3. Based on your research, explain whether you view disordered eating as primarily biologically based or psycho-socially based.

Your response should be approximately three paragraphs in length (one paragraph for each item). Do not simply state your opinion on these issues; justify your response with evidence from scholarly sources, including your text. For help in citing sources, click on Academic Resources under Course Home.

Option B: Most psychologists believe that our sexual preferences and orientation are largely determined by our biology. Explore the biological and psycho-social aspects of sexual preference by completing the following items.

1. Based on your assigned readings and videos this module, identify some biological or genetic factors that influence sexual orientation behavior. Describe two or more conclusions from biological research of sexual orientation behavior. (These may include genes, brain functioning, metabolic, and hormonal, etc.)

2. Based on your assigned readings and videos this module, identify some psychological and social/cultural factors that may also influence sexual orientation. Describe two or more conclusions from psychological or social research of sexual orientation. (These may include personal issues, family issues, society, media, or cultural issues.)

3. Based on your research, explain whether you view sexual orientation as primarily biologically based or psycho-socially based.

Assignment 2 Grading Criteria	Maximum Points
Assignment Components
Identify some biological or genetic aspects of disordered eating behavior or sexual orientation behavior.	20
Identify some psychological and/or social aspects of disordered eating behavior or sexual orientation behavior.	20
Explain whether disordered eating behavior or sexual orientation behavior is biologically based or psycho-socially based.	24
Academic Writing
Write in a clear, concise, and organized manner; demonstrate ethical scholarship in accurate representation and attribution of sources (i.e., APA); and display accurate spelling, grammar, and punctuation.	16
Total:	80