Purpose
The failure to recognize the power of a situation or social context on other's individual behavior and instead attributing the behavior to the person's traits or personality is referred to as the fundamental attribution error. The fundamental attribution error is most commonly committed in individualistic cultures that promote a focus on individual achievements versus communal relationships.
Social psychologists argue that people's behaviors, thoughts, and attitudes are strongly influenced by their social settings, situations, and interactions with others. Thus, understanding the role of the social world on behavior is critical and is the central tenant of social psychology. The purpose of this project is to broaden your understanding of the social forces that influence individual behavior and examine the impacts of social settings, groups, and scripts on everyday life.
Directions
This project includes two parts:
Part 1 – The Response
Part 2 – The Reflection
Part 1 – The Response
Provide two examples for each of the following questions. Create a table like the following.
| Question | Example 1 | Example 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Identify two social settings you regularly participate in, such as school or church. Briefly describe each. | (blank) | (blank) |
| Describe your social role in each setting. | (blank) | (blank) |
| Describe the social norms for each setting. | (blank) | (blank) |
| Describe the social scripts you follow in each setting. | (blank) | (blank) |
| Describe the role, if any, of conformity, compliance, and/or obedience in each setting. | (blank) | (blank) |
| Describe the social groups you interact with and/ or participate in in each setting. | (blank) | (blank) |
| What, if any, initiation did you complete to become part of these groups? | (blank) | (blank) |
| What stereotypes or prejudices, if any, do you experience through participation in these social groups? | (blank) | (blank) |
| What benefits or exchanges do you receive from participating in these social interactions? | (blank) | (blank) |
Part 2 – The Reflection
Go back through your responses and write a 150+ word paragraph on what you learned, what surprised you, and what questions you now have.
Then, write a second paragraph considering if what you discovered connects with the concept of social impact.
Materials
None required.