PSY 331: Social Psychology

Examine the concepts of groupthink and group polarization in group decision-making. Learn how the drive for harmony can overshadow critical thought, and how group discussions can intensify biases. Discover ways to maintain diverse thought and prevent extreme views.

Discover the transformative approach to mental well-being by Stephen Ilardi, focusing on natural lifestyle changes. Explore the power of physical activity, Omega-3 fatty acids, sunlight exposure, and nurturing social connections. Elevate your holistic health with Ilardi's Therapeutic Lifestyle Change.

Discover the crucial role of therapists in addressing mental, emotional, and behavioral issues. Explore various therapy options and understand why cognitive, group, rational-emotive, and client-centered therapies may not be the right fit for everyone. Uncover the essence of behavior therapy, where therapists collaborate with patients to recognize and transform troublesome behaviors for a healthier future.

Explore persuasion techniques such as Door-in-the-face, Foot-in-the-door, That's-not-all, and Not-so-free sample, commonly used in psychology, marketing, and sales, where only Foot-in-the-door initiates with a small request to enhance compliance with a larger one later based on the consistency principle.

Explore the psychological concept of Attributional Style and how individuals attribute reasons for life events. Learn the difference between optimistic and pessimistic explanations. Discover how this concept impacts our self-perception and reactions to outcomes.

Explore Edward Thorndike's foundational Law of Effect, illustrating how favorable consequences influence behavior repetition. Contrast this principle with other behavioral concepts like operant conditioning and shaping for a complete understanding.