PSY 31532: Social Psychology

Egocentrism, a cognitive bias, causes individuals to prioritize their perspectives, influencing decisions and interactions. Using relatable scenarios with college students and vacation planning, we examine how egocentrism operates and ways to challenge this bias through empathy and perspective-taking.

Explore the unique perspective of accomplished author and professor Heather Sellers as she shares her journey with prosopagnosia, a condition that highlights the distinction between sensation and perception. Discover how her fully functional sensory organs contrast with impaired cognitive processes, shedding light on the intricate relationship between sensing and interpreting the world around us.

Unpack the significance of operational definitions in research. Learn how these clear explanations of variables ensure study replicability, boost reliability, and fortify credibility. Understand their pivotal role in standardizing scientific studies.

xplore the core concept of Frequency Theory and its role in auditory perception. Learn how the pitch we perceive ties to the vibration rates of the basilar membrane in our cochlea. Unravel the intricacies of how sound waves affect our hearing process.

Explore the concept of social traps, exemplified by the Tragedy of the Commons and its real-world implications like overfishing. Delve into mirror-image perceptions in scenarios such as sports rivalries and international conflicts, uncovering the root causes of negative stereotypes and hostilities. Discover the importance of fostering communication, empathy, and cooperation to break the cycle of negativity in various contexts.