Questions for Ch. 16
1. It is often said that, in comparison with other species, human beings are a "social species". If so, then "human nature" must be compatible with living in groups. (a) Using the material of Ch. 16, make a list of the specific adaptations (e.g., obedience) we may possess for living with others and tell HOW each contributes to our social nature. (b) For each, think of an example from your own experience or observation that illustrates the adaptation. (c) You are a member of a small group of President Bush's staff charged with deciding whether to attack Iraq. What aspects of social psychology should you make sure the President knows before he makes this decision?
2. Would you conform in the Asch experiment (p. 590)? Would you be obedient in the Milgram experiment (p. 592)? Would you act differently than the other guards in Zimbardo's experiment (pp. 597+)? If you answer "no" to these questions, be prepared to explain why you are different than the majority of human beings.
3.(a) You are a member of a small group of President Bush's staff charged with deciding whether to attack Iraq. What are some specific activities you might encourage the group to do in order to discourage "groupthink"? (b) How can groupthink be avoided in making the decision to marry? What are some factors that encourage groupthink in this situation?
4.What is the "fundamental attribution error"? Can you think of examples in daily life?
5.Sum up: (a) What are the factors that cause us to like (or be attracted to) another person? (b) Can you think of an example in your own life illustrating each of the theories of attraction (see pp. 583 - 589).
6.Two "lovers" (i.e., sweethearts, husbandwife, whatever) meet at the end of a day. Write a "script" (including dialogue if you wish) of the social exchange that might occur if the love involved is (a)romantic; (b)companionate.
7.(a) List as many reasons as you can why you think ethnic prejudice exists in the US today. (b) What are some ways you can reduce prejudice in those around you?
8.When do you, or the people around you, act aggressive? Make a list and (a) look for common themes; (b) can you relate items or themes to the section on aggression in your text (p. 601+)?
9.Why don't we help? Would you help? Examine the research pp. 604+ on altruism. Decide whether you would help in each of the situations described in these pages. What factors seem to play the biggest role in determining your own behavior? Why might your intuitions about when you would help disagree with the evidence?