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Frank T. McAndrew, Ph.D.
Social Psychologist & Essayist
Psychology 205
Social Psychology
(online)
Winter, 2021
Professor Frank McAndrew
phone: 309-368-2696
email: fmcandre@knox.edu
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TUTOR FOR THE CLASS:
Nicolette Schmidt (ntschmidt@knox.edu)
Virtual Office Hours:
I will be available Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, & Friday from 1:30 - 3:00 p.m (Central Time). During these times I will be reachable by phone and I will reply quickly to email.
I will of course respond to emails sent at other times, but I will reply immediately during my office hours. I will also be glad to schedule one-on-one video conferences or phone conversations with you - just send me an email and we will set something up.
PLEASE GET IN THE HABIT OF CHECKING YOUR EMAIL DAILY! - This is the primary way in which I will communicate with you. PLEASE DO NOT TEXT ME; use email if you wish to contact me.
The Textbook:
Social Psychology (13th edition) by David G. Myers & Jean M. Twenge
(ISBN: 978-1-260-39711-6 (regular student edition); 978-1-259-91104-0 (loose leaf edition)
Using the 11th or 12th edition of this book is also acceptable.
Some Useful Social Psychology Links:
The Psychology Department Writing Policy
Psychology Department Research Participation Extra Credit Policy
Psychology Department Web Page
Implicit Association Test (IAT)
Encyclopedia of Social Psychology
Social Psychology Network
Resources for Teaching Social Psychology
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Goals of the Course
Psychology 205 (Social psychology) is a lower-level class that assumes that you have already taken Psychology 100 (Introduction to Psychology). This will be a broad survey of the field of social psychology, including such topics as attitude change, interpersonal attraction, prejudice, and aggression.
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In this class you will be studying a textbook, listening to a series of short online Powerpoint (PPT) lectures, and reading four scientific journal articles. You will complete four written assignments based upon the journal articles that you read, and the Psychology Department Writing Policy will be enforced on these assignments.
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The course will help you achieve the following psychology department learning goals:
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1. Apply the scientific method to studying the mind, the brain, and behavior.
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2. Understand the basic theoretical approaches and classic empirical findings of psychology.
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3. Effectively communicate through grammatically correct writing.
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The written assignments address goals #2 & #3 above; the textbook reading and PPT lectures will address goals #1 & #2. The quizzes are designed to assess how well you have achieved the first two learning goals.
Click HERE for a video introduction to the course from the professor.
How the Online Format will Operate
The class will be run as an "asynchronous" class. This means that the class never has to be together online at the same time. The class is too large and the students too scattered around the world for that to work. Instead, each of you will be free to engage with the material at your convenience, although there will be clear due dates for written assignments and time windows during which quizzes must be taken.
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Having said this, there will be a synchronous Zoom Meeting of the class every Wednesday during 3rd period (10:40 a.m. Central Standard Time). Attendance at this session is optional. It is an opportunity for me to check in with you once per week to answer questions and to give you a preview of what will be coming up in the next module of the course, and no "content" material will be covered (i.e., for the quizzes) that cannot be found elsewhere. This weekly online get-together is also an opportunity for me to match student names with faces and for us to get to know each other a bit better. In other words, the weekly session will be more of a conversation and a question and answer session than a lecture.
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The class will consist of a series of nine bite-sized modules. Plan on spending about one week on each of the modules. Each module will include assigned reading from the textbook, Powerpoint (PPT) slides narrated by me, a few video clips, and a quiz. FOUR of the modules will also have an assigned journal article and a written assignment for you to complete.
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MOST of the modules will be based on a single chapter of the textbook. However, A FEW of the modules will be based upon TWO chapters. Check this syllabus regularly to be sure you understand what you are supposed to be reading for each module.
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THE MODULES CAN BE FOUND BY SCROLLING DOWN TO THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE.
HERE IS THE SCHEDULE FOR WINTER TERM, 2021:
January 4: First Day Of Class
January 11-13: Take Quiz for Module 1 - CHAPTER 1
(There is no written assignment for Module 1)
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January 19-21: Take Quiz for Module 2 - CHAPTERS 2 & 3
(Because of the amount of reading for Modules 2 & 3, there are no written assignments due during these weeks. The assigned article in Module 4 is actually relevant to the material in Module 2.)
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JANUARY 27 - MID-TERM READING DAY
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January 28-30: Take Quiz for Module 3 - CHAPTERS 4 & 7
(There is no written assignment for Module 3)
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February 3-4: Take Quiz for Module 4 - CHAPTER 6
February 4: Written assignment for Module 4 is Due.
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FEBRUARY 5 - FEBRUARY 13: MID-WINTER BREAK
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February 22-24: Take Quiz for Module 5 - CHAPTER 8
(There is no written assignment for Module 5)
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March 1-3: Take Quiz for Module 6 - CHAPTERS 9 + ASSIGNED PAGES FROM CHAPTER 13
March 2: Written assignment for Module 6 is Due.
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March 8-10: Take Quiz for Module 7 - CHAPTER 10
March 9: Written assignment for Module 7 is Due.
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March 15-17: Take Quiz for Module 8 - CHAPTER 11
March 16: Written assignment for Module 8 is Due.
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March 19-21: Take Quiz for Module 9 - CHAPTER 12
(There is no written assignment for Module 9)
Grading
In normal times with in-person classes, I do not drop any test scores. However, we are not living in normal times right now and I recognize that many of you will be dealing with awkward or stressful circumstances during this winter term. To give you some flexibility, there will be a generous window of time for taking quizzes and I will also be dropping your lowest quiz score.
Your grade will be based upon the average percentage of eight quizzes (one for each module minus your lowest quiz score) and four brief written assignments. The average of your grade on those four assignments will carry the same weight as two quizzes, so there will be ten different scores calculated into the average for the final grade.
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Here are the grade cutoffs: A = 93%; A- = 90%; B+ = 88%; B = 83%; B- = 80%; C+ = 78%; C = 73%; C- = 70%; D+ = 68%; D = 63%; D- = 60%; F < 60%.
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The Quizzes
At the end of each module, I will email a link that will allow you to access an online quiz. Each quiz will be available for a specific period of time (usually a few days). ALL of the quizzes will be multiple choice, and they will be fairly short - usually ranging between 20 and 35 questions.
YOU WILL BE ALLOWED TO USE YOUR TEXTBOOK AND NOTES DURING THE QUIZ.
I recognize that it would be extremely difficult to stop cheating if I require a closed-book exam, and this would not be fair to the honest students who play by the rules. Having said this, your textbook and notes are the ONLY resources that are allowed. You cannot communicate or collaborate with other students while you are taking a quiz - I will consider this to be an honor code violation. The quiz will be timed, so you will not have unlimited time to complete it. This means that you will need to be organized when you open up the quiz. Most of the questions will not be something that you can simply look up, so do not expect to be successful if you have not studied well ahead of time. I strongly recommend that you study for the quizzes as if they were not open-book. You will receive instant feedback after the quiz regarding your score and what the correct answers were for the questions you got wrong.
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Once you begin the quiz, you must complete it. You will not be able to leave the quiz and come back at a later time to finish it.
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When I calculate your final grades, I WILL BE DROPPING YOUR LOWEST QUIZ SCORE.
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The quizzes will be based primarily on the textbook, but it will be fair game for me to include some questions from my narrated PPT slides that may not be in the textbook.
The Written Assignments
This class is one of the lower level psychology courses that students typically take shortly after taking Psyc 100. One of the things I wish to do as we step up a level in the curriculum is to give you more of a picture of how the psychology world works.
The written projects will acquaint you with the way in which social psychologists conduct research and communicate their results to each other. Journal articles are the primary way in which psychologists share the results of their research with each other, and as you progress into higher level psychology courses, you will spend more time learning about research through these primary sources. Scientific journal articles are difficult to read if you have not encountered them before, and it is the goal of the written assignments in this class to get you acquainted with this type of reading and to give you practice with interpreting journal articles.
There will be written assignments in Modules 4, 6, 7, & 8. In each assignment, you will read about a social psychology experiment in an article published in a professional psychology journal. You will answer a series of short questions about each article and summarize the “take-home message” from the article in one clear sentence written in everyday language. The instructions for the assignments and the articles that you will be reading can be downloaded from this web page.
THE WRITTEN ASSIGNMENTS WILL BE TURNED IN, GRADED, AND RETURNED TO YOU THROUGH "GOOGLE CLASSROOM," SO BE SURE THAT YOU HAVE JOINED THIS CLASS ON GOOGLE CLASSROOM. This will be the only thing that you will use Google Classroom for in this course.
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PLEASE NOTE THAT THE QUALITY OF YOUR WRITING WILL BE AN IMPORTANT PARTOF YOUR GRADE ON THE WRITTEN ASSIGNMENTS. There is a standard psychology department writing policy that is applied to writing assignments in ALL courses taught in the psychology department EXCEPT for Psychology 100. You can download a copy of the writing policy by clicking HERE.
Participation in Psychological Research (extra credit opportunity)
Even though Knox College (along with everyone else!) is facing highly unusual circumstances this term, research is still happening. There are a number of psychology seniors doing research, and faculty research is ongoing as well. Of necessity, many of these projects involve the collection of data online. You can earn one extra credit point toward your grade by participating in an online research project, with a maximum of SIX extra credit points getting counted toward your grade.
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When such opportunities arise, I will forward a link to studies for you to participate in.
THE MODULES
(Click on the links below to access the materials for each module)
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MODULE 1: Introduction to Social Psychology
& Its Methods of Research
Assigned Reading: Chapter 1 from Myers & Twenge
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Click on the following Links to access the study materials for Module 1. I suggest you look at them in order and then go back as needed. Be sure that you are in "Slide Show" mode when viewing the PPT slides - otherwise you will not be able to hear the narration.
POWERPOINT SLIDES FOR MODULE 1
What is Social Psychology? (PPT-YouTube Video)
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Correlational Methods (PPT)
(Click HERE for the video version)
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Experimental Methods (PPT)
(Click HERE for the video version)
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Research Settings in Social Psychology (PPT)
(Click HERE for the video version)
VIDEO CLIP FOR MODULE 1: What Is Social Psychology?
THERE IS NO WRITTEN ASSIGNMENT FOR MODULE 1
MODULE 2:
The Self, Personality, & Making Social Judgments
Assigned Reading: Chapters 2 & 3 from Myers & Twenge
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Click on the following Links to access the study materials for Module 2. I suggest you look at them in order and then go back as needed. Be sure that you are in "Slide Show" mode when viewing the PPT slides - otherwise you will not be able to hear the narration.
POWERPOINT SLIDES FOR MODULE 2
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When Do Personality Traits Predict Behavior?
& the "Big Five" Personality Traits (PPT)
(Click HERE for the video version)
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Examples of Personality Traits Commonly Studied by Social Psychologists (PPT - YouTube Video)
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Beware of Bogus Personality Predictors!
(PPT-YouTube Video)
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Attribution Theory (PPT - YouTube Video)
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Biases in Social Cognition (PPT)
(Click HERE for the video version)
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The Blessing & Curse of "Counterfactual Thinking"
(PPT-YouTube Video)
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Impression Formation & Self-Perception
(PPT-YouTube Video)
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VIDEO CLIPS FOR MODULE 2
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Illustration of the "Actor-Observer Effect"
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How well do you know yourself?
(or, the problem with bogus measures of personality)
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THERE IS NO WRITTEN ASSIGNMENT FOR MODULE 2
MODULE 3: Attitude Formation & Change
Assigned Reading: Chapters 4 & 7 from Myers & Twenge
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Click on the following Links to access the study materials for Module 3. I suggest you look at them in order and then go back as needed.
Brief video introduction to the study of
Attitudes & Persuasion by your professor
POWERPOINT SLIDES FOR MODULE 3
When are Attitudes Useful Predictors of Behavior? (PPT-YouTube Video)
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The Measurement of Attitudes
(PPT - YouTube Video)
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Attitude Formation
(PPT-YouTube Video)
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Elements of Persuasion
(Message-Learning & Functional Approaches
to Studying Attitude Change)
(PPT - YouTube Video)
Cognitive Dissonance Theory
(PPT-YouTube Video)
HERE is a link where you can participate in actual studies using
the Implicit Association Test (IAT)
THERE IS NO WRITTEN ASSIGNMENT FOR MODULE 3
MODULE 4 - Conformity & Obedience
Assigned Reading: Chapter 6 from Myers & Twenge
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Click on the following Links to access the study materials for Module 4. I suggest you look at them in order and then go back as needed. Be sure that you are in "Slide Show" mode when viewing the PPT slides - otherwise you will not be able to hear the narration.
A brief video introduction to conformity & obedience from your professor
(Please forgive the reference in the video to "Summer 2020" - I am reusing an older video!)
POWERPOINT SLIDES FOR MODULE 4
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The Study of Conformity (PPT)
(Click HERE for the video version)
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Milgram's Obedience Studies (PPT)
(Click HERE for the video version)
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VIDEO CLIPS FOR MODULE 4
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—Hilarious Conformity Demonstration
(From the very old "Candid Camera" TV show)
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Another Fun Conformity Demonstration
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—Milgram's Obedience Experiments
(This is the long version)
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(This is the short version)
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The written assignment for Module 4 is based on subject matter that was relevant to Module 2. However, I am having you do it here because there is a less heavy reading load in this module.
Download THE INSTRUCTIONS for completing the journal article assignment on "Electronic Person Perception"
Download the assigned reading on "Electronic Person Perception"
(Based on a study done at Knox College!)
MODULE 5 - Group Influence
Assigned Reading: Chapter 8 in Myers & Twenge
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Click on the following Links to access the study materials for Module 5. I suggest you look at them in order and then go back as needed. Be sure that you are in "Slide Show" mode when viewing the PPT slides - otherwise you will not be able to hear the narration.
POWERPOINT SLIDES FOR MODULE 5
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The Nature of Groups (PPT)
(Click HERE for the video version)
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Group Effects on the Individual (PPT)
(Click HERE for the video version)
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Individual vs. Group Decision Making (PPT)
(Click HERE for the video version)
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Leadership (PPT)
(Click HERE for the video version)
VIDEO CLIPS FOR MODULE 5
Groupthink (Space Shuttle Challenger Disaster)
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Social Loafing
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Deindividuation
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Storming the Capitol
(an example of Deindividuation & Social Facilitation)
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Fiedler's Contingency Model of Leadership
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Group Polarization
THERE IS NO WRITTEN ASSIGNMENT FOR MODULE 5
MODULE 6 - Prejudice
Assigned Reading: Chapter 9 from Myers & Twenge PLUS pp. 401-415 from Chapter 13 (If you have the 13th edition of the textbook). (If you have the 12th edition, read pp. 425-447; if you have the 11th edition read pp. 496-518; if you have the 10th edition, read pp. 499-522)
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Click on the following Links to access the study materials for Module 6. I suggest you look at them in order and then go back as needed. Be sure that you are in "Slide Show" mode when viewing the PPT slides - otherwise you will not be able to hear the narration.
POWERPOINT SLIDES FOR MODULE 6
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Stereotyping & Prejudice (PPT)
(The PPT for this topic is not uploaded, so Click HERE to view the video version)
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Factors that Contribute to Prejudice (PPT)
(Click HERE for the video version)
VIDEO CLIPS FOR MODULE 6
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A Class Divided
(a classic documentary on prejudice)
Skinheads from Maine
(a spoof of stereotyping & prejudice)
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Gender Stereotyping from the TV Show "Friends"
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A Fun Cartoon about Gender Roles
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Dr. Claude Steele Discusses "Stereotype Threat"
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Download THE INSTRUCTIONS for completing the journal article assignment on "The Minority Spotlight Effect"
Download the assigned reading on "The Minority Spotlight Effect"
MODULE 7 - Aggression
Assigned Reading: Chapter 10 in Myers & Twenge
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Click on the following Links to access the study materials for Module 7. I suggest you look at them in order and then go back as needed. Be sure that you are in "Slide Show" mode when viewing the PPT slides - otherwise you will not be able to hear the narration.
POWERPOINT SLIDES FOR MODULE 7
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Types of Aggression & its Situational Causes (PPT)
(Click HERE for the video version)
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Theoretical Approaches to Understanding Aggression:
The Frustration-Aggression Hypothesis & Freudian Theory (PPT)
(Click HERE for the video version)
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Theoretical Approaches to Understanding Aggression:
Social Learning Theory (PPT)
(Click HERE for the video version)
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Theoretical Approaches to Understanding Aggression:
Evolutionary Psychology & Sex Differences in Human Aggression (PPT)
(Click HERE for the video version)
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"Cultures of Honor" and Aggression (PPT)
(Click HERE for the video version)
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Family Violence (PPT)
(Click HERE for the video version)
VIDEO CLIPS FOR MODULE 7
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Mass Shootings & the Violence of Young Men
(from the FOX News program "The Story with Martha MacCallum")
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Heat and Violence
(Program from the Radio Health Journal)
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Young Male Syndrome
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Young Male Syndrome Video Clip #1
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Young Male Syndrome Video Clip #2
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Young Male Syndrome Video Clip #3
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Download THE INSTRUCTIONS for completing the journal article assignment on "Guns, Testosterone, & Aggression"
Download the assigned reading on
"Guns, Testosterone, & Aggression"
(Based on a study done at Knox College!)
MODULE 8: Attraction & Intimacy
Assigned Reading: Chapter 11 from Myers & Twenge
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Click on the following Links to access the study materials for Module 8. I suggest you look at them in order and then go back as needed. Be sure that you are in "Slide Show" mode when viewing the PPT slides - otherwise you will not be able to hear the narration.
Brief video introduction to "Attraction & Intimacy"
by your professor
POWERPOINT SLIDES FOR MODULE 8
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Attachment Styles (PPT)
(Click HERE for the video version)
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Social Exchange Theory (The Reward Theory of Attraction)
& Sex Differences in Mate Preferences (PPT)
(Click HERE for the video version)
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Some Factors That Lead to Attraction & Liking (PPT)
(Click HERE for the video version)
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The Importance of Physical Attractiveness (PPT)
(Click HERE for the video version)
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How is "Liking" Different from "Loving," & are there Different Types of Love? (
(Click HERE for the video version)
VIDEO CLIPS FOR MODULE 8
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The Strange Situation
(Measuring Attachment Style in Infants)
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Pairing Up: The Matching Phenomenon in Action
(This is also relevant to the Reward Theory of Attraction)
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The Science of Love
(from the Illinois Public Radio (NPR) program "the 21st Show")
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Download the assigned reading on "Fertile & Selectively Flirty"
Download THE INSTRUCTIONS for completing the journal article assignment on "Fertile & Selectively Flirty""
MODULE 9: Altruism & Helping Behavior
Assigned Reading: Chapter 12 from Myers & Twenge
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Click on the following Links to access the study materials for Module 9. I suggest you look at them in order and then go back as needed. Be sure that you are in "Slide Show" mode when viewing the PPT slides - otherwise you will not be able to hear the narration.
POWERPOINT SLIDES FOR MODULE 9
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Altruism: The Intervention Process (PPT)
(Click HERE for the video version)
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Altruism: the Bystander Effect (PPT)
(Click HERE for the video version)
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