Influences of Culture on Aggressive Behavior
Part A
Objective: Describe the ways culture influences aggressive behavior.
Sandy’s college friend, Matt, is a biology major. He’s convinced that human aggression is innate. It’s woven into our DNA. Sandy, who’s majoring in sociology, is absorbed in completing a course in social psychology. If you’re Sandy, how might you rebut Matt’s position if you’re aware that aggression is greatly influenced by culture? Provide evidence for your understandings based on Chapter 12 in your textbook.
Part B
Objective: Explain the concept of social identity and describe its components.
Karen, a student of social psychology, wants to explain social identity theory to Molly, a fellow student majoring in math. Karen realizes she’ll need to enumerate the pros and cons of (1) social identity, (2) ethnocentrism, (3) in-group bias, and (4) out-group homogeneity. Imagine you’re Karen, and based on what you’ve learned from Chapter 13, write an essay in which you explain social identity theory to Molly.
Part C
Objective: Briefly describe five aspects and components of prejudice using examples.
Based on Chapter 13 of your textbook, write an essay that addresses the following topics: (1) The definition of prejudice; (2) the affect component of prejudice; (3) the cognitive component of prejudice; (4) the nature of stereotypes, and (5) the behavioral component of prejudice. You should provide examples of each concept based on your text and/or on your personal experience.
Directions: Unless otherwise stated, answer in complete sentences, and be sure to use correct English, spelling, and grammar. Sources must be cited in APA format. Your response should be four (4) double-spaced pages; refer to the “Format Requirementsʺ page for specific format requirements.