Can you help?

Discussion 1

To prepare for this discussion, please read Chapters 10 and 11 of your textbook (Feenstra, 2013).  Finally, review Instructor Guidance and Announcements.  In this discussion, you will consider aggression and prosocial behavior.  Be sure to use your own academic voice and apply in-text citations appropriately throughout your post.

1. Describe a scenario that illustrates either aggression or prosocial behavior (from your own observations, something in the media, etc.) and complete one of the following:
   • Aggression:  Review research that examines a possible source of aggression (e.g., the media, weapons, alcohol, environmental factors, etc.).  Give specific examples.  Explain why this particular variable is/is not harmful.  How does this theory/research apply to the scenario you described?
     • You must utilize at least one relevant scholarly source in addition to your textbook.
   • Prosocial Behavior: Interpret research on prosocial behavior, predicting who will help whom, when, and why (e.g., empathy, cultural norms, gender, religiosity, etc.).  Assess whether this information might be useful in reducing aggression/violence.  How does this theory/research apply to the scenario you described?
     • You must utilize at least one relevant scholarly source in addition to your textbook.

Post your initial response of 250 words or more by Day 3 (Thursday).  Respond to at least two of your peers who have taken a position opposite your own by Day 7 (Monday).  You are encouraged to post one or more of your required replies early each week (e.g., by Saturday) to stimulate more meaningful and interactive discourse in the discussion forum.  In addition, strive to provide a response to classmates who replied to your initial post and/or the Instructor (if applicable).  Peer responses may vary in length but should be carefully crafted and insightful.  Below are some suggestions to assist your thinking.

Guided Response:  Reply to at least two or more peers overall.  The goal of the discussion forum is to foster continual dialogue, similar to what might occur in a verbal face-to-face exchange.  Consider the following in your responses:

• Does your peer’s argument fit with your own reading of the literature/personal observations?
• Can you identify other means of reducing antisocial behavior/increasing prosocial behavior?

Carefully review the Discussion Forum Grading Rubric for the criteria that will be used to evaluate this Discussion Thread.

Discussion 2

To prepare for this discussion, please read Chapters 12 of your textbook (Feenstra, 2013).  Finally, review Instructor Guidance and Announcements.  In this discussion, you will consider relationships.  Be sure to use your own academic voice and apply in-text citations appropriately throughout your post.

1. Identify a relationship (from a book, play, television show, movie, etc.).  For example, you might choose a love story or a story about a deep friendship.  Briefly relate pertinent information about the characters and the nature of their relationship.
2. Analyze the connection from a social psychological perspective.  Point out specific examples to illustrate the following:
   • Which of the various factors in attraction are present?
   • Is the relationship based on friendship or love?  If love, what type of love is portrayed?
3. Summarize any factors in the relationship that resulted in conflict.  If the relationship dissolved, explain factors that may have led to the demise.  Predict elements that are present and may eventually create problems in the relationship.

Post your initial response of 250 words or more by Day 3 (Thursday).  Respond to at least two of your peers by Day 7 (Monday).  You are encouraged to post one or more of your required replies early each week (e.g., by Saturday) to stimulate more meaningful and interactive discourse in the discussion forum.  In addition, strive to provide a response to classmates who replied to your initial post and/or the Instructor (if applicable).  Peer responses may vary in length but should be carefully crafted and insightful.  Below are some suggestions to assist your thinking.

Guided Response:  Reply to at least two or more peers overall.  The goal of the discussion forum is to foster continual dialogue, similar to what might occur in a verbal face-to-face exchange.  Consider the following in your responses:

• Can you apply additional theoretical principles to the chosen relationship?
• Do your personal experiences mirror theoretical predictions?

Carefully review the Discussion Forum Grading Rubric for the criteria that will be used to evaluate this Discussion Thread.