social influence : Connecting Classic Social Psychology with Contemporary Events

Connecting Classic Social Psychology with Contemporary Events

PURPOSE: This project aims to deepen your understanding of social psychology principles by analyzing a classic study in the field and applying its concepts to a current event. This project will enable you to bridge the gap between foundational research and real-world phenomena, highlighting the enduring relevance of social psychology.

Here is a video overview of the project, if you prefer that: Social Influence Writing Project

DIRECTIONS:

1. Select a Classic Study: Chose a classic social psychology study that has significantly contributed to our understanding of human behavior in group settings, conformity, obedience, social influence, or any related topic. Examples could include the Stanford Prison Experiment, Asch’s Conformity Experiment, Milgram’s Experiment, or Festinger’s study on cognitive dissonance. After you select one classic study, summarize the study’s main findings and theoretical implications. Be sure to cite the original source and/or textbook where you found information on the classic study.
2. After the summary, you will need to identify a current event or social phenomenon that demonstrates the concepts explored in the selected classic study. The event should involve group dynamics, social influence, or related social psychology topics. This even could be a recent news story, a viral social media trend, a political movement, or any other relevant occurrence in our society. Provide a summary of the recent social event selected and cite all the sources used to gather information on the event. It will be ok to use .com sources for this section only.
3. Analyze and relate: Write a comprehensive analysis that bridges the information between the selected classic study and the current event. Discuss how the principles, theories, and findings from the classic study shed light on the dynamics of the selected current event. Address questions such as:
4. How do the concepts of conformity, obedience, or social influence apply to the current event? Be specific in your discussion.
5. What are the parallels between the behaviors observed in the classic study and those exhibited in the current event? Provide text evidence for your response.
6. What insights can the classic study offer in explaining the motivations, behaviors ,or outcomes of individuals or groups in the current event?
7. How might the digital age and online platforms amplify or alter the dynamics discussed in the classic study?
8. References: Use both in-text citations throughout your written work, as well as a reference page to summarize the sources you consulted for information for this project. 
9. Logistics: The paper is expected to be 3-4 pages in length, typed, double spaced with 12 point font. Follow APA method of citing, both in-text, as well as on the reference page. This project is expected to be more developed in thought and analysis than the smaller projects in this course.

**NOTE** The goal of this project is not to condone or promote unethical behaviors depicted in some classical studies, but rather to critically examine and relate their findings to contemporary social dynamics.