Essay- Influence of a Group
Applied Learning Activity: Essay- Influence of a Group
Before the Assignment:
There is power in a group and this power can become a positive or negative influence in the lives of individuals. Meyer’s (2020) discusses in the course textbook the different types of group influence and persuasion that lead individuals to act differently than they otherwise may, either positively or negatively.
Review the videos for this week.
Zimbardo, P. (2010). The heroic imagination. HeroicImaginationTV. TED.
Zimbardo, P. (2011). Stanley Milgram: Obedience to authority.
HeroicImaginationTV.
Zimbardo, P. (2012). Asch conformity experiment. HeroicImaginationTV.
Encyclopedia Britannica. (1978). The Jonestown massacre: Paradise lost
(cult documentary). Real Stories. (WATCH first 27 min only.)
Read Chapter 8 from the textbook. https://b-ok.cc/book/11638157/5ed814
For the essay, you need to find TWO research articles or other credible sources.
Assignment
Explain the overarching dynamics (concepts, premises) that make up a group in terms of social psychology.
Choose TWO of the following group concepts to explain and discuss in your essay. You must provide ONE research article or credible source for EACH group concept.
● Social Facilitation
● Social Loafing
● Deindividuation
● Group Polarization
● Group Think
Instructions:
● Paper length is approximately 750 words (3 pages; do not go over 1200 words).
● Include both cover and reference pages.
● Begin with an introductory paragraph that includes a clear thesis statement. Be sure
that you are writing one cohesive essay.
● End the paper with a concluding paragraph that restates your thesis. Include both a cover page and a list of sources.
● Start with an introductory paragraph that makes your main point clear. Be sure
that you are writing one essay that flows well.
In the last paragraph of your paper, you should restate your thesis.
● Cite a minimum of THREE sources. This must include the textbook and TWO research article(s) or other credible sources. When in doubt, cite. It is better to over cite than to
under cite.
● Explain- do not simply summarize- the social psychology concepts. Use your own words and paraphrase throughout.
● Do not use “quoted material” unless the author’s original words are critical to understanding the point (i.e., MLK- “I have a dream.”). Otherwise, all information should
be paraphrased.
● Define research terms and give real world examples where appropriate.
● If you need help with these writing components, review the required writing resources
for this class and/or the APA tutorial.
● Refer to the rubric for grading criteria.
