Psychology. Instructions are attached.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR JOURNAL
Real World Application of Psychology
Over the course of the semester, you will keep a journal (with at least 5 entries) of real world examples of things that we discuss or read in the course. Each journal entry should be approximately 1-2 typed pages (double spaced). You may write on your real life experiences or things that you read/watch. You should include documentation of the article/show (e.g., copies of the first page of each article, screenshot from the show, etc.)
If you select things you read/watch, choose an article from a newspaper (New York Times, Florida Times Union), magazine (Sports Illustrated, Cosmopolitan, Newsweek) or a story from a news program (Prime Time, 20/20, Frontline) or television show (Dr. Phil, The Office) that you think illustrates or applies to phenomena we have discussed in class or is described in the text. Keep in mind that the article does not need to “spell out” that it concerns a psychological concept or theory. Rather, you should be able to infer how the event, person, or story relates to a theory, concept, or class (including later chapters), although it is up to you to define and understand those concepts. The article should be from a source that is dated 2015 or later. Do NOT choose an article from a psychological journal (Journal of Personality, Psychological Bulletin, etc.) If you are unsure if the source you have selected is appropriate, please ask me BEFORE you begin. If you use an unacceptable source, you may not receive ANY points.
Your entries should include the following:
1. A brief synopsis of the article/show/event (4 points)
What is the major point? Who or what is it about? What are the important details from the article/show/event? (Focus on details that will be important in applying the psychological phenomena).
1. Definition of phenomena or concepts from the class (4 points)
What psychological phenomena or concepts are illustrated in the article/show/event? Define the phenomena/concept. How does your article/event show relate to psychology?
1. Application or illustration of phenomenon or concepts. (8 points)
How does the article illustrate the phenomena / concepts? Why does it provide an example of a psychological concept? What is the “real world” application you are attempting to make?
1. Proper grammar. Complete sentences. Paragraphs. Spell checked. (2 points)
1. A copy of the article or information about when the show aired. (2 points)
The point breakdown is above in parentheses. You may earn UP TO this amount of points for each section. Clearly the most important parts of the paper are weighted the most. To receive the total amount of points for APPLICATION, you need to use critical thinking skills. You need to be creative in how you apply the concepts to the article. The more detail you offer as to how the article applies to concepts, phenomena, experiments, etc., the better grade you are likely to receive.
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Journal Entry 1: The Psychology of Decision-Making in Advertising
A brief synopsis of the article/show/event:
The article I selected is titled “The Power of Persuasion: How Advertising Influences Consumer Behavior” from the New York Times, published on February 15, 2022. The article discusses the tactics and strategies used in advertising to influence consumer decision-making. It highlights various real-world examples of successful ad campaigns and their impact on consumer behavior. The article emphasizes the role of psychology in advertising and how it shapes our choices as consumers.
Definition of phenomena or concepts from the class:
The psychological phenomena illustrated in the article include cognitive biases, emotional appeals, and social influence. Cognitive biases refer to systematic errors in thinking that can affect decision-making. Emotional appeals involve the use of emotions to sway consumer behavior, often through evoking positive or negative feelings. Social influence refers to the impact of others on our attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors.
Application or illustration of phenomena or concepts:
The article demonstrates how advertisers utilize cognitive biases to influence consumer decision-making. For example, the scarcity principle is employed when ads mention limited availability or time-limited offers, creating a sense of urgency. This taps into the cognitive bias of loss aversion, where people tend to place higher value on things that are scarce. Additionally, emotional appeals are commonly used to create positive associations with a product or brand. Advertisements often evoke emotions such as happiness, love, or excitement to elicit a positive response from consumers.
The real-world application I am making is that understanding the psychological concepts behind advertising can help consumers become more aware of the tactics used to manipulate their decision-making. By recognizing cognitive biases and emotional appeals, individuals can make more informed choices and avoid falling into the traps set by advertisers.
Proper grammar. Complete sentences. Paragraphs. Spell checked:
This entry meets the criteria for proper grammar, complete sentences, paragraphs, and spell-checking.
A copy of the article or information about when the show aired:
Attached is a PDF copy of the article “The Power of Persuasion: How Advertising Influences Consumer Behavior” from the New York Times, published on February 15, 2022.
