Blog 1 Concept Map

Hi Everyone,

I thought I would just post my concept map which I am going to include in my first blog. I ended up choosing the social self question. If anyone has any suggestions on how it could be improved, please let me know.

Blog 1 Topic

Hello all!

Well, due to my indecisive nature, I am now thinking about doing my first blog entry on question eight, focusing on the social self. Initially, this was the first question that actually appealed to me, however, I was somewhat apprehensive to tackle it. It’s not everyday you sit down and write about who you are, and why you are the way you are. I have been reading about some social psychological theories which I might discuss in my first blog. Hopefully, by making references to these theories and constructs, I might shed some light on the variables which have shaped my social self. Here are some initial thoughts:

• Self-discrepancy theory (actual, ought and ideal selves)
• Self-perception theory
• Social comparison theory
• Self-concept
• Social Identity
• Self-esteem
• Situational differences and attributions
• Self-schema theory
• Social Roles
• Motives
• Social Feedback
• Looking Glass Self

Brainstorm for Blog 1

Hi Everyone!

I have started thinking about which topic to tackle for my first blog, and while I am still undecided, I'm thinking about doing question 4, regarding the Government's recent intervention in the Northern Territory Indigenous communities. I lived up in Darwin for about six years, and during that time, I was able to witness and learn about (mainly through school) a number of different Indigneous activities and cultural traditions, such as Dreamtime and traditional art. It was then I also became aware of various other social aspects pertinent to the Indigenous community, particularly the need for improvement in areas of education and health, especially in rural communities. So at the moment, I am leaning towards this topic. I am currently in the early stages of gathering information on this recent intervention, but here are my thoughts so far.

1. Any intervention needs to be a long-term, commited approach, not a short-term project.
2. The approach needs to be holistic and focus on more than just policing the Indigenous communities. For example, ensuring there are sufficient health services, including access to medical treatment and psychological support services, including counselling.
3. Not making generalisations about Indigenous individuals' social behaviours, as this could heighten negative stereotypes and prejudice.

These are just some early thoughts. Any feedback would be welcomed.

Testing my abilities

Hi everyone!

This is simply a test post to see whether I can actually post a concept map in a blog. This is very new to me, so please let me know if it is readable. Here's hoping it turns out okay.

Asch's Conformity Experiment

Hello All!

I have recently been reading about social influences, particularly about normative influence. I know there have been numerous occassions in the past where I have passively "gone along with the crowd" in order to gain acceptance, approval and to avoid friction and standing apart from a group (particularly in larger groups). In high school I learnt about one experiment conducted by Asch. We even reinacted the experiment to test the power of social influence. I have provided a very interesting video about this study (the line study). I think it is a really insightful study into how we can conform if the majority of people in a group hold certain opinions or beliefs. What does everyone think? Do you think you would conform in such a situation? Please feel free to add any comments.