Introduction to Psychology
Social Dimensions of Behavior
Objectives: G3, G6, S15, S16, S17, S19
Content Standard 1: Social judgment and attitudes
1.1 Demonstrate an understanding of person perception.
Explain the role of social schemas in person perception.
State how different kinds of physical attractiveness can influence perceptions of other
personal characteristics.
Describe how cultural socialization determines social schema development
1.2 Describe how attributions affect our explanations of behavior.
Explain the differences between internal and external attribution.
Draw conclusions about the effect of actor-observer bias and the formation of
fundamental attribution errors.
1.3 Identify sources of attitude formation.
Explain the role of expectations and stereotyped thinking as they relate to attitude and
behavior
1.4 Assess some methods used to change attitudes.
Content Standard 3: Group processes
3.1 Describe effects of the presence of others on individual behavior
Apply the concept of social facilitation and social loafing
Provide an example of the bystander effect and deindividuation
3.3 Explore the nature of bias and discrimination
Differentiate between prejudice and discrimination
Identify how the self-fulfilling prophecy can fuel stereotypes about groups
Develop strategies for promoting tolerance, cooperation and equality
Assessment:
Student written analysis of “Remember the Titans”
Student performance on object test on Social Psychology unit
Culminating Activity:
After students have completed reading the text chapter and participating in a number of class and
homework activities on Social Psych the instructions on their final written analysis will be
distributed. (See below).
Set stage for viewing Remember the Titans (requires two full blocks for viewing)
Elicit from the students what they know about the film. Fill in context gaps as required.
Provide students with the instruction sheet for the assignment. Respond to any questions or
concerns. Assignment is due the day after the viewing is completed.
Day 3 will be an opportunity for students to share their analysis. Kick off discussion by selecting a
subset of the concepts and have students provide what they saw as examples.
e. g. Attraction Principles
Proximity, Similarity and Intimacy
Ask students to evaluate by consensus whether examples offered have applied the concepts
appropriately.
Introduction to Psychology
Social Psychology
The film Remember the Titans is based on actual events that occurred during the integration
of a high school in Virginia. The characters are based on real people.
While you watch the video, you should take some notes to jog your memory when you are
completing your written assignment.
This film provides a myriad of examples of principles that we have been studying in the Social
Psychology unit. You must apply your understanding of these principles by identifying
incidents in the film which illustrate specific concepts.
Consider all of the following possibilities:
Social Cognition
Schema
Primacy Effect
Self-fulfilling Prophecy
Stereotype
Fundamental Attribution Error
Defensive Attribution Error
Just-World Hypothesis
Proximity
Physical Attraction
Similarity
Exchange
Intimacy
Attitudes
Self-monitoring
Prejudice
Discrimination
Frustration-Agression
Authoritarian Personality
Cognitive Dissonance
Social Influence
Norms
Conformity
Compliance
Obedience
Social Action
Deindividuation
Altruistic Behavior
By-stander Effect
Group Dynamics
Risky Shift
Polarization
Social Facilitation
Social Loafing
“Great Person”
You should be able to apply, at least, a dozen different concepts without much difficulty.
Be sure that in each case, you are specific enough that I will be able to determine whether you
have illustrated the concept correctly.
You may find it helpful to discuss the film with another student before you begin your written
task. However, students are responsible for writing their own individual analysis.