Social Psychology Theoretical Application P
Daniela Trevino
Instructor: Kathryn Anderson, Ph.D.
Theoretical Application Paper
April 12, 2012
Shifting Concerns Social Psychology studies many things about human experiences that emerge from the fact that WE ARE NOT ALONE. Our thoughts, feelings and behaviors are shaped by the social reality around us, or our perception of it, with or without our knowledge. Many of the most puzzling questions in our lives are deeply rooted in social psychology. How do we fall in (and out of) love? Are women different species from men? Why do normal people turn into cruel, heartless monsters during war? Why do we feel uncomfortable when we are the only one different from others? Do we really know ourselves? And, what is happiness? Social Psychology has countless implications in the real world; however, captivating my attention are soldiers and their mental physiological state of mind after combat. The various amazing ways these men and woman are influenced by one another and the situations they are in, is mind boggling. Social perception on your-“SELF” will be broadened in a Social Context manner and the aftermath of a soldier will be better understood thanks to Methodology. Not long ago I had a chance to speak with a Marine recruiter who was at a strip mall near a high school mostly attended by kids from low-income families. I asked the recruiter what he told these kids. He responded that he told them that they would have a chance to travel and see the world, that they would get paid for their education and that they would make life-long friends. I then asked the recruiter if he ever told these young people that there was a good chance that they would either be killed, wounded or return with PTSD (Posttraumatic Stress Disorder).
Martinez 1
His reply was “No”, he never mentioned that. We never view the reality of war, only the stadium flyers, football field size flags, and Memorial Day parades. We pour trillions into wars, yet have no idea of the pain we are
Instructor: Kathryn Anderson, Ph.D.
Theoretical Application Paper
April 12, 2012
Shifting Concerns Social Psychology studies many things about human experiences that emerge from the fact that WE ARE NOT ALONE. Our thoughts, feelings and behaviors are shaped by the social reality around us, or our perception of it, with or without our knowledge. Many of the most puzzling questions in our lives are deeply rooted in social psychology. How do we fall in (and out of) love? Are women different species from men? Why do normal people turn into cruel, heartless monsters during war? Why do we feel uncomfortable when we are the only one different from others? Do we really know ourselves? And, what is happiness? Social Psychology has countless implications in the real world; however, captivating my attention are soldiers and their mental physiological state of mind after combat. The various amazing ways these men and woman are influenced by one another and the situations they are in, is mind boggling. Social perception on your-“SELF” will be broadened in a Social Context manner and the aftermath of a soldier will be better understood thanks to Methodology. Not long ago I had a chance to speak with a Marine recruiter who was at a strip mall near a high school mostly attended by kids from low-income families. I asked the recruiter what he told these kids. He responded that he told them that they would have a chance to travel and see the world, that they would get paid for their education and that they would make life-long friends. I then asked the recruiter if he ever told these young people that there was a good chance that they would either be killed, wounded or return with PTSD (Posttraumatic Stress Disorder).
Martinez 1
His reply was “No”, he never mentioned that. We never view the reality of war, only the stadium flyers, football field size flags, and Memorial Day parades. We pour trillions into wars, yet have no idea of the pain we are
Cited: Social Psychology (7th Edition), Elliot Aronson, Timothy D. Wilson, Robin M. Akert http://atwar.blogs.nytimes.com/category/a-soldier-writes/page/3/