Overview

This week, you will be writing a paper in which you apply theories and concepts from social psychology related to biases in our thinking, the development of our beliefs, and social influence. You will also be required to apply behavioral ethics and critical thinking concepts.

Preparation

1. Complete the Thinking, Feeling, and Believing Case Studies media piece if you haven’t already or if you would like to make changes to the choices you made. Review the case study you want to focus on and the social psychology theory, behavioral ethics concept, and critical thinking concept you want to use in your paper.
2. If you didn’t finish your research last week, use the Capella library to find a scholarly journal article related to the social psychology theory you chose. You are required to use two articles in your paper. The second article should be one of the following:
   • Confirmation Bias: Rajsic, J., Wilson, D. E., & Pratt, J. (2015). Confirmation bias in visual search. Journal of Experimental Psychology, 41(5), 1353–1364.
   • Mere Exposure Effect: Montoya, R. M., Horton, R. S., Vevea, J. L., Citkowicz, M., & Lauber, E. A. (2017). A re-examination of the mere exposure effect: The influence of repeated exposure on recognition, familiarity, and liking. Psychological Bulletin, 143(5), 459–498.
   • Halo Effect: Bradley, S. W., Roberts, J. A., & Bradley, P. W. (2019). Experimental evidence of observed social media status cues on perceived likability. Psychology of Popular Media Culture, 8(1), 41–51.
3. Review the Thinking, Feeling, and Believing Assignment Template [DOCX] you will use to write your paper.

Instructions

• Summarize the case study.
• Describe credible and scholarly sources, relevant to a particular theory.
• Apply a social psychological theory to a chosen case study.
• Explain how social psychological research studies relate to a particular social psychological theory.
• Apply an ethical reasoning concept to a chosen case study.
• Apply a critical thinking concept to a chosen case study.
• Review the key points.
• Demonstrate an academic writing style through well-organized prose that follows assignment guidelines.
• Demonstrate compliance with APA style, citation, and referencing guidelines.

Additional Requirements

• Written communication: Should be free of errors that detract from the overall message.
• APA formatting: References and citations are formatted according to current APA style guidelines.
• Resources: Minimum of 2 scholarly or professional resources.
• Length: 3–4 double-spaced pages, in addition to the title page and reference page.
• Font and font size: Times New Roman, 12 point.
• Template: Use the Thinking, Feeling, and Believing Assignment Template [DOCX], and include the headings and subheadings as shown in the template to organize your writing. The template is already formatted for 6th edition APA style with title and reference pages, headings and subheadings, in 12-point Times New Roman font, and double-spaced with one inch margins. Failure to use the template will result in your paper being returned to you for editing, and late penalties will apply.

Competencies Measured

By successfully completing this assignment, you will demonstrate your proficiency in the following course competencies and assignment criteria:

• Competency 1: Select credible and scholarly sources in the field of social psychology using information literacy and research skills.
  • Describe credible and scholarly sources, relevant to a particular theory.
• Competency 2: Apply social psychological theory to topics in the field.
  • Apply a social psychological theory to a chosen case study.
• Competency 3: Apply social psychological research to topics in the field.
  • Explain how social psychological research studies relate to a particular social psychological theory.
• Competency 4: Apply ethical reasoning to social psychology topics.
  • Apply an ethical reasoning concept to a chosen case study.
• Competency 5: Apply critical thinking to social psychology topics.
  • Apply a critical thinking concept to a chosen case study.
• Competency 6: Communicate in a manner that is scholarly, professional, and consistent with expectations for professionals in the field of psychology.
  • Demonstrate an academic writing style through well-organized prose that follows assignment guidelines.
  • Demonstrate compliance with APA style, citation, and referencing guidelines.