PSY 2210 NSTCC Social Psychology Perspectives on Behavior Discussion

Two cases are listed below. For each case, try to use different theoretical perspectives to understand the behavior.  See if any of the following perspectives provide insight: situational pressures, Social Exchange Theory, Social Cogniton, Self-Esteem. 

Hint: The situational pressures suggest how expectations, social roles, and overt pressure from others might affect behavior.  The Social Exchange Theory focuses on rewards and costs of the behavior and of alternative behaviors. The Social Cognition Approach emphasizes how the person interprets or construes the situation. The Self-Esteem approach focuses on how the person may act to build or preserve his or her self-esteem and how he or she may choose to interpret events in ways that preserve self-esteem.  

For each cases listed below, try to apply concepts from the following theoretical perspectives to understand the behavior: situational pressures, Social Exchange Theory, Social Cognition, Self-Esteem.

Situation 1: Allen is a junior in college and is vice-president of his fraternity. He is very bright, but spends little time studying and barely squeaks by. He spends most of his days and nights at the fraternity house talking, goofing off, or partying. Explain Allen’s behavior.  

Situation 2 Kim and Steve have been dating for a couple of months. He wants to settle into a steady relationship, but she isn’t sure. Several guys keep calling Kim to go out. She is tempted to go, but knows that Steve would be very upset. Finally, Kim decides to drop Steve. Explain Kim’s behavior.