Social Cognition Week 4 Assignment: Application of Theories

Description

Assignment: Application of Theories

Attribution theory is one of the hallmarks within the field of social cognition. Theories such as Heider’s naïve psychology theory, Jones and Davis’ correspondent inference theory, and Kelley’s covariation model provide seminal contributions to this field. Although these theories differ in level of complexity and detail, all attempt to provide a consistent explanation why humans behave as they do.

For this Application Assignment, select one of the two vignettes provided. Then, consider two attribution theories and analyze the constructs of each theory. Apply the key constructs of the theories to the vignette, and analyze how the theory may explain what occurred.

Vignette #1: Molly, 62-year-old Caucasian American Female

Molly exited her doctor’s office and promptly lit a cigarette. In doing so, she missed her bus and would have to wait an additional 30 minutes for the next one. She thought about Dr. Wilson, her primary care physician, who was not too concerned about her smoking. Then, she thought about Dr. Smith, her cardiologist, who had clearly stated that she needs to stop smoking. Waiting for the next bus was no problem for Molly; she could enjoy a second cigarette.

Vignette #2: James, 35-year-old African American Male

Anticipating the long weekend ahead to be filled with social opportunities with friends and family, James felt overwhelmed and left work early on Thursday. While en route, James thought that perhaps having some quiet time now might make the weekend more enjoyable. Besides, his stomach was bothering him and he had a sizable headache. He worried a little about what his office mates thought of his departure, as this was the sixth time in the past month he had left early.

The assignment (5–7 pages)

Select one vignette and select two attribution theories.
Choose two theories from the three theories
Heider’s naive psychology theory
Jones and Vavis’ correspondent inference theory
Kelly’s covariation model
Provide a brief analysis of the two theories you selected.
Explain how the key constructs of each theory can be applied to the vignette.
Explain how each theory might explain what causes the situation in the vignette.
As you complete your academic comparison, elaborate on the vignette, including how the person might behave if he or she was in a different situation or setting.
Provide examples to support your response.

Provide a reference list for all resources used in this assignment. While you are encouraged to use supplemental resources in addition to any course resources listed for this week, be sure to use the weekly learning resources before utilizing supplemental ones

By Day 7

Submit your assignment by Day 7.

Submission and Grading Information

To submit your completed Assignment for review and grading, do the following:

Please save your Assignment using the naming convention “WK4Assgn+last name+first initial.(extension)” as the name.
Click the Week 4 Assignment Rubric to review the Grading Criteria for the Assignment.
Click the Week 4 Assignment link. You will also be able to “View Rubric” for grading criteria from this area.
Next, from the Attach File area, click on the Browse My Computer button. Find the document you saved as “WK4Assgn+last name+first initial.(extension)” and click Open.
If applicable: From the Plagiarism Tools area, click the checkbox for I agree to submit my paper(s) to the Global Reference Database.
Click on the Submit button to complete your submission.