Social Psychology Paper Psy 201.Docx

Social Psychology Paper

Robin Combs

PSY/ 201

October 20, 2013

Cathy Dunaway

Social Psychology Paper

The main factor that most likely contributed to Sarah’s attitude towards her curfew was Social Cognition. Going to a part with friends was something she had never done before, yet had heard much about. Because Sarah has always been a person to follow the rules her parents set she hadn’t been to a party like this before. Her curiosity and inner need to understand her peers takes control of the situation. Due to these needs and wants Sarah broke curfew. There also was a strong influence, also known as peer pressure, pushing Sarah to go to the party. Sarah’s social cognition is that she still does not know her surroundings, or peers well, and would like to change that. This is Sarah reasoning for why she is able to break the rules of curfew set by her parents. The dread of missing the party and all of the excitement contributed as well.

During the party Sarah feels torn between obeying her parents, and social interaction. Sarah’s displays dissonant cognitions in her mind as she reasons with herself. Sarah recalls her parents instructions to follow curfew several times during this short piece, showing its importance to her. On the other hand she had heard of a party from her friends, and would really like to be included. These clashing cognitions drive her to a state of tension, and confusion. This is what causes her to decide what she is going to do. After adjusting the psychological weight of the cognitions, she chooses to pay less attention to the curfew, and let loose. By pushing the thoughts of curfew from her mind she is able to relax a bit more and have fun at the party. After arriving home she revisits the issue once more. While evaluating the choices she was making she displayed a state of cognitive dissonance.

Due to the heavy peer pressure that Sarah endured, she chose to conform. With her peer’s beliefs, and demanding requests to join them...