Behavior Change

Behavior Change

Ultimately, the knowledge you gain from studies in social cognition can help you better understand how to change behavior. Fishbein and Ajzen’s (2009) theory of reasoned action and theory of planned behavior are seminal models for behavioral change. These models have evolved as a result of decades of research on how various social cognitive factors such as attitudes, norms, and perceived control can impact both our intentions and our behavior.

For this Discussion, think about a behavior you would like to change and consider what conditions are necessary to make that change successful.

Reference:Fishbein, M., & Ajzen, I. (2009). Attitudes, norms, and control as predictors of intentions and behavior. In M. Fishbein & I. Ajzen (Eds.), Predicting and changing behavior: The reasoned action approach (pp. 179–220). New York, NY: Psychology Press.

With these thoughts in mind:

Post by Day 3 a brief description of a behavior that you would like to change. Then, explain the conditions necessary for the behavior to change according to Fishbein and Ajzen’s theory of reasoned action. Finally, explain two potential challenges to changing the behavior and explain two ways you might address those challenges according to the theory of planned behavior. Be specific.

 

 

Discussion 2 – Week 11

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Social Change

As Moskowitz notes, there exist “…general forces that shape social cognition, even though we remain naïve to their influence” (Moskowitz, 2005, p. 233). Social psychologists continue to study the social “forces” that influence how one thinks and in turn, how such thoughts impact behavior. This course has covered several areas of social cognition including the following:

• Presence of both conscious and unconscious processing
• Memory processes; conceptualization of the self
• Attempts to understand causality in the social world
• Accuracy of personal cognitive processing
• Attitude formation
• Stereotypes and prejudice behavior
• Impact of gender, culture, and emotion on cognitive processing
• Behavior change through social cognitive channels

How might one or more of these elements of social cognition inform your attempts at social change or your daily interactions?

For this Discussion, consider ways you might use your knowledge of social cognition for social change in your future role.

Reference: Moskowitz, G. B. (2005a). Attribution. In Social cognition: Understanding self and others (pp. 233–266). New York, NY: Guilford Press.

With these thoughts in mind:

Post by Day 4 a brief explanation of two ways you might use social cognition to promote social change. Then, explain how you might incorporate social cognition into your future practice or research. Finally, explain how you might use an element of social cognition in your daily interactions with others. Be specific and use examples.