Applying Psych

ATTRIBUTION THEORY

Explaining the whys of our and others' behavior. To what do we attribute our and others' behavior.

Slide the Green Handles

Internal versus External Attribution

Fundamental Attribution Error

Actor-Observer Effect

Self-Serving Bias

POTENTIAL PROBLEMS WITH SPANKING

Click on arrows for potential problems . .
. . . and possible solutions.
MODELING OF AGGRESSION
Teaches violence as a problem-solver.
Spanking them for hitting child?
GENERALIZATION OF PAIN/FEAR
To punisher or situation.
Becomes afraid of parent or place.
MISUSE OF ATTENTION
Interaction rewards behavior.
Child acts up to get attention.
INCREASES DEVIOUS BEHAVIOR
Lying, sneaking to avoid punishment.
Getting away with it becomes a reward.
HINDERS INTERNALIZED MORALITY
Just changes behavior to avoid punishment.
Unaware of effect on others or value of goodness.
LACK OF DIRECTION
Informs what not to do, not what to do.
Reason for punishment not explained.
DECREASES SELF-ESTEEM
"Bad boy, bad girl."
Feel less good about themselves.
ALTERNATIVES?
What to use instead of spanking.
Positive parenting.
POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT
Of desired incompatible behaviors.
Teach child to play with dog, not pull its ears.
TAKE AWAY SOMETHING
Such as toys or privileges.
Use timeouts or "grounding."
Click on the picture above for the American Psychological Association article: "The case against spanking."

"The only person who is educated is the one who has learned how to learn - and change."


                                                     Carl Rogers 

Types of Persuasion


Slide the white handle. Which is more effective?

Social psychologists identify two types of persuasion: CENTRAL which influences by facts and arguments, and PERIPHERAL which influences by emotion. Research suggests the cental route produces more effective and longer-lasting attitude change.