2008PSY Social and Cultural Psychology

RESEARCH QUESTIONS

Choose only ONE (1) of these to answer

1. Cognitive dissonance theory (Aronson, 1992; Festinger, 1957) proposes that people experience psychological discomfort when they hold inconsistent attitudes and/or behaviours.  Drawing on this theory, dissonance-based intervention approaches have been developed with an aim of improving body image.  In your essay, describe cognitive dissonance theory and the principles that underlie dissonance-based body image interventions.  Present and critically evaluate research investigating the effectiveness of such interventions for improving body image.  Discuss cultural considerations relevant to evaluating this evidence.

Note:  Given the difficulty of obtaining Festinger’s (1957) monograph, Aronson’s (1992) paper has been set as one of the starting references as it provides a good summary of cognitive dissonance theory.

2. The Yale model of persuasion (Demirdöğen, 2010; Hovland, Janis, & Kelley, 1953) proposes that the credibility of the source of communication is one factor that influences the success of a communicator’s persuasive endeavours.  Drawing on this model, persuasive communications involving credible sources have been developed with an aim of creating positive consumer attitudes and behaviours towards a product. In your essay, describe the Yale model of persuasion and its hypotheses regarding the impact of source credibility on the persuasiveness of a communication. Present and critically evaluate research investigating the effectiveness of communications involving credible sources on creating positive consumer attitudes and behaviours.  Discuss cultural considerations relevant to evaluating this evidence.

Note: Given the difficulty of obtaining Hovland et al.’s (1953) paper, Demirdöğen’s (2010) paper has been set as one of the starting references as it provides a good summary of the Yale model.

In relation to the issue specified in the question, your essay needs to:

•        convey the knowledge and ideas that have been established regarding the social psychological theory/model central to the research

           question

• describe, summarise, and integrate research regarding the theory/model
• highlight strengths and limitations/gaps of the research regarding the current theory/model
• address cultural considerations relevant to evaluating the theory/model and research
• draw conclusions regarding the current state of the theory/model and research

The questions below have been structured to help you achieve these aims. The questions are like a simple recipe for a literature review: introduce; describe model; review the relevant literature; discuss cultural issues; conclude.