Assignment Question
Your paper should be no fewer than two and no more than three pages, double-spaced (not including the title and references pages). Use Times New Roman, 12-point font, 1-inch margins all around. It should be thoroughly edited and proofread. Your grade will depend on how well you understood the research, whether you followed the instructions provided, how completely you addressed the information requested for each heading, and writing quality. As a reminder, you are required to use the APA Essay Template that is part of this module. The topic of the paper is political polarization. Use the following required sources in addition to your textbook as bases for your paper: How to have better political conversations -Ted Talk – This is a Ted Talk by Dr. Robb Willer. He is a social psychologist and professor at Stanford University where he serves as Director of the Polarization and Change Laboratory. If you have a hard time understanding why reasonable people cannot talk to each other, he offers some insight. Structure of the paper Sections: Introductory paragraph: Create a title at the top, centered in bold. Introduce the purpose of your paper, what you are writing about (you will need a definition of political polarization, paraphrased or quoted, with a proper citation and reference), why or why not this topic interested you, and whether you see this as a major social (and maybe, personal) issue and why. First heading: Sources of political polarization in the US today (bolded, left-justified, sentence case) Based on the required sources [and others if you like, as long as they are peer-reviewed professional journals (NOTE: SimplyPsychology, PsychCentral, Psychology Today, for example, are not peer-reviewed) or other sources approved by me], explain the major causes of political polarization in the United States today. Second heading: Effects of political polarization on individuals (bolded, left-justified, sentence case) In this section, identify social psychological concepts and theories that help explain the experience of political polarization on individuals. You could start the section with a sentence such as, ″Many social psychological concepts and theories help us understand the current political divide and how it affects individuals and groups. Among those, three seem to hold the most explanatory power. Those include ″asklsk, asksk, and askalsdk.″ Do not use my words exactly but I hope you get the idea about how to get started with this section. Many concepts come to mind based on the required sources and your textbook: false consensus bias, confirmation bias, social identify theory, ingroups/outgroups, sleeper effect, authoritarianism, need for cognition, social comparison, attribution theory, normative and informational conformity, majority and minority social influence, social power, and others). I am not telling you which concepts to use in this section, I am merely pointing out there are a lot of possibilities. Choose from the ones I mentioned or others that you think are the most powerful. Third heading: Personal impact (bolded, left-justified, sentence case) In this section, please describe the impact political polarization has on your life. This may include your relationships, family interactions, media consumption, political or other organizational activities. If it does not impact your life, explain how you avoid that (I really want to know). Note that you will need to use first person in this section since you are talking about your own experience. Fourth heading: Assignment critique (bolded, left-justified, sentence case) This is an optional section, but if you have room within the page limit, I would appreciate your feedback. Reference page : Your reference page is the last page of your paper. You must cite and include the following references (note that references appear in alphabetical order): Cuddy, A. (2012, June). Your body language may shape who you are [Video]. TED Conferences. https://www.ted.com/talks/amy_cuddy_your_body_language_shapes_who_you_are
Assignment Answer
Introduction
In this essay, we will explore the intriguing relationship between body language, specifically power posing, and its impact on an individual’s confidence and success. We will delve into the science behind power posing and its effects on psychological and physiological aspects. The paper will also discuss practical applications, especially in high-stress situations like job interviews and other evaluative contexts.
Sources of Political Polarization in the US Today
Before we delve into the world of power posing, let’s briefly touch on the sources of political polarization in the United States today. While seemingly unrelated to our topic, understanding this polarization can help us appreciate the significance of tools that boost confidence and self-assuredness.
Political polarization in the United States has been on the rise in recent years. It stems from various factors, including ideological differences, media influence, and the growing divide between urban and rural populations (Abramowitz & McCoy, 2019). As people become increasingly entrenched in their political beliefs, meaningful conversations and compromise become challenging.
Effects of Political Polarization on Individuals
Political polarization can have profound effects on individuals. It triggers a range of emotional and psychological responses, including anxiety, frustration, and even a sense of powerlessness (Mutz, 2006). These effects can seep into various aspects of a person’s life, impacting relationships, communication, and overall well-being.
The constant exposure to polarized political discourse through social media and news outlets can create a hostile and stressful environment. This stress can spill over into personal relationships, leading to conflicts among friends and family members with differing political views. The emotional toll of political polarization is undeniable and can hinder constructive dialogue and cooperation.
Power Posing: A Confidence-Boosting Technique
Now, let’s shift our focus to power posing. The concept of power posing is rooted in the idea that body language can influence not only how others perceive us but also how we perceive ourselves. Dr. Amy Cuddy’s research on this topic has gained significant attention.
Understanding Power Poses
Power poses are expansive body postures that convey confidence and dominance. These poses involve taking up space, standing tall, and opening up the body. They send signals of strength, even to our own minds.
The Science Behind Power Posing
Research has shown that adopting power poses for just two minutes can lead to significant changes in an individual’s hormone levels (Carney, Cuddy, & Yap, 2010). Testosterone, associated with dominance, increases, while cortisol, the stress hormone, decreases. This hormonal shift can enhance feelings of confidence and reduce stress.
Applications of Power Posing
One of the most practical applications of power posing is in high-stress situations like job interviews. By incorporating power poses into pre-interview routines, individuals can boost their confidence and present themselves more positively to potential employers. The impact on evaluators is notable too, as they tend to view confident individuals more favorably (Cuddy, 2012).
But power posing isn’t limited to job interviews. It can be applied in various aspects of life where confidence is key. Whether it’s delivering a presentation, negotiating a deal, or speaking in public, power posing can help individuals project confidence and competence (Cuddy, 2012).
Personal Impact
This section is where you share your own experience with power posing. Discuss how you’ve used this technique and the impact it has had on your confidence and success in various situations. Personal anecdotes can make the concept more relatable to readers.
In my personal experience, power posing has been a game-changer. Like many others, I’ve faced situations where self-doubt and nervousness threatened to undermine my performance. One such instance was a crucial job interview. The night before, I was overwhelmed by anxiety and the fear of not measuring up. That’s when I remembered the concept of power posing.
I decided to give it a try. I found a private space, stood in a “Wonder Woman” pose, hands on hips, chest out, and head held high, for a solid two minutes. It felt strange at first, but as I held the pose, I could feel a shift in my mindset. I began to believe in my abilities, and my anxiety gradually gave way to confidence.
The next day, I walked into the interview room with a newfound sense of self-assuredness. I maintained strong, open body language throughout the conversation. The result? I not only answered questions confidently but also felt more in control of the situation. The interviewers responded positively to my demeanor, and I secured the job (Cuddy, 2012).
Since that experience, I’ve integrated power posing into my routine for various challenges, from important meetings to public speaking engagements. Each time, it has helped me project confidence and assertiveness.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the power of body language, specifically power posing, should not be underestimated. This simple technique can have a profound impact on an individual’s confidence and success, especially in high-stress situations. By understanding the science behind it and applying it strategically, individuals can harness the power of their own body language to achieve better outcomes (Carney, Cuddy, & Yap, 2010).
References
Abramowitz, A. I., & McCoy, J. C. (2019). United States: The sources and consequences of polarization in American public opinion. Annual Review of Political Science, 22, 29-49.
Carney, D. R., Cuddy, A. J., & Yap, A. J. (2010). Power posing: Brief nonverbal displays affect neuroendocrine levels and risk tolerance. Psychological Science, 21(10), 1363-1368.
Cuddy, A. J. (2012). Your body language may shape who you are [Video]. TED Conferences.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is power posing, and how does it work to boost confidence?
- Power posing involves adopting expansive body postures that convey confidence and dominance. It works by affecting hormone levels, increasing testosterone (associated with dominance) and reducing cortisol (the stress hormone), leading to enhanced feelings of confidence and reduced stress (Carney, Cuddy, & Yap, 2010).
2. Can power posing really make a difference in high-stress situations like job interviews?
- Yes, power posing can make a significant difference in high-stress situations. Research suggests that using power poses before such events can help individuals project confidence and competence, positively influencing their performance and how they are perceived by others (Cuddy, 2012).
3. Are there specific power poses that are more effective than others?
- While there are several power poses, the choice of pose may vary from person to person. What’s crucial is that the pose is expansive, involves taking up space, and conveys confidence. Common power poses include the “Wonder Woman” pose and the “Superman” pose, but individuals can experiment to find the one that works best for them.
4. Does power posing have long-term benefits for confidence and self-esteem?
- While power posing can provide an immediate boost in confidence, its long-term effects on self-esteem are still a subject of research. However, by consistently using power poses in high-stress situations, individuals can potentially build a more confident self-image over time.
5. Can power posing help in other areas of life besides job interviews?
- Absolutely. Power posing can be applied in various aspects of life where confidence is crucial, such as public speaking, negotiations, and presentations. It’s a versatile technique that can help individuals feel more in control and assertive in a wide range of situations (Cuddy, 2012).
