To prepare for this discussion, please read Chapter 4: Attitudes, Attributions, and Behaviors; Chapter 5: Making Judgments; and Chapter 6: Prejudice of your textbook, and Judgment Under Uncertainty: Heuristics and Biases and Intergroup Contact Theory articles. In this discussion, you will consider theoretical perspectives on the formation, maintenance, and change of attitudes and the cognitive processes that support these thoughts, feelings, and actions. 1) Choose any group toward which you have a strong attitude, positive or negative. ** For this assignment, the group we are referring to is the US Military. 2) Relate stereotypes (thoughts about), prejudice (feelings toward), and/or discrimination (actions) directed toward US Military members on a societal or cultural level, explaining potential causal mechanisms (categorization, social norms, inequality, etc.; see Chapter 6). Use concrete examples to illustrate (e.g., advertisements that depict members of the group in a stereotypical manner, statements you have overheard expressing affective reactions to the group, policies that discriminate in favor or/against the group, etc.). Consider both negative and positive elements. 3) Analyze attitudes toward the US Military using one relevant theoretical perspective (self-perception theory, cognitive dissonance, theory of planned behavior, etc.; see Chapter 4). Examine the use of heuristics (availability, representativeness, etc.) and errors in judgment (belief perseverance, confirmation bias, the illusion of control, etc.) with regard to this attitude (see Chapter 5). 4) Consider how positive or negative attitudes toward the US Military might be implicated in a professional setting. Identify realistic suggestions to eliminate as much bias as possible in this context (see Pettigrew, 1998). – To fully demonstrate content knowledge and critical thinking, interpret course concepts explicitly and cite the required readings as appropriate. – Be thorough and specific, structuring your work intentionally (with an introductory and concluding sentence or two), providing clear context, and concisely and precisely explaining relevant course concepts. Always be referencing required materials and using additional sources as needed to support your insight.
