PSY-362: Social Psychology and Cultural Applications
Grand Canyon University
Assignment 2: Social Influence Essay
This assignment requires you to analyze the impact of social influence on behavior in contemporary society. Select one key concept from social psychology, such as conformity, obedience, or groupthink, and examine its application to real-world scenarios. Draw on course readings and external sources to support your analysis.
Assignment Instructions
Write a 750- to 1,000-word essay addressing the following:
- Define the chosen social influence concept and explain its theoretical foundations.
- Provide two examples of how this concept manifests in modern cultural contexts, such as social media or workplace dynamics.
- Discuss potential positive and negative outcomes of this influence on individual and group behavior.
- Propose strategies to mitigate harmful effects while enhancing beneficial ones.
Format your essay according to APA style, including a title page, abstract, and references. Use at least three scholarly sources published within the last five years. Submit via the online learning platform by the end of Week 4.
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Grading Rubric
- Content and Analysis (40 points): Demonstrates clear understanding of the concept with well-supported examples.
- Organization and Structure (20 points): Essay flows logically with proper introduction, body, and conclusion.
- APA Formatting and Citations (20 points): Adheres to guidelines; sources are appropriately cited.
- Grammar and Mechanics (20 points): Free of errors; professional writing style.
Total: 100 points. Late submissions will incur a 10% penalty per day.
Social conformity often leads individuals to align their opinions with the majority to avoid conflict. In online environments, this can amplify echo chambers where diverse viewpoints are suppressed. Effective interventions include promoting critical thinking through education on media literacy.
People high in need for affiliation may conform more readily in group settings. Obedience to authority figures persists in hierarchical structures like corporations. Balancing autonomy with social cohesion requires ongoing self-reflection.
Baumeister, R.F. and Bushman, B.J., 2021. Social psychology and human nature. Cengage Learning. Available at: https://books.google.com/books?id=example (Accessed: 12 January 2026).
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Cialdini, R.B., 2021. Influence, new and expanded: The psychology of persuasion. Harper Business. doi:10.1234/example.doi.
Aronson, E., Wilson, T.D. and Sommers, S.R., 2019. Social psychology. Pearson. Available at: https://www.pearson.com/store/p/social-psychology/P100002474123 (Accessed: 12 January 2026).
Myers, D.G. and Twenge, J.M., 2022. Social psychology. McGraw-Hill Education. doi:10.5678/mhe.doi.
Kassin, S., Fein, S. and Markus, H.R., 2020. Social psychology. Cengage Learning. Available at: https://www.cengage.com/c/social-psychology-11e-kassin/9780357122846 (Accessed: 12 January 2026).