PSYC FPX 3540 Assessment 1 Theories Application Exercise

Student Name

Capella University

PSYC FPX 3540 Culture, Ethnicity, and Diversity

Prof. Name:

Date

Social Cognitive Theory

Summarize the concept/theory.

Social cognitive theory focuses on the organization and categorization of information to facilitate understanding. It highlights the interplay of personal, behavioral, and environmental factors, suggesting that individuals develop automatic responses based on deeply held beliefs related to aspects such as race, gender, and age. This theory posits that observations and experiences from an early age shape individuals’ preferences and perceptions, ultimately leading to the establishment of stereotypes and prejudices (Schunk & DiBenedetto, 2020).

Real World Example

A real-world illustration of social cognitive theory can be seen in the reinforcement of racial stereotypes and prejudices. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the automatic association of the virus with China resulted in increased hostility towards Chinese immigrants, showcasing how preconceived racial notions can influence behavior (Abdullah, 2019). Furthermore, instances where a comedian addresses stereotypes about Chinese individuals in a reality show underscore how observations and beliefs contribute to discriminatory attitudes (Schunk & DiBenedetto, 2020).

Name of video:

White Like Me

Provide a brief summary of the video.

“White Like Me” is a documentary by Tim Wise that examines issues of race and privilege in America. Drawing parallels to the book “Black Like Me,” Wise discusses the systemic inequalities experienced by people of color, with a particular focus on the privileges granted to white individuals. Through a combination of historical analysis and personal anecdotes, the documentary reveals the pervasive nature of racism across various societal domains, including politics, education, and the criminal justice system (Watson, 2011).

PSYC FPX 3540 Assessment 1 Theories Application Exercise

Apply the Concept/Theory

The concept of social cognitive theory provides insight into the dynamics presented in the video. Historical instances of slavery and discrimination against Black individuals align with the theory’s focus on group categorization and stereotype formation (Schunk & DiBenedetto, 2020). Additionally, the documentary illustrates how societal structures perpetuate inequalities, with white privilege contributing to disparities in areas such as incarceration rates and access to resources (Landman, 2020). The notion of “reverse discrimination” mentioned in the documentary reflects the motivational aspect of the theory, where individuals strive to maintain their perceived privileges in response to perceived threats (What Is Reverse Discrimination? | Swartz Swidler, n.d.).

References

Abdullah, S. M. (2019). Similarity Article: Social Cognitive Theory: A Bandura thought review published in 1982-2012. Journal PSIKODIMENSIA, 18(1), 85–100.

Landman, T. (2020). Measuring modern slavery: Law, human rights, and new forms of data. Human Rights Quarterly, 42(2), 303–331.

Schunk, D. H., & DiBenedetto, M. K. (2020). Motivation and social cognitive theory. Contemporary Educational Psychology, 60(1), 101832.

Watson, B. (2011, October). Black Like Me, 50 Years Later. Smithsonian; Smithsonian.com.