This document provides instructions for two discussion assignments. For the first discussion, students are asked to describe a scenario of aggression or prosocial behavior and analyze it in relation to research from their textbook and one other source. They must post by Day 3 and respond to two peers by Day 7. For the second discussion, students identify a relationship from media and analyze social psychological factors like attraction, friendship/love, and potential conflicts. They again post by Day 3 and respond to two peers by Day 7. Guidelines are provided for peer responses.

1. Discussion 1
To prepare for this discussion, please read Chapters 10 and 11
of your
textbook
(Feenstra, 2013). Finally, review Instructor Guidance and
Announcements. In this discussion, you will consider
aggression and prosocial behavior. Be sure to use your own
academic voice
and apply
in-text citations
appropriately throughout your post.
Describe a scenario that illustrates either aggression or
prosocial behavior (from your own observations, something in
the media, etc.) and complete one of the following:
Aggression:
Review
research that examines a possible source of aggression (e.g.,
the media, weapons, alcohol, environmental factors, etc.).
Give specific examples
.
Explain
why this particular variable is/is not harmful. How does this
theory/research apply to the scenario you described?
You must utilize at least one relevant scholarly source in
addition to your textbook.
Prosocial Behavior:
Interpret
research on prosocial behavior, predicting who will help whom,
when, and why (e.g., empathy, cultural norms, gender,
religiosity, etc.).
Assess
whether this information might be useful in reducing
aggression/violence. How does this theory/research apply to the

2. scenario you described?
You must utilize at least one relevant scholarly source in
addition to your textbook.
Post your initial response of 250 words or more by
Day 3 (Thursday)
. Respond to at least two of your peers
who have taken a position opposite your own
by
Day 7 (Monday)
. You are encouraged to post one or more of your required
replies early each week (e.g., by Saturday) to stimulate more
meaningful and interactive discourse in the discussion forum.
In addition, strive to provide a response to classmates who
replied to your initial post and/or the Instructor (if applicable).
Peer responses may vary in length but should be carefully
crafted and insightful. Below are some suggestions to assist
your thinking.
Guided Response:
Reply to at least two or more peers overall. The goal of the
discussion forum is to foster continual dialogue, similar to what
might occur in a verbal face-to-face exchange. Consider the
following in your responses:
Does your peer’s argument fit with your own reading of the
literature/personal observations?
Can you identify other means of reducing antisocial
behavior/increasing prosocial behavior?
Carefully review the
Discussion Forum Grading Rubric
for the criteria that will be used to evaluate this Discussion
Thread.
Discussion 2
To prepare for this discussion, please read Chapters 12 of your
textbook
(Feenstra, 2013). Finally, review Instructor Guidance and
Announcements. In this discussion, you will consider

3. relationships. Be sure to use your own
academic voice
and apply
in-text citations
appropriately throughout your post.
Identify
a relationship (from a book, play, television show, movie,
etc.). For example, you might choose a love story or a story
about a deep friendship. Briefly
relate
pertinent information about the characters and the nature of
their relationship.
Analyze
the connection from a social psychological perspective.
Point out
specific examples to illustrate the following:
Which of the various factors in attraction are present?
Is the relationship based on friendship or love? If love, what
type of love is portrayed?
Summarize
any factors in the relationship that resulted in conflict. If the
relationship dissolved,
explain
factors that may have led to the demise.
Predict
elements that are present and may eventually create problems
in the relationship.
Post your initial response of 250 words or more by
Day 3 (Thursday)
. Respond to at least two of your peers by
Day 7 (Monday)
. You are encouraged to post one or more of your required
replies early each week (e.g., by Saturday) to stimulate more
meaningful and interactive discourse in the discussion forum.
In addition, strive to provide a response to classmates who
replied to your initial post and/or the Instructor (if applicable).

4. Peer responses may vary in length but should be carefully
crafted and insightful. Below are some suggestions to assist
your thinking.
Guided Response:
Reply to at least two or more peers overall. The goal of the
discussion forum is to foster continual dialogue, similar to what
might occur in a verbal face-to-face exchange. Consider the
following in your responses:
Can you apply additional theoretical principles to the chosen
relationship?
Do your personal experiences mirror theoretical predictions?
Carefully review the
Discussion Forum Grading Rubric
for the criteria that will be used to evaluate this Discussion
Thread.