1. Assignment 1 (Journal)
Name: Boon Yi Chung
Student ID: 0318300
Group/Session:Monday 4pm-6pm
Subject: Social Psychology(PSYC0103)

2. Concept: Confirmation Bias
Confirmation bias is when a person only pays attention to the information that support
the belief and disregarding information that contradict the belief.
Entry
When I was young,I used to think that reading a book is a very boring kind of
thing.So everytime when i get bored,I always play video games,watch television or go to
the park hangout with friend to spend some extra time or in another word,to waste the
extra time.My parents always encourage me to read a book when i have free time.I always
reject to read the book because in my mind,reading is veryboring.
One day,my father bought a China history book,”Three Kingdom”.He told me part
of the storyline and I found it interesting and curious about what is happening next.So I
lend the book from my dad and started to read the book.I found that reading a book not
only can let you gain more knowledge,I found that reading also can be veryinteresting.
So after that day,I love to read a book whenever I am free.This bias cause me to
assume that reading is veryboring but it actually can be interesting and meaningful.

3. Concept: Overconfidence barrier
Overconfidence barrier means the belief that our own judgement or control is
better or greater than it truly is.
Entry
When I was in my high school,I remember that when I was in form 1,my
mathematics was very good.I always get at least 90 marks in my test.So,I am very
confident on this subject.I barely practise my math at home.We have a big test
named PMR in our form 3 year.I remember that the week before the test for
mathematic,my parents and teacher asked me to practise more on math but I did
not listen to them.When the results cam out,I only got grade B for my
mathematic.I was very regret and upset on myself.
Because of my overconfident caused me cant get straight A in my test.I am
too confident on the test and did not prepare for it.So I have to take full
responsible for my mistake.

4. Concept: Operant Conditioning
Operant conditioning is using reinforcement or punishment to strengthen or weaken a
particular behaviour.
Entry
I remember past two month,my youngest brother just got his new mobile
phone so he is very excited.I can understand his feeling at the moment.Everyday
and night he also holding his new phone and never let it go at all.So my parents
are not happy with it.He told my brother not to do so because it might affect his
studies but he did not changed.
One day,my father went to my brother’s school for the open day.When my
father got my brother’s result,he got very angry on it because he almost failed all
his subject.When my father reached home,he confisicated his mobile phone for
almost a month.After a month,my brother’s academic result had a very obvious
improvement.He promised my father that he will manage his time well and will not
waste his time on mobile phone anymore.My father decided to return the phone
to my brother after he saw my brother’s improvement.
In this case,my father had used a negative punishment to my brother which he
confisicated my brother’s phone to make him focus on his study.

5. Concept: The illusion of control
Illusion of control is the perception that uncontrollable events are somehow controllable.
Entry
Me and my brother we each have one necklace with a charm that will keep us
safe.We went to the temple and get this by one of the monk.He say it can keep us safe if
we wear it.I trust that this charm will keep us safe.
One day,my brother went for a football competition.When he was playing in the
field,one of the opponent player rised his leg very high to get the ball.At the same
time,my brother was running towards to get the ball too.So,both of them went into a
collision and the opponent kicked my brother right on his chest.As we know,the football
shoe is sharp.At that time,when my brother get kicked right on his chest,he supposed to
get injured verybadly and get into the hospital but the charm he wearing already block
the impact.Nothing happen to my brother but the charm had broken.In another word,the
charm safe my brother’s life.
I believe that the charm can keep us safe.And the illusion of Control are very
suitable for this case.

6. Concept: Motivation
Motivation is a process that makes a person move toward a goal. Motivation can be
broken down into two categories, which is intrinsic motivation and extrinsic motivation.
Intrinsic motivation is taking a certain action for the sake of enjoyment without any
obvious external awards, whereas extrinsic motivation is taking a certain action in
response to external pressure or obligation.
Entry
I had a friend in high school,he is born in a rich family.So he do not worry anything
about money or something else.One day,he suddenly receive a call from home that his
father had past away due to heart attack.From that day on,everything has changed.
He been down for a few month and never come to school,everyday stay at home and
drink.He told us that his life is meaningless now,his father past away and their family had
bankrupt.But we remind him that he still have younger sibling and his mother.As a eldest
son,he should be responsible to takecare of his family and be a role model for his
younger siblings.From that day on,he study hard in school and score a good result so
that he can get a better job in the future to helps the family.
His family members are his motivation.He’s been studying hard and stay strong
because of his family members.So,the concept motivation are clearly shown in this case.