1. SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE, BUILDING AND DESIGN
THE DESIGN SCHOOL
FOUNDATION IN NATURAL BUILT ENVIRONMENT
ATTRACTION:
CHASING CHEMISTRY
Group Members : Ahmad Razin (0318799)
Chew Yu Jing (0317739)
Chia Sue Hwa (0317920)
Khor Yen Min (0318149)
Lecturer : T. Shankar
Intake : February 2014
Submission Date : 8TH December 2014
2. CONTENT PAGE
i. Acknowledgement
ii. Introduction
iii. Method
a) Apparatus / Materials
b) Procedure
iv. Discussion
a) Concept and Definition
b) Storyboard Design
c) Application and Analysis
d) Conclusion
v. References
vi. Appendix
3. i. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
This assignment would not be complete without the effort and co-operation from our group members, Ahmad Razin, Chew Yu Jing, Chia Sue Hwa and Khor Yen Min. We are grateful and satisfied that we managed to complete our Social Psychology assignment within the time given by our lecturer, Mr T. Shankar. Also, we sincerely thank him for the guidance and advice that led us to produce the video, report and presentation slides titled ‘Attraction: Chasing Chemistry’.
4. ii. INTRODUCTION
In this project, students are required to carry out a social psychology conceptual video clip and required to do a presentation in groups of 4 to 5 students. Students may use theories from a choice of topics taught and discussed in class.
Students are required to complete three tasks which include producing a video clip by using the concepts learned in class, written report of the video clip and presenting the clip to the class. This project will help students to learn and understand the connections between concepts and perspectives within psychology and with other disciplines. Hence, students will be able to engage in psychological inquiry and become self-regulated learners.
5. iii. METHOD
a) APPARATUS / MATERIALS
To ensure that our group video entitled ‘Attraction: Chasing Chemistry’ was filmed realistically, we conducted several discussions on the tools and props needed to complete the storyboard act. Below is a list of items used:
Filming Equipment:
Two cameras (DSLR 90 and D3100 ) – to record a series of short scenes efficiently and from different viewpoints if necessary.
Tripod – to hold the camera steadily while filming.
Two mobile phones (iPhones) – to record audio dialogues to be inserted into the video during the editing process.
Office chair – cameras were placed on it to film scenes in a variety of angles, motions and techniques.
Video Editing Software:
Sony Vegas Pro
FL Studio
Audacity
YouTube-mp3.org
YouTube
Props and Costumes
Work set – Papers, books, materials, a T-square, laptop bag and a laptop, all placed on a drafting table in an architectural studio on campus.
Easel – as a complementary prop in the ending scene.
6. Nerd costume – The main character wears two collared and buttoned T-shirts tucked into jeans with belt, high socks and shoes. He also wears broken spectacles and a digital watch.
Popular girl costume – The secondary girl character wears a fitting blouse paired with a miniskirt and denim jacket. She also wears hoop earrings and high heels and is always seen with a tote bag, a cup of coffee and her iPhone.
b) PROCEDURE
Setting:
To create a more engaging approach through our video, we filmed our video in a variety of venues, all in Taylor’s Lakeside Campus. In sequence of the video, these include -
An architectural studio in Block E
The corridor directly outside
An elevator in Block E
The Waterfront seating area
Subway, the sandwich café
The front steps by the lake
Library book aisle and discussion room
Timing:
We separated the video into two segments to film on two separate occasions, to maximize the time spent on this assignment. Daytimes were an essential accompaniment to the atmosphere in the video which was vibrant and cheerful, due to good natural lighting.
1. Early afternoon around 11 a.m.
7. 2. Early afternoon to mid-afternoon, around 11a.m. to 2p.m.
Operation:
1. Discussion
In depth, pre-discussions were the basis of our videos. After finalizing the main theme of our video through brainstorming, which is attraction and chemistry, we looked deeper to fabricate a main storyline that encompass five most suitable social psychology concepts. Next, all four of us suggested smaller storylines and scenes that would convey each message specifically and clearly. At the same time, we would write down notes for our own reference and also proper documentation.
2. Role delegation
The assignment has several components that needed input from every single man in the team. Thus, we discussed and settled the person-in-charge according to each member’s skillset for each section, to ensure constant and efficient progress. Everyone is required to pull their own weight. However, as a team, we often suggest areas of improvement and ideas for each other to better the quality of our work. Below is a table of our task delegation system –
Member
Overall Context
Video Context
Yu Jing
Main slides maker and presenter
Extra-audio editor
Main character, the Nerd
Yen Min
Videographer
Tertiary character, Sceptical Friend One
8. 3. Video Filming
As mentioned above, we recorded the video on two separate occasions, both times directly after group discussions. Reason being, this kept the focus and memory of the desired video content fresh in our minds, which brought out the mood and spirits of us acting in the video. The two events -
The third scene: The Nerd and Sceptical friends talking by the Waterfront.
The first, second and fourth scene: The scenes in the architectural studio, corridor and other various places.
Obtaining a clear command of what was supposed to be achieved for each scene, things were rather smooth during video filming. We often acted out one scene several times to capture the best cut. During which we also contribute in terms of ideas to the actors and videographer, for example, filming angles and techniques, besides quirks and actions to be shown in the video.
Our impromptu way of jazzing up the video definitely contributed to its overall message and mood. Not only that, the speed and flow of filming one scene after another on just two occasions also made the video more continuous. The group’s efficiency as a whole created excellent flow of ideas and video quality.
4. Analysis. Tabulation and Presentation
Main video and audio editor
Sue
Main report writer
Presenter
Secondary character, the Cliché Popular Girl
Razin
Manpower and assistant
Tertiary character, Sceptical Friend Two
9. Besides the video, presentation slides and the report were components that required input. Proper analysis, research and format were used in the making of each section to deliver clear and concise results. Even though there was a leader for all sections, each group member contributed to each one, which quickened the process. Lastly, we cross-checked everyone’s work to further improve on necessary areas.
In terms of presentation, we rehearsed a few times to ensure the flow of speech and points to explain our video and report to the class.
As a conclusion, operation of the whole assignment was quite smooth without any major challenges. Also satisfying with good company and humour.
iv. DISCUSSION
10. a) CONCEPT AND DEFINITION
To start it off, continuous brainstorming sessions sparked the idea of basing our assignment concept on attraction and chemistry. Although we previously had a list other notions, none came as significant and engaging as this one.
Attraction is defined as the natural feeling of being drawn to other individuals and desiring their company. That unconscious yet instinctive pull all individuals have towards another specific personality or aura is what we find particularly intriguing.
The psychology of attraction is the study of what makes people tick. Based on one simple rule: we are attracted to people that turn us on. Not just physically but emotionally too. Inspiring desire and hope in us for something beckoning in the unknown. Leaves us wondering with stars in our hearts and minds. Leading from attraction, a chase for chemistry starts.
Our main theme describes five concepts that are united by a common storyline, that being attraction and chemistry. These five are traits of human psychology that are portrayed and explained in the context of our video, and further backed up by written analysis and study through this report and presented through slides for further understanding. These concepts include the halo effect, the mood-congruent effect, stereotyping, optimistic bias and intrinsic motivation, all illustrated according to the main theme of attraction.
11. b) STORYBOARD DESIGN
Group discussions first led to recording of aims and techniques we wished to use in the video through paper and pen. Then, we enhanced and strengthened the power of the message by actively displaying five concepts merged in a single storyline. Before proceeding to film the video -
We drew a visual storyboard that would guide us through the process of understanding the concepts.
A rough script was also written to provide the foundation for the actors to work with.
Attached are copies of the hand-drawn storyboard and dialogue script.
12. c) APPLICATION AND ANALYSIS
The style of our video consists of five scenes, each showing a specific social psychology concept, in the context of attraction. Below is an in-depth analysis of each scene and how each concept applies respectively through screenshots of the video taken and relevant explanation.
1. Scene One – The Halo Effect
Scene Description: The Nerd is busying himself finishing up work in the studio, while muttering to himself about its importance, Suddenly, he sees the alluring silhouette of a stranger girl, the Cliché Popular Girl walk past and is momentarily stunned. After a few seconds of mental debate, he rushes out of the studio in a burst of energy to run after her only to be a few seconds late as she enters the elevator. He then breaks down.
Concept Definition: The Halo Effect is a type of cognitive bias in which our overall impression of a person influences how we feel and think about his or her character.
The Cliché Popular Girl walking past the Nerd's Studio
13. Explanation: Also known as the physical attractiveness stereotype and the "what is beautiful is good" principle, the halo effect, at the most specific level, refers to the habitual tendency of people to rate attractive individuals more favourably for their personality traits or characteristics. Halo effect is also used in a more general sense to describe the global impact of likeable personality, or some specific desirable trait, in creating biased judgments of the target person on any dimension. Thus, feelings generally overcome cognitions when we appraise others.
Application: The Nerd looks up in a split second to realize a physically appealing figure of a female strut past and is captured in the moment of her presence. His first thought of ‘Wow, she’s stunning!’ unconsciously leads him to also perceive her as an attractive, successful and likable person instantly. Pushing any negative thoughts or doubts out of his mind in the few seconds of mental debate, he immediately runs after her in and attempt of desperation, only to face disappointment.
14. 2. Scene Two – The Mood-Congruent Effect
Scene Description: A few short scenes of the Nerd doing daily activities such as eating a sandwich and looking for books at the library then suddenly falling into dazed thoughts about his memory of the Cliché Popular Girl. The Nerd realizes that he is in bliss every time he recalls her and wonders to the sky at possibilities of meeting her again.
Concept Definition: A memory process that selectively retrieves memories that match (are congruent with) one's mood.
Explanation: This effect is the common relation between one and his or her respective memories. Simply put, when something happens that strongly affects your mood the memory will be retrieved when experiencing the mood again, or vice versa. Also a recollection of memories based upon the emotion that you are feeling at that one particular moment of recollection. Depending on your mood, you will think of past memories that relate to your recent mood.
The Nerd admiring the Christmas tree is suddenly struck by happiness at the thought of his dream girl.
15. Application: The Nerd moves on with everyday life as usual after the heart-fluttering incident with the Popular Girl. But he stays constantly happy, stuck in the mushy feeling of (one-sided) love at first sight. His memory always stays with the time where she walked past his workplace, because he was in euphoria. Thus, his head is in the clouds with joy every time he recollects her.
16. 3. Scene Three
Scene Description: The Nerd packs his backpack and walks down the corridor, still fumbling for something. The Cliché Popular Girl walks down the hall while scrolling down her phone and they accidentally bump into each other. The Girl continues walking obliviously after a quick apology but the Nerd gapes after her after realizing that it was the girl that he was crazy about.
This scene does not show a particular concept but instead provides a closer look to further comprehend the video. This leads to the next scene.
Figure 1 The Nerd's second encounter with the Popular Cliché Girl: an accidental bump!
17. 4. Scene Four – Stereotype and Optimistic Bias
Scene Description: This scene starts with the Nerd relaxing by the campus Waterfront with his two Sceptical Friends. He then confesses about his love for the Cliché Popular Girl just through two short encounters to them. Knowing his character, his two friends promptly proceed to question him anxiously about the girl’s physical and materialistic appearance, for example ‘Does she wear a miniskirt and high heels?’ Surprised and shocked, the Nerd then stops them by accusing them by being stereotypical and judgemental. His rebuttals then turn to unrealistic and ignorant optimism of his hope to be with her someday. His friends silently oblige but look dissatisfied with his reason.
Concept Definition:
Stereotype – .A fixed, over generalized belief about a particular group or class of people.
Optimistic Bias - The tendency of individuals to underestimate the likelihood they will experience adverse events.
The Nerd and his Sceptical Friends discussing his seemingly redundant feelings for the Girl.
The Cliché Popular Girl displays her materialistic attributes in the video that lives up to her character.
18. Application: In an attempt to scrutinize the Nerd’s mysterious attraction to this unknown girl, the two Sceptical friends quickly move on to shoot questions at him regarding her appearance, since that was the only part of her he was familiar with. They automatically categorize her into the cliché, popular type of university females, the kind that was physically provocative, probably a full-time money-spender and heart-breaker, and has a spoilt and shallow personality. They do this immediately because their schemas of girls who dress and walk like that usually resonates with this category. However, the Nerd objects angrily by being unrealistically hopeful that he will get to know her better someday. He protests by accusing them of forming their opinion of her by only her outlook. On a dreamier note, he is determined to get closer to the Cliché Popular Girl and pushes away any thought of rejection or him getting ‘friend-zoned’ from his mind. Being positive keeps him on the high that he feels for her.
Explanation:
Stereotype –
By stereotyping, we infer that a person has a whole range of characteristics and abilities that we assume all members of that group have. Stereotypes lead to social categorization, which is one of the reasons for prejudice attitudes (e.g. “them” and “us” mentality) which leads to in-groups and out-groups. Most stereotypes probably tend to convey a negative impression. One disadvantage is that it makes us ignore differences between individuals; therefore we think things about people that might not be true, or make generalizations. Negative stereotypes seem far more common, however.
19. Optimistic Bias –
In other words, optimistic bias is a well-established illusion that one's future is rosier than it really will be. Optimistic bias seems greater on issues that are more a matter of personal control, which suggests that it is largely due to people overestimating how skilled they are relative to other people. Optimism bias also tends to be magnified when the risky event is regarded as controllable-that is, when the event can be prevented through caution, effort, or ingenuity. Specifically, individuals tend to feel they are not susceptible to events they can control, in this case, an unlikely relationship. However, they perceive other individuals as susceptible even to risks that can be controlled or prevented.
20. 5. Scene Five – Intrinsic Motivation
Scene Description: The Nerd is studying as he walks into the studio. He is startled when he realised the girl he’s been obsessed about was painting on an easel with her back to him. After a few moments of excited and exhilarated mental deliberation, he makes up his mind to tap her on the shoulder to finally see her face for the first time. The video ends on a hilarious note as she turns around and he is shocked to find that her face is not what he expected.
Concept: Behaviour that is driven by internal rewards.
Application: The Nerd unexpectedly sees the girl of his dreams alone, and is excited at the thought of seeing her face and speaking to her for the first time. In the moment, he is overcome with an overwhelming urge to approach her and to overcome his insecurities. This is because of his genuine and intense feelings towards her from the heart that originates from his experience and memories. That motivated him to take the chance to get to know her, when many people in this situation would shy from the opportunity.
The Nerd notices the Cliché Popular Girl in the studio as he walks in
21. Explanation: Intrinsic motivation refers to motivation that comes from inside an individual rather than from any external or outside rewards. This motivation comes from the pleasure one gets from the task itself or from the sense of satisfaction in completing or even working on a task. An intrinsically motivated person will work on a solution to a problem because the challenge of finding that solution provides a sense of pleasure.
22. v. REFERENCES
Nisbett, R. E., Wilson, T. D. (1977). The Halo Effect: Evidence for Unconscious Alteration of Judgments. [ONLINE] Available at: http://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/handle/2027.42/92158/TheHaloEffect.pdf?sequence=1. [Last Accessed 1 December 2014].
Van Lange, P. A. M., Kruglanski, A. W., Higgins, E. T. (2011). Handbooks of Theories of Social Psychology. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.europhd.eu/html/_onda02/07/PDF/21th_lab_scientificmaterial/handbook_ theories_social_psychology.pdf. [Last Accessed 1 December 2014].
Worchel, S. (2000). Social Psychology. Australia, Belmont, CA : Wadsworth.
Baron, R. A., Byme, D. (2000). Social Psychology. Boston : Allyn & Bacon.
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