concepts

1. 1 NOVEMBER 2014
JOURNAL 01: SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY
ENTRY 01: CONFIRMATION BIAS
“Confirmation bias. The peculiar and perpetual error of the human understanding to be more moved
and excited by affirmatives than by negatives. “Francis Bacon once said.
Agreeing to that thought, human nature is to seek confirmation. A piece of information, fact or
another’s opinion, ultimately, that acknowledgement that speaks ‘Yes, I AGREE with you.’ This
particular concepts highlights the tendency of humans to interpret or search for information in a
way that confirms his or her own perceptions. A type of selective thinking that also ignores or
undervalues the relevance of what contradicts one’s belief. That way, he wins the virtual war,
whether an internal or external one, and feeling better about himself in the process.
The phenomenon of confirmation bias is just beyond the thin line between reasonableness and close
mindedness. Forming judgement and belief on solid facts, history and experiments ought to be the
way of truth and living with a total sense of conscience. In my experience, meeting kindred spirits
like these make my day in the simplest way by just taking the most rational and neutral stance in
choosing on how to express themselves in a crowd and even to solve their own internal questions.
Though usually, this instinct is seemingly impossible to prevail, simply because nobody likes to admit
that their opinions are wrong.
A classic instance of a group that exhibits this particular type on cognitive bias is one that is generally
and undeniably traditional: the baby boomers. Granted that this generation were raised from the
ground up and have encountered hardships unimaginable by many, they feel a sense of being hard-etched
into the ways of the world. But this world is forever revolving around the axis of change,
bringing global issues along with it: nothing stays still for long. But these contemporaries are
shrouded by their clouded judgement, not meaning to be obstinate but purely just supporting their
‘ancient’ way of thinking.
My ‘ahma’ or grandmother (dad’s mum) has ingrained it in her cognitive schemas to support only
what she wants to believe in and deter everything else. A common topic of heated conversation
would be the existence of other races (Malays and Indians) and their contribution to society, which
is invariably on a low level. (P.s You mustn’t mind Ahma, living in a Chinese community in a Chinese
village all her life with minimum exposure to anything beyond had firmly shaped her train of
thought). Confined to the house and her wheelchair, she doesn’t do anything more radical than

2. passionately relating her few unpleasant confrontations with the entire family chuckling silently in
the background. But on a more serious note, she clearly shows her displeasure at mixed marriages
into the family (whether inter-race or inter-religion) by nagging and worrying herself. Reading the
newspaper and chats with the family fuel her ego when she comes across common encounters and
events.
Despite numerous efforts to explain to Ahma that other races are people too, just like us, in fact, I
realize that she denies it by connecting the dots only to her own experiences. Not being able to
accept the world and its whole truth, my grandma draws the boundaries of her own world in the late
stages of her life.
Conclusively, limiting oneself to the possibilities that come with ideas we’d never think of is a result
of confirmation bias.

3. JOURNAL 01: SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY
1 NOVEMBER 2014
JOURNAL 01: SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY
ENTRY 02: SOCIAL FACILLITATION
The word ‘motivation’ brings about many meanings and forms. But ultimately amounting to its final
purpose of a catalyst in achieving that highest goal. And when we live alongside each other, don’t
you find it awesome how people motivate people?
Social facilitation is a fine example of positive behaviours in a community that share the same
purpose. In this case, competitive qualities are defined as the need for more and the shining
recognition at the end of it. From an individual’s viewpoint, his single goal is to come out of the
other side of the challenge a winner. But deftly, he also comes off as a silent threat to other like-minded
individuals. For sure, everyone has found themselves in a similar situation when the
presence of others form an ever-shrinking wall of pressure that closes up on us. When all optimistic,
chirpy self-memos of ‘Do your best!’ seem horribly insufficient, our minds start to wander in panic to
include the prospects of the Others. In which case, branches out to how we cope with this stress.
Simply put, this would definitely boost a well -learned performance to greater heights, but put down
poor preparations in turn.
In my whole twelve years of schooling, from primary to high school and now my foundation year,
social facilitation has been blatantly present. Kids like me thrive off and even depend on communal
encouragement to ace in studies and grades. Not an unusual thing for hardworking groups usually
found in every community that have been inculcated with such values since birth, or put in layman
Malaysian slang, ‘kiasu’, to a certain degree anyway. The memory of fierce competition in high
school where the intellectual gang would hover over everybody’s result slip to make sure that they
had indeed slaughtered any form of threat will always stay vivid in my mind. You could actually feel
the envious and anxious feelings of jealousy radiating off as insecurities from those kids, but this
wouldn’t halt them physically or mentally. Because they would hit the books straightaway for the
next upcoming examinations, and that makes a difference in our circle of life. The perpetual race
never ends if nobody refuses to crawl away, defeated.
On the other side of the fence, there is always another category of students that cre ate a distance
between themselves and the need to rely on each other. Representing the negative effects of social
facilitation, these originally under-equipped individuals would tend to fall out and reject the
challenge of competition rather than pushing forward, because they come to see the dead end of

4. their disadvantage. But if they peek around the corner, they could find it in themselves to advance. It
depends on built-in personality and attitude, really, on how one deals with social pressure.
According to me, social facilitation is something that could be and should be cherished.

5. 3 NOVEMBER 2014
JOURNAL 02: THE SELF
ENTRY 01: SELF-DISCREPANCY THEORY
Learning about this theory in class came as a both a shock and surprise, not unpleasant but rather
comforting. To actually have it in black-and-white writing that I am actually not the only human
being struggling to curb internal voices of my inner selves. Haha.
Even the word ‘discrepancy’ sounds discreet enough, like how all of us have a variation of
personalities, hopes and priorities encased within the image of ourselves. This theory further
explains that these separate entities are the reasons for insecurities, second doubts and internal
conflicts that we face. We become confused in the midst of seeking what we really want to look for
from all these different characters that we feel sometimes feel lost, and admit it, a little hopeless.
Based on the multi-filtered
image above,
there are three versions
of the Self that we make
up. First, the Real self,
which is a direct
translation of the traits
and personalities we
actually possess. Secondly, the Ought self is the self that is concerned with duties, obligations and
demands that people feel compelled to honour. And finally, the Ideal self is the one that takes it all:
This self embodies people’s wishes and also self-aspirations to lead the ‘perfect’ life. If you think this
sounds complex, imagine people who are always caught up deciding on their Selves!
In my experience, I’ve identified three people whom I know who positively demonstrate clear
understanding and acceptance of their inner Selves. And I’m glad to share that the one thing they all
have in common is their faith and religion. On a more cheerful note compared to the top half of this
entry, my friends, Cody, Arnold and Teacher Callie have a definite grip on their actual capabilities
and limitations, not forgetting their moral obligations to the external world and lastly, their higher
calling on what they want out of life. Personally, I’ve always respected and liked the fact that they
can call themselves truthful and own up to their actions in all situations.
Self-discrepancy is what we choose to make of it.

6. 3 NOVEMBER 2014
JOURNAL 02: THE SELF
ENTRY 02: THE FALSE CONSENSES EFFECT
Self-principles and values are what makes an individual. And he knows that.
Because so many interpretations and emotions regarding specific subject matter exist out there,
each one of us often feel differently due to our own range of knowledge, past experiences and so
on. But we are sometimes unable to see this situation as it is. Journeying from that, it is only natural
to initiate conversations and interactions with individuals and parties to discover more about the
weight and reason of their opinions. Surprisingly, they differ from our own! Then, we would absorb
the new information and unconsciously relate it to what we ourselves appreciate or perceive about
the subject. Lastly, comes the process of thinking. Hard.
Assuming everyone shares the same concept is invariably easy to do. Similar to ice-breaking
atmospheres in groups, the likelihood of getting along with someone depends heavily on the mutual
topics of conversation, life encounters and interest shared in a relationship. Thus, the person is seen
as much more likable (because she’s just like me!) and everything would flow on much more
naturally. But in hard, cold truth, they don’t! But we regularly make that mistake of generalising
people we meet according to our own beliefs, attitudes and behaviours. Because what is right for us
may not be right for them.
I have a rather recent story to tell on this, and rather hilarious too. So me being a borderline Taoist /
borderline atheist, accompanied my close atheist friend (his parents are religious Christians, thus the
forced church trips) to a Sunday morning session. After the preaching, we were walking towards the
exit to stretch our legs when a rosy-faced, middle-aged couple approached us out of nowhere. With
the most enthusiastic cheer, they invited us into the Newcomer room with smiles wide enough so
we couldn’t reject them without being rude. And so we sat uncomfortably, while they poured us tea
uncomfortably: the whole atmosphere was plain uncomfortable because it was evident what
message this couple wanted to pass forward.
As predicted, then started with small talk about which college, what do your parents do, slowly
hinting at the most obvious question, ‘Why are you not a Christian??? Become one immediately.’
proceeding to describe to us the perks of attending church routinely, praying and how to think. The
awkward, one-way, probing conversation was not something I appreciated as I felt as though a life
choice was being imposed upon me, just because two people sitting across of me think so. If I chose
to look in the brighter light of it, I’d say the couple we re simply sharing their wonderful lifelong joys

7. of basking in the Lord’s love, as they probably want to make a difference in someone else’s too.
Though, minus the sugar coating, it IS a relatively shallow thing to do, converting people.
Thus, assumption is never the best approach.

8. 4 NOVEMBER 2014
JOURNAL 03: SOCIAL COGNITION
ENTRY 01: OPTIMISM BIAS
After reading a few excerpts from the book ‘The Optimistic Bias’ by Tali Sharot, I grasp the idea of
how we’re wired to look on the bright side, generally anyway. Even though we call ourselves rational
creatures, always trying to do the right thing for each situation that befalls, scientists have proven
that we are more optimistic than realistic. Now that I think about it, I wind up being way more
positive about the prospect or turnout of an event compared to its actual outcome. In my opinion, I
suppose the reason why is because I am not yet hit in the face with the actual occurrence of the
event, but rather imagining the promise it shall bring. After all, why would anyone want to think
about their near future to turning out worse than expected? Thus, my mind would rather immerse
itself in happy possibilities. I’d far rather look at the potential plus points than to dampen my spirits
with realistic expectations.
Looking at the world now, you might expect humans to feel worse about our prospect, with the
existence of natural disasters, economic crises, and social problems. Collectively, people can grow
increasingly pessimistic about the direction of a country, or the ability of their leaders to solve
problems. But private optimism is quite different. Hopes and dreams about personal future remains
incredibly resilient.
To make progress, we have to look forward to the
future and believe it will be better than the past or
the present. Now that I put thought into it, I noticed
that every time I fail my expectations in an
assignment or an exam, I always usually cheer my
subsequent dismal self with promises that I’d do
better next time. And then proceed to take mental
notes of what I can improve on. After a short period of a few days, I’d have let go of my sour feelings
and decide to start over from that point of time. I rarely stop to ponder on the possibility of future
failure. I’ve decided, that that’s the best face to put on when getting back up on my feet again. There
isn’t a better way than to keep my chin up.
Because even if that better future is an illusion, it clearly puts my mind at ease and rest. Being a type
of cognitive bias, it could lead to disastrous miscalculations by overly-positive miscalculations, but
more importantly, it protects and inspires us towards brighter prospects.

9. The science of optimism is opening a new window on the workings of human consciousness. What it
shows could fuel a revolution in psychology, as the field comes to grips with accumulating evidence
that our brains aren't just stamped by the past. They are constantly being shaped by the future.

10. 4 NOVEMBER 2014
JOURNAL 03: SOCIAL COGNITION
ENTRY 02: STEREOTYPING
Stereotyping. We hear this word everywhere, all the time. That’s probably because it IS everywhere,
at all times.
As a type of schema that is ingrained in one’s brain since an early stage, we stereotype before we
even know what it actually is. Until this elder came along one day and introduced the concept of
generalizing people in categories. Simple, everyday stereotypes in campus such as ‘All the IT and
Biosciences guys wear glasses’ and ‘All the Mass Comm girls are pretty and fashio nable’ are literally
mutual, common knowledge. The use of stereotypes is a major way in which we simplify our social
world; since they reduce the amount of processing (such as thinking) we have to do when we meet a
new person. Although, most stereotypes tend to convey negative impressions of people. Which is
sort of skipping way ahead of judgement before even getting to know him or her.
One very relevant example is the ironic situation in my household where my dad scorns on all
human beings with tattoos and piercings ornamenting their bodies, but my sister had coincidentally
grown to become a metal-lover. Over dinner the other night, she was pleading my parents to allow
her to attend a concert of her favourite band happening soon, which sparked up a heated debate
(for about the millionth time) whether all tattoo-and-piercing-bearing citizens are the grime of this
earth (my dad being government, of course). My sister retorted with her usual defence of my dad
being overly judgemental, traditional and close-minded. Excellent points she brings up, I would say,
like how each band member, or anyone with tattoos for that matter, are living people too, with their
own jobs, dreams, hopes, hobbies, likes and dislikes. And that categorizing them as drug addicts and
ravers is not the way to see things. By the end of it, my dad couldn’t win the dispute without looking
like an autocratic dictator, so he finally gave in to my sister’s clever persuasion skills by granting her
permission to be part of her beloved concert.
Another stereotype that personally affects me is the perception that Taylor’s University Lakeside
Campus students are the Richie Riches, the big money-spenders and party-rockers, squandering
their parent’s money to get the most out of that sweet university experience. Even I used to hold
that opinion regarding the school’s image, but now that I am actually a student there , I can safely say
those kids make up a small percentage of the overal l number, which comprises an equal distribution
of the usual types of students. The reason that originally lead to the mention of this stereotype is
actually the design of the beautiful campus that won many architectural awards, thus people assume

11. it as an expensive and exclusive private institution. In truth, Lakeside is alike many other universities,
what with the usual pre-U courses at reasonable prices.
In conclusion, stereotyping is prejudice at the next level, and nearly always for a bad reason.

12. 8 NOVEMBER 2014
JOURNAL 04: SOCIAL PERCEPTION
ENTRY 01: THE HALO EFFECT
The Halo Effect. Gives a quirky ring to to it, but is actually a variant of stereotype, known as the
physical attractiveness stereotype. A relatable quote, ‘what is be autiful is good’ summarizes the
definition of this social impression humans tend to possess when meeting or getting to know certain
people in daily life.
That first impression of a physically attractive person would leave people feeling happy thereafter.
Reason being, who isn’t at least drawn to a handsome guy or a beautiful female? According to this
effect, human behaviour already starts to judge internally, associating attitudes and opinions about
this heavenly couple way before even talking to them. And studies show that most of us rate
attractive individuals more favourably for their personality traits or characteristics than those who
are less attractive.
Makes us sound mean, doesn’t it? But it is hardwired into the way to think and perceive strangers.
Before knowing them anyway. A common example that displays the halo effect everywhere is
advertising at its simplest – the usage of celebrities as models to promote their fashion brand. Take
Nicole Kidman for Omega Ladymatic watches for example. Besides possessing celestial physique and
facial features, the customer base would make an inference about the personalities of Ms Kidman
before considering the value of the watch. They would relate and evaluate her personal
characteristics (that they assume Ms Kidman possesses, from a particular image or advertisement),
shaping the image of her as a role model or imaginary leader in their minds.
Truth is, we think that anyone who’s image
is primped to become some sort of higher
person definitely also has similar qualities
to his or her looks. In the image here, the
general crowd would probably perceive
Nicole as a graceful, feminine charmer. She
has strong opinions and personality judging
from the intensity of her gaze. And since
she is wearing a mature, beautiful and functional watch, her personalities must match up to that
too. Thus, ladies who desire to own the above traits feel more compelled to purchase the Ladymatic
watch.

13. Being aware of the halo effect, however, does not make it easy to avoid its influence on our
perceptions and decisions. Though we can try to think rationally amidst this biasness.

14. 8 NOVEMBER 2014
JOURNAL 04: SOCIAL PERCEPTION
ENTRY 02: THE PRIMACY AND RECENCY EFFECT
From an overall viewpoint of looking at general human interaction, our everyday life cycle is made
out of routine. A repetition of activities that do tend to blur together, from the beginning till the end,
make us unable to remember details.
However, we do commemorate the most
significant points of time where
something in particular snags our
attention. In the event of a long series of
repetition, it somehow slips our memory,
especially details of the middle. However,
the moment that presents most
outstandingly and fresh in our minds for
the longest period of time would likely be
the most initial and final memory. The
primacy effect results in information presented earlier being better remembered than information
presented later on. The recency effect results in better recall of the most recent information
presented. Together, these two effects result in the earliest and latest information in a given
presentation being recalled best, with information in the middle being least remembered.
A prime instance of manipulating this cognitive brain rule we have is media and marketing: such
ingenious tactics that’ll make you swoon, as these methods have already been unconsciously
affecting your mind. Marketing strategies control the first message using pre-release hype, maxing
out promotions and advertisements, all promising an unbelievably stunner of a product, warning all
to anticipate with expectations. In the middle period comes the actual release and sales of the
product. Meanwhile, they also make the last message count by making sure they are memorable
and fresh in everyone’s minds, leaving the best impression possible. Product quality and attractive
packaging are all part of the plan of the recency effect on the customer’s memory.
On a separate, more personal note, I now realize that I don’t pay attention to the whole process of
every occurrence. Flashing back on my high-tension piano examinations a few years back, my
clearest memory is how I started the exam with sweaty palms and dreadful anticipation and lastly,
how I walked out anticipating the examination result outcome in a few months’ time to be even

15. more dreadful! Or on the numerous instances I am lectured by Mom in an effort to take better care
of my locks, I never really remember the bulk of all her nasty remarks, but only the stimuli that
caused her to harper on the topic (again?!) and also her gentler tone of advice afterwards.
An unavoidable, but not altogether bad mental habit, the primacy and recency effect.

16. 9 NOVEMBER 2014
JOURNAL 05: ATTITUDES
ENTRY 01: POST-DECISION DISSONANCE
Before I continue with this entry, let me share this theatrically accurate piece of poetry reflecting
post-decision dissonance.
“In ancient Rome, there was a poem about a dog who found two bones. He picked at one, he licked
the other. He went in circles. He dropped dead.” –DEVO
What food for thought!
Decisions have always been an unavoidable part of our lives. Some choices are hard to make,
especially when the options we are faced with are nearly equivalent. Nevertheless, we manage to
make decisions every day and, buyer’s remorse notwithstanding, we frequently feel satisfied with
our choices. And what about those previously attractive alternatives? Would your mind covertly
rewind to linger to compare the options yet again even though you have already conf irmed your
decision?
Well, we tell ourselves, those forsaken options were somehow lacking anyway. But have we arrived
at that conclusion through rational consideration of each alternative’s objective value, or do we
subjectively—and retroactively—adjust the value we place on rejected options in order to feel
better about the choice we made?
One major and closest instance I can think
of regarding this type of dissonance would
be the final verdict to take up foundation
in architecture that I released to my
physical self, family and friends about a
year ago. As of now, I have minimal
doubts concerning my path in
architectural studies and eventually
career, because what I’m learning inspire me to continue every time I fail. I definitely felt shaky
about it two months fresh into foundation though.
That was the period of time when high school gangs and besties split up according to their different
college courses and programmes, the time when everyone makes new besties and partner-in-crimes.
At that point, we were overthrown with a whole bunch of assignments to figure out, new

17. routines, and a whole new lifestyle to get used to. I recalled looking around at all my high school
friends, struggling to cram their brain juice into memorizing Biology and practicing Physics. And
wondered how I’d do on the other side. Then I looked back into my pile of assignments with a wan
smile. But at least it was a smile.
I’m not a hard-core bookworm anyway.

18. 9 NOVEMBER 2014
JOURNAL 05: ATTITUDES
ENTRY 02: ATTITUDES AND BEHAVIOUR
What is your opinion on fast food chain restaurants? Death penalty? Political parties and their
games? Having another child with your partner?
Chances are that you probably have fairly strong opinions on these and similar questions. You've
developed attitudes about such issues, and these attitudes influence your beliefs as well as your
behaviour.
The real definition of what an attitude really is a learned
tendency to evaluate things in a certain way. This can
include evaluations of people, issues, objects or events.
Such evaluations are often positive or negative, but they
can also be uncertain at times. For example, you might
have mixed feelings about a particular person or issue.
The mystery of why you don’t always act in accordance to
what you feel is finally solved.
How is attitude related to behaviour? We tend to assume
that people behave in accordance with their attitudes. However, social psychologists have found
that attitudes and actual behaviour are not always perfectly aligned. Referred to as cognitive
dissonance, people may change their attitudes to reflect their current behaviour.
Imagine the following situation (completely unrelated to the comic strip above). An example
extracted from a close girlfriend’s current experience. *Sienna is one of the most hardworking,
responsible and capable individuals for miles around, with a constant drive for surpassing everyone’s
expectations including her own. Then she met *David, a happy-go-lucky and fun-loving hipster. They
fell in love quickly, that passion probably stemming from their difference in principles. She had two
options, to end their relationship and find a more mature companion, or either deemphasize the
value of security and compatibility. In order to minimize the dissonance between your conflicting
attitude and behaviour, you either have to change the attitude or change your actions.
Sienna couldn’t cut off their feelings, so she decided to give their relationship a try by embracing and
accepting their differences even though they were on shaky ground. They changed each other, both
for the better, proving that mental balance is the door to peace.