Research Topic Proposal For Your Written Assignment This Wee

Research Topic Proposal your Written Assignment This Week Is Preparatio

Your written assignment this week is preparation for your final assignment due in Week 6. Your final assignment will involve conducting a brief observational only investigation designed to help answer a research question. This week you will choose a topic in social psychology and conduct an in-depth literature review of the topic. From this literature review, you will develop the research question related to the topic. You will identify at least three articles that you reviewed that address the research question using scientific methods of investigation.

Finally, you will outline a plan for your own observational investigation designed to add to the body of knowledge on the topic and help answer the research question. This week’s paper should be in the form of a research topic proposal and should include: · an overview of the topic · literature review of the topic · your research question · identification of one to three articles from the literature review that describe scientific investigations designed to address the research question · an outline of a proposed brief observational only investigation designed to help answer the research question Note that your investigation should be brief and should not require interaction between you and the research subjects. It should be simple enough that it not require approval from the IRB, but you must have approval from your instructor before proceeding

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction to the Social Psychology Topic

For this research proposal, the chosen topic in social psychology is "The Influence of Social Norms on Behavior." Social norms are unwritten rules that govern behavior within a society or group, influencing individual actions and attitudes. Understanding how social norms shape behavior is essential for comprehending social influence, conformity, and social cohesion. This topic is pertinent because social norms impact various aspects of daily life, from peer interactions to organizational policies, and have implications for social change and intervention programs.

Literature Review

Research indicates that social norms significantly influence individual behavior across diverse contexts. Cialdini, Kallgren, and Reno (1990) demonstrated that descriptive norm messages—informing individuals about what most people do—can effectively alter behaviors such as littering and energy consumption. Their experiments showed that individuals are more likely to conform to observed norms, especially when the norms are salient and perceived as relevant to their identity. Similarly, Clark and Maier (2006) explored injunctive norms—perceptions of what others approve or disapprove of—and found these to be powerful predictors of behaviors like recycling and adherence to social rules.

Furthermore, the work of Goldstein, Cialdini, and Griskevicius (2008) emphasized that subtle cues related to social norms can modify behavior without explicit instructions. Their field experiments revealed that messages highlighting that most peers engage in environmentally friendly behaviors significantly increased participation rates. These findings suggest that social norms operate through automatic processes and can be leveraged to promote positive social behaviors. Lastly, Schultz, Nolan, Cialdini, Goldstein, and Griskevicius (2007) highlighted the concept of social proof, where individuals look to others' actions to determine appropriate conduct, reinforcing the power of normative influence.

Research Question

Based on the literature review, the central research question is: "How do descriptive social norms influence individual littering behavior in public spaces?"

Articles Addressing the Research Question

  1. Cialdini, R. B., Kallgren, C. A., & Reno, R. R. (1990). A focus theory of normative conduct: A theoretical refinement and empirical test. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 58(6), 1015–1026.
  2. Goldstein, N. J., Cialdini, R. B., & Griskevicius, V. (2008). A room with a viewpoint: Using social norms to motivate environmental conservation in hotel rooms. Journal of Consumer Research, 35(3), 472–482.
  3. Schultz, P. W., Nolan, J. M., Cialdini, R. B., Goldstein, N. J., & Griskevicius, V. (2007). The constructive, destructive, and reconstructive power of social norms. Psychological Science, 18(5), 429–434.

Proposed Observational Investigation

The proposed investigation aims to observe littering behaviors in a public park environment, focusing on the influence of visible normative cues. Observers will discreetly monitor designated areas during peak usage times over multiple days to gather data on whether individuals litter and whether normative cues are present. One approach involves placing signage that indicates most park visitors do not litter (descriptive norm message) and comparing littering rates before and after the signage is displayed. Observers will record the number of littering incidents, distinguishing whether individuals are affected by the normative cue based on contextual cues such as the presence of signage or peer behaviors.

This observational method is non-intrusive and requires no interaction with subjects, aligning with ethical standards that circumvent the need for IRB approval. Data collection will involve systematic noting of littering behavior, environmental conditions, and the presence of normative messages. This straightforward approach enables testing the hypothesis that normative cues reduce littering behavior, contributing valuable insights into how social norms operate in natural settings and informing potential interventions.

References

  • Cialdini, R. B., Kallgren, C. A., & Reno, R. R. (1990). A focus theory of normative conduct: A theoretical refinement and empirical test. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 58(6), 1015–1026.
  • Goldstein, N. J., Cialdini, R. B., & Griskevicius, V. (2008). A room with a viewpoint: Using social norms to motivate environmental conservation in hotel rooms. Journal of Consumer Research, 35(3), 472–482.
  • Schultz, P. W., Nolan, J. M., Cialdini, R. B., Goldstein, N. J., & Griskevicius, V. (2007). The constructive, destructive, and reconstructive power of social norms. Psychological Science, 18(5), 429–434.
  • Feenstra, J. (2013). Social Psychology. San Diego: Bridgepoint Education, Inc.
  • Baumeister, R. F., Masicampo, E. J., & Vohs, K. D. (2011). Do conscious thoughts cause behavior? Annual Review of Psychology, 62, 331–361.
  • Graham, S., & Weiner, B. (1996). Theories and principles of motivation. In D. C. Berliner & R. Calfee (Eds.), Handbook of educational psychology (pp. 63-84). New York: Macmillan.
  • Lieberman, M. D. (2007). Social cognitive neuroscience: A review of core processes. Annual Review of Psychology, 58, 259–289.
  • Miquelon, P., & Vallerand, R. J. (2008). Goal motives, well-being, and physical health: An integrated model. Canadian Psychology/Psychologie Canadienne, 49(3), 180–192.
  • Moors, A., & De Houwer, J. (2006). Automaticity: A theoretical and conceptual analysis. Psychological Bulletin, 132(2), 297–326.
  • National Science Foundation. (2002). An overview of quantitative and qualitative data collection methods. Retrieved from https://www.nsf.gov

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