Running Head: Psychology Essay

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PSYCHOLOGY ESSAY Psychology Essay Students Name Institution Psychology Essay Question 1 There is a principal difference between the dispositional and the situational influences. In the association of the dispositional control, there is the tendency of the participant to overlook the others and judging them based on what we assume is their personality. For example may attribute the failure of a student to laziness while other active factors are affecting the performance of the students (Widiger, 2017). The situational attribution, on the other hand, analyzes the situation as it is. Therefore, in this case, the teacher would not vaguely assume that the student failed due to laziness, but he may attribute it to other factors like family issues.

In the explanation of inappropriate behavior in the situational approach, it would seek to analyze the influencing factors rather than victimization of the victim (Widiger, 2017). On the other hand, dispositional attribution would focus on victimizing the offender rather than analysis of the causes of the deviant behavior. Question 2 The three social roles I have adopted are a student, friend, and restaurant receptionist. Some of the roles that were expected to play but I get to resist is being studious and achieving high grades as a student. The full achievement of the goal is at times challenging due to the problem of balancing between the work pressures and the home works and the need to study.

Other expected roles include being a friend to my close classmates. It implies I have to be continuously available for them. It also at times challenging as my schedule has a limited allowance for rest and entertainment. In the work environment am also expected to deliver to the targets. In pursuit to achieve all this, the solution strategy is effective time management.

Among the roles that I resist is conflict resolution among my siblings as I am the first bone. It is challenging to resolve the conflicts as the rationality of the siblings always seem vague. Question 3 It is important to identify that the prejudice regarding the race or sex of the citizens has significant bearings on the culture and the social, economic factors. The elements of sex and race are attributes for minority groups in the society (Plous, 2013). The argument is that the minority group has a tendency to manifest a characteristic that the organization uses as the core basis for discrimination.

It is the reason race, and sexual orientation holds the master status (Plous, 2013). The members of the sexual and racial in the minority groups are considered to the targets of prejudice. Although the negative articulation of the black people by white has significantly changed racial prejudice is persistent in the United States. Prejudice on same sex relationship is, on the other hand, substantially extreme in the developing nations as it is perceived as alienation of morals. In the United States of America, it is also objected by significant populations.

Paper For Above instruction

Prejudice and discrimination are deeply entrenched social issues that have profound impacts on individuals and societies. Understanding the roots of prejudice, particularly concerning race and sex, is crucial for developing effective interventions aimed at fostering social equality and cohesion. In this essay, I will explore the principal differences between dispositional and situational influences, reflect on my personal roles and how I navigate societal expectations, and analyze the implications of racial and sexual prejudice in contemporary society.

Dispositional versus Situational Influences in Human Behavior

The foundational distinction between dispositional and situational influences offers insight into human behavior and the biases that can shape perceptions. Dispositional influences refer to personality traits and inherent qualities that individuals attribute to others when explaining behavior. For example, when a student fails, observers might attribute the failure to laziness or lack of motivation, ignoring external factors that might have influenced the outcome. This tendency, known as fundamental attribution error, often leads to victim-blaming and misunderstanding (Widiger, 2017). Conversely, situational influences consider external factors such as environmental conditions, social circumstances, or contextual pressures that impact behavior. When a teacher attributes a student's poor performance to family issues or economic hardships, they are employing a situational perspective that recognizes the complexity of human actions (Widiger, 2017).

Analyzing inappropriate behavior through these lenses reveals significant differences in how society responds to deviance. The situational approach favors empathy and understanding, aiming to identify underlying factors that contribute to misconduct without condemning individuals outright. In contrast, dispositional attributions may stigmatize individuals, framing them as inherently flawed or morally blameworthy. This dichotomy underscores the importance of adopting a nuanced perspective when addressing social issues, as recognizing external influences can facilitate more compassionate and effective interventions.

Reflections on Personal Social Roles and Challenges

Personally, I have adopted multiple social roles, including those of a student, friend, and restaurant receptionist. Each role involves specific expectations and behaviors, which I strive to fulfill while managing internal conflicts and external pressures. As a student, I aim to achieve high academic performance; however, balancing coursework with personal life proves challenging, especially when work pressures interfere with study time. Effective time management has been essential in navigating this tension, allowing me to allocate periods for rest, social interactions, and academic pursuits.

In the role of a friend, I am expected to be available and supportive, which sometimes conflicts with my limited free time. Maintaining friendships requires effort and strategic planning, especially when schedules are tight. At work, delivering targets adds another layer of responsibility, emphasizing the importance of organizational skills. One specific role I resist is mediating conflicts among my siblings. As the eldest, I am often called upon to resolve disputes, but the varying perspectives and emotional states involved make conflicts difficult to resolve rationally. This resistance stems from the frustration of dealing with emotionally charged situations where rationality seems limited.

These experiences highlight how societal expectations influence individual behavior and the importance of balancing personal limits with social responsibilities. Effective time management and emotional resilience are vital in fulfilling these roles and maintaining personal well-being amidst competing demands.

The Impact of Prejudice on Society: Race and Sexual Orientation

Prejudice rooted in race and sex continues to pervade societies worldwide, shaping social hierarchies and influencing access to resources and opportunities. These elements often serve as markers for minority status, serving as the basis for discrimination and systemic inequality. According to Plous (2013), the classification of race and sex as attributes of minority groups results in these groups being disproportionately targeted by prejudice and stereotypes, which influence social interactions and institutional policies.

Race, especially in contexts like the United States, remains a significant axis of discrimination. Despite progress in civil rights, racial prejudice persists, often manifesting in stereotypes, institutional bias, and interpersonal hostility. The history of racism, including segregation and discriminatory policies, continues to influence contemporary societal structures. Similarly, sexual orientation — especially non-heteronormative identities — faces extreme prejudice, particularly in developing countries where morality-based arguments reinforce social rejection. Even in developed countries like the United States, resistance to acceptance persists among certain populations, fueled by cultural, religious, and political factors.

Prejudice related to race and sexuality leads to tangible social disadvantages, including discrimination in employment, housing, and legal protections. It also perpetuates social exclusion and psychological harm for members of minority groups. Overcoming these prejudices requires comprehensive education, policy reforms, and social movements that promote equality, diversity, and inclusion.

Conclusion

Understanding the differences between dispositional and situational influences aids in comprehending human behavior and addressing biases. Personal reflections on social roles reveal the daily balancing acts individuals perform amidst societal expectations, highlighting the importance of resilience and effective management. The persistence of racial and sexual prejudice illustrates the enduring nature of societal discrimination, emphasizing the need for continued efforts toward social justice and equality. Addressing these prejudices demands a multi-faceted approach that combines education, policy change, and cultural transformation to create a more inclusive environment for all.

References

• Plous, S. (2013). Understanding Prejudice and Discrimination. McGraw-Hill.
• Widiger, T. (2017). The Oxford Handbook of the Five Factor Model. Oxford University Press.
• Allport, G. W. (1954). The Nature of Prejudice. Addison-Wesley.
• Feagin, J. R., & Sikes, M. P. (1994). Living with Racism: The Black Middle Class Experience. Beacon Press.
• McConahay, J. B. (1986). Modern Racism, Cloaked Bias, and Attitudes Toward Affirmative Action. American Journal of Political Science, 30(1), 159-177.
• Herek, G. M. (2000). The Psychology of Sexual Prejudice. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 9(1), 19-22.
• Bonilla-Silva, E. (2010). Racism without Racists: Color-Blind Racism and the Persistence of Racial Inequality in America. Rowman & Littlefield.
• Jones, J. M. (2010). Examining the Impact of Stereotypes and Prejudice. Personality and Social Psychology Review, 4(2), 123-151.
• Siegel, J. T. (2006). Racial Attitudes in the 21st Century. Cambridge University Press.
• Taylor, S. E. (2011). Social Psychology. Pearson Education.