Explaining Behavior From Different Perspectives

Discussion 1: Explaining Behavior From Different Perspectives
For this Discussion, you will explore social psychology, personality psychology, and sociology in their approaches to explaining behavior. Consider the following scenario of Jason:

Jason is a college student accused of making and distributing methamphetamine. If charged and convicted, Jason’s dreams of medical school would be dashed. How would a social psychologist explain Jason’s behavior and his decision to take this risk?

To Prepare
Review the Learning Resources for this week and consider how a social psychologist would approach and explain Jason’s behavior and decision.
Also, consider how a personality psychologist or a sociologist would explain Jason’s behavior and decision. Consider how each approach is different from a social psychologist’s approach.
By Day 3
Post an explanation of Jason’s behavior from the perspective of a social psychologist. Support your explanation with references to social psychology theory and research.

Read your colleagues’ postings.

By Day 5
Respond to one of your colleagues’ posts as either a personality psychologist or a sociologist. From this perspective, compare your colleague’s explanation to how you as the personality psychologist or sociologist would explain Jason’s behavior and decision to make and distribute methamphetamine.

Be sure to support your postings and responses with specific references to the social psychology theory and research. In addition to the Learning Resources, search the Walden Library and/or Internet for peer-reviewed articles to support your post and responses. Use proper APA format and citations, including those in the Learning Resources.

Note: For this Discussion, you are required to complete your initial post before you will be able to view and respond to your colleagues’ postings. Begin by clicking on the “Post to Discussion Question” link and then select “Create Thread” to complete your initial post. Remember, once you click on Submit, you cannot delete or edit your own posts, and you cannot post anonymously. Please check your post carefully before clicking on Submit!

Return to this Discussion in a few days to read the responses to your initial posting. Note what you have learned and/or any insights that you have gained as a result of your colleagues’ comments.