just a few comments about what is in the news lately, in regards to social psych. Firstly the calling of the election, what do people think about it, not so far as the whole political side of the election but more the different techniques the politicians use to get people interested and hopefully get them voting for them. Secondly, why do we listen to the politicians and in regards to focusing on particular issues and the fact that an idea that doesnt fit within our preconceived ideas will take longer to be disregarded than facts that comply with our views.
Ok in a similar kind of vain the issue of the pulp mill in Tasmania, interested to hear your guys thoughts, particularly in relation to the environment versus jobs debate, and what you think the actual impact will be on the enviro or is there a particular view that is being shown by the politicians and therefore at the moment is it a one sided debate in which all facts are not entirely shown to the general public.
Also in todays top news snippets, the controversial add implying young men who speed do so because they have small penises has become one of the state's most successful anti-speeding campaigns. Why is this add so succesfull do you think? do you think that people honestly look at young men who speed and think about the size of their genitals? The Advertising Standards Bureau had received a number of complaints that the ad demeaned men with small penises. However if the ad saves lives then that is the main thing. How do you think that this kind of advertising could be used for drugs, alcohol and tobacco decreasing?
so anyway i would be very interested to hear your comments and hope that this makes you think alittle bit more bout whats happening at the mo
2 comments:
Hi Bre,
You’ve brought up some really good points about the election.
I’m doing political psychology and Australian politics for my blog 2 topic and it’s amazing how many social psychological aspects are involved in politics: Leadership styles, attitudes, persuasion etc.
In terms of different techniques, there’s a relevant article in the textbook on pg 53 about political tradeoffs which is really interesting as to the promises that the politicians are making to secure our vote. Social Psychologist Tetlock (1981, 2000) found that politicians tradeoff in the election process in thinking that to win the election issues must be oversimplified and implicit contradictions ignored.
For example John Howard has pledged $34 billion in tax cuts, however is not recognising the implications that it might have on inflation and in turn interests rates, which essentially means that the money saved in the tax cuts will be spent paying back loans.
Keep an eye on my blog!
-Fiona
So many interesting topics in one post, Bre!
I'm fascinated actually bye the speed/small penis add campaign and its apparent success. Do you have any links to more info? This would seem to be a case of classical conditioning (as well as potentially prejudice). Unless operant conditioning is being implied (i.e., it shrinks with speed use)?
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