Top Five Social Psychology Concepts of the Semester! (in no particular order)

1. Cognitive Dissonance Theory

It definitely applies to some peoples' political views... anyway, it is fascinating that we change our views to match our actions. 

2. Priming

We can be influenced in ways we may not notice. Now when I think to myself, sometimes I wonder if I have been primed.

Not sure why I thought to use this image 

3. Fundamental Attribution Error

It makes me want to give people the benefit of the doubt more, especially for strangers. Who knows what kind of day they just had?

"Guess they had a hard day."

4. Ironic Processes

I have gotten better at putting things out of my mind when I am about to be focused on something else, but I am hardly immune to this. When I get sick of a earworm kind of song and try to put it out of my mind, it really does not work. 

Why is it usually a Beach Boys song? No idea, but now I have "Good Vibrations" stuck in my head.

5. Common Goods Dilemmas

It is really cool to see a connection between economics and psychology. I learned about the tragedy of the commons and resource management in the context of economics. It was nice to see that there are social solutions.

I can see why each farmer would want just one more cow like this. It's stylish!