Application Paper
1) You will turn in 1 application/reaction paper for the course.
• The goal of this paper is to first help you absorb information from lectures and
readings, then let you go beyond presented information to explore what interests
you the most.
• The paper should include a brief description of the social psychology
concept/theory/technique you have chosen and a description of your
application/reaction/integration.
• The possibilities for this paper are endless. For example, you could:
o Use a social psychology theory to make sense of your thoughts, behavior, or
emotions. (Can evolutionary theory tell me why I find my significant other
attractive?)
o Reference a movie/tv show/book and illustrate how a social psychology topic in
this course was related to a scene, character, or the story as a whole.
• Present and discuss real world examples (personal, in the news etc.) that do or do
not fit what we are learning through lectures and readings.
• Raise questions or even propose a potential research study idea for future
psychological academic research.
Use of Turnitin: Consistent with MSU’s efforts to enhance student learning, foster
honesty, and maintain integrity in our academic processes, I have chosen to use a tool
called Turnitin to compare your papers with multiple sources. The tool will compare
each paper you submit to an extensive database of prior publications and papers,
providing links to possible matches and a ‘similarity score.’ The tool does not
determine whether plagiarism has occurred or not. Instead, I will make a complete
assessment and judge the originality of your work. All written submissions to this
course may be checked using this tool. In choosing to use Turnitin in this course, I have
agreed to follow five guidelines. They are:
Syllabus – 6
1. I will use Turnitin as part of a balanced approach to encourage academic
integrity and foster student success.
2. I will openly disclose the use of Turnitin in this course on the syllabus.
3. For a given assignment, I will use Turnitin for all papers.
4. I will make the final determination of originality and integrity.
5. Please do not plagiarize (also reference the syllabus section on the use of
generative AI in this course on pages 9 and 10 for what constitutes plagiarism and you
can also go to and read this link https://wts.indiana.edu/writingguides/plagiarism.html).
2) The paper is worth 45 points.
• Please see the course schedule at the end of the syllabus for the due date.
• It is your responsibility to check that the assignment has been uploaded properly.
You can turn in any assignment before the deadline.
• The paper is graded on the following criteria:
o Did the paper meaningfully discuss something relevant to what we’ve covered in
class at the time of the due date?
Formatting:
Two complete pages, double-spaced text (12-point Times New Roman font and 1-inch
page margins). Please only submit files that are either .docx or .pdf, otherwise I
cannot open and view them (for example: .pages files). Microsoft Word is typically
the ideal program to use, although Google Docs is also acceptable, but the file needs
to be converted afterwards to a .docx or .pdf once you finish writing it.
– Other than that, there is no required specific format; it should simply be written in a
professional manner.
• You can write on any topic covered prior to the paper due date.
• If your application paper did not properly apply the concepts, you will receive brief
written feedback.
Application Paper: Understanding Social Psychology through Evolutionary Theory
Introduction
Social psychology offers a lens through which we can examine and understand human behavior, thoughts, and emotions within social contexts. One compelling area of study within this field is evolutionary theory, which seeks to explain how evolutionary processes shape our psychological traits and behaviors. In this paper, I will explore the application of evolutionary theory to understand why we find certain individuals attractive, a topic that intersects with our innate biological imperatives and social behaviors.
Description of Evolutionary Theory
Evolutionary theory in social psychology posits that many human behaviors have evolved to enhance survival and reproductive success. This perspective suggests that our psychological traits are adaptations—traits that have been naturally selected because they offered some advantage in our ancestral environments. When applied to human attraction, evolutionary theory provides insights into why we might be drawn to specific traits in potential partners. For example, traits such as physical health, symmetry, and social status are often considered attractive because they signal good genes and the ability to provide resources and protection, enhancing the survival and reproductive success of offspring.
Application to Understanding Attraction
To delve into how evolutionary theory explains attraction, consider the widespread preference for symmetrical faces. Research suggests that facial symmetry is subconsciously associated with genetic fitness and overall health, as symmetrical features are believed to indicate an absence of developmental disturbances and genetic anomalies. From an evolutionary standpoint, selecting a partner with symmetrical features would increase the likelihood of producing healthy offspring, thus perpetuating one’s genetic lineage.
In my own life, I have noticed a pattern in the traits I find attractive in potential partners, often gravitating towards those who exhibit confidence, kindness, and a sense of humor. Evolutionary theory can shed light on these preferences as well. Confidence and social dominance could be seen as indicators of an individual’s ability to acquire resources and protect, while kindness and a good sense of humor may signal emotional stability and a cooperative nature, essential traits for raising offspring in a stable environment.
Real-World Example: Media Portrayal of Attraction
A relevant example from popular media that illustrates evolutionary theory’s application to attraction is the television show “The Bachelor.” The show consistently emphasizes physical attractiveness, charisma, and social status, traits that align with evolutionary preferences. Contestants with these traits often advance further in the competition, reflecting societal and perhaps evolutionary ideals of desirable partners. The show’s format implicitly endorses the notion that these traits are universally attractive, resonating with viewers and participants alike.
Proposing a Research Study
Building on the insights from evolutionary theory, I propose a potential research study to investigate how modern environmental factors influence attraction preferences. Specifically, the study could explore whether the rise of digital communication and social media has altered the traits people find attractive. Participants could be surveyed on their preferences before and after extended use of social media platforms, examining any shifts in the importance of physical attractiveness versus personality traits such as intelligence or empathy.
This study could provide valuable data on how evolving social dynamics and technological advancements are shaping contemporary human attraction, further integrating evolutionary theory with modern psychological research.
Conclusion
Evolutionary theory offers a robust framework for understanding the underpinnings of human attraction. By examining traits such as physical symmetry, social dominance, and kindness, we gain insights into the evolutionary pressures that have shaped our preferences. This perspective not only deepens our understanding of attraction but also highlights the interplay between biology and social behavior. Whether through personal reflections or media representations, the application of evolutionary theory provides a compelling narrative for why we find certain individuals attractive, bridging the gap between our ancestral past and present-day social dynamics.