Topic 7: Groups and Aggression
12 Angry Men
For this assignment, you will need to watch the film, 12 Angry Men (1957, Orion-Nova Productions).
The film brings to life many of the concepts covered in class to date.
Below, please provide specific examples from the film to support your ideas/claims. Integrate at least
two sources: One from the book and one from the film. Be sure to include proper APA citations within
your document and at the end (reference section).
Note: Most of this information can be pulled from your textbook. You may type directly into this
worksheet. Each answer must be substantial and include some detail if you want to earn full credit. Be
sure to define the concepts.
1. Define patterns of persuasion, conformity, minority influence, and other social influences. Provide
specific examples witnessed in the film.
Persuasion:
Conformity:
Minority Influence:
Other social influences:
2. Define the terms stereotypes and prejudice. Analyze issues of stereotypes and prejudice observed
while watching the jurors deliberate in the film and share a specific example from the film. There are
many to choose from!
•
•
Stereotypes:
o Example 1:
o Example 2:
o Example 3:
Prejudice:
o Example 1:
o Example 2:
o Example 3:
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3. In psychology, heuristics are simple, efficient rules which people often use to form judgments and
make decisions. They are mental shortcuts that usually involve focusing on one aspect of a complex
problem and ignoring others.
Provide an example of three cognitive heuristics represented in the film and label them (e.g.,
availability, false consensus, social proof). Clearly state and define the three heuristics that you selected.
Explain where/how the three heuristics occurred in the film.
Define the three cognitive heuristics that you selected:
Example Heuristic 1:
Example Heuristic 2:
Example Heuristic 3:
4. Interpret and explain the catalyst for change that resulted in the outcome of the film, based on your
perceptions. Explain how this lines up with some of the research in social psychology.
5. Define groupthink and group polarization. Explain and provide specific examples of how the film
demonstrated groupthink and group polarization.
•
Groupthink:
o Define:
o Examples from the film illustrating groupthink:
•
Group Polarization:
o Define:
o Examples from the film illustrating group polarization:
References
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