In this piece I was tasked to examine how current social issues are perfect (for better or for worse) examples of social psychology. To do so, I was able to locate and summarize current news from reliable sources and then apply concepts in social psychology to explain what is going on. I chose this piece for my portfolio because it is an example of critical thinking on the global practice of social distance due to the outbreak of COVID pandemic which has boosted the development of online social media unsurprisingly, and the chance of social media users being exposed to misinformation (including conspiracy theories, clickbait, hyper-partisan content, pseudoscience and even fabricated “fake news” reports) has sharply increased more than ever. I examined how social psychology concepts such as selective attention and confirmation bias contribute to the vulnerability of public susceptible to misinformation.
Annotated Bibliography & Artifacts
BIS 225 Social Psychology, Social Influence Social Psych in Context Paper, Spring 2021
In this paper I was tasked to investigate a significant obstacle to a healthy society: stigma. We can conclude that the stigma behind mental illness was created before we had any scientific understanding based on the modern biological perspectives. As a matter of fact, we might unconsciously create a sick society in which everyone is in danger if we fail to recognize the power of stigma in the mental health field. What makes this artifact so significant to my portfolio is that it is an example of my critical thinking abilities of considering the dynamics of normal and abnormal. I think it is important to keep in mind that what a cruel social mechanism can be when the evil is not owned by a particularly bad guy but is generally practiced by ordinary people. When people assume themselves normal and righteous, it is precisely the most terrifying crime that can be committed.
BIS 270 Abnormal Psychology, Final Paper, Summer 2021
This artifact was a group project from my BIS380 Bioethics class instructed by Professor Laura Harkewicz, in which me and my group members were tasked to discuss and evaluate different versions of the ethical dilemma’s scenario, consider and apply the four primary ethical principles (justice, beneficence, respect for autonomy/persons, non-maleficence), then generate group decision on solving such dilemmas. During our group decision-making process, we were able to not only keep track of the benefits and limitations of each theory, principle, or text considered, but also keep track of the confusion and conflicts between group members involved in our discussion. I chose this artifact because it shows one of the most important academic skills that I have adopted from this class is that collaborative working means to ensure every participant has the equal opportunity to fulfil their desired roles and build trust upon each other.
BIS 380 Bioethics, The Lifeboat, Winter 2021
In this group project we were assigned to explore a specific human rights issue (death penalty) and the public contestation around it in more details. We devised one possible intervention, and our cluster facilitation were assessed on the ability of the group to facilitate learning in a meaningful way for the rest of the class. During this project, I was assigned to investigate and present the philosophical/theoretical positions and organizations, stakeholders, and social movements involved in the topic of death penalty today. I chose this project in my portfolio because it demonstrates my collaborative working skills in a group project.
BIS 313 Issues in Media Studies, Research Cluster Paper, Autumn 2021
In this piece I was tasked to keep a critical reflection journal during my Critical Diversity Studies class. “Reflective practices” is an important way to come to an understating of new ideas and my own “take away” on them in order to develop resiliency, confidence, self-efficacy, self-worth, persistence and growth mindset. By completing this journal, I have had the valuable chance to reflect in writing on my own intellectual journey as I made my way through the overdetermined stress and excitement of engaging social issues critically. I chose this piece in my portfolio because it shows my consistency in writing and communication in a long learning process and demonstrates the importance of reflection in such process.
BIS/BEDUC 255 Critical Diversity Studies, Critical Reflection Journal, Winter 2021
In this piece I was tasked to provide my own understanding and interpretation of certain fundamental questions in the topic of abnormal psychology such as the nature of mental illness, the causes of mental illness (or where it comes from), and how can/should we respond to mental illness. I chose this piece for my portfolio not only because it is an example of my writing and communication skills, but it also states my attitude and belief towards mental illness, that is, mental illness is nothing to be ashamed of, we need to remember mental illness is common and treatable. Just like other "physical diseases" such as cancer or COVID-19, mental illness affect everyone despite their racial, social, and religious status. With proper intervention and treatment, professionals can help individual successfully manage their mental health conditions, perform daily functions, and achieve their personal goals.
BIS 270 Abnormal Psychology, Big Questions Reflection, Summer 2021
In this piece I was tasked to study one of the most known psychology experiment Stanford Prison Study conducted by psychology professor Philip Zimbardo at Stanford University. By connecting to what I have learned from the class, I was able to identify the social psychological concepts acted out among the prisoners, guards, and the power of the situation, and understand how the power of the situation (i.e., a prison) influences group dynamics. I chose this piece for my portfolio because it shows my abilities in the field of interdisciplinary research. This study demonstrates how easily an individual can be manipulated by the environment, and vice versa. It is important to keep reminding ourselves the original purpose before starts our actions and during the process.
BIS 225 Social Psychology, Stanford Prison Study, Spring 2021
In this project I was tasked to examine how social psychology is intertwined with our daily lives. To do so, I was randomly assigned a grade level (mine was grade two age 7 to 8) in K-12 education system and developed a lesson plan proposal for teaching the concepts in social psychology (bully and obedience) that I thought was essential for children to become familiar with. I chose this project for my portfolio because it is an example of interdisciplinary research project and proves that many of these concepts are seen as not “appropriate for children” is wrong. I have explained why these concepts should be taught and how to explain this to adults (parents). This project shows us that young generation should be aware of these things to be empowered and motivated toward socially just changes.
BIS 225 Social Psychology, Lesson Plan Paper, Spring 2021
In this piece I was tasked to investigate a documentary called "The Search for Satan" which captures an instructive moment in time when a new diagnosis, multiple personality disorder caused by satanic ritual abuse, became a popular explanation for distress among middle-upper income white women in the U.S. I chose this piece for my portfolio because it helped me understand more about diversity and equity. It also shows my ability of generating the causal explanations of mental illnesses among these patients through the understanding of the distress and responses by the patient, their family, society, medical & health professionals.
BIS 270 Abnormal Psychology, Search for Satan Documentary Assignment, Summer 2021
In this piece I was tasked to write an essay that integrates the course material with the film "Crazy/Beautiful" by identifying the theme or multiple themes (as appropriate) of adolescent development presented in the film. I chose this piece in my portfolio because it demonstrates the importance of understanding diversity and equity in order to provide a critical reflection on how the depictions of adolescents/adolescence are congruent or opposed to the research on adolescent development.
BIS 364 Realities and Representations of Adolescent Development, Integrative Essay, Summer 2021