There is plenty of bad news out in the world about people harming others, but if we scratch the surface we find that the human species is very compassionate and empathetic and there is a great of news about helping others. This assignment will help you appreciate the helping behaviors that go on every day. You will be required to study the media (internet (blogs, Youtube), radio, TV, magazines, etc.) and find some good examples of helping behavior. You then will be required to carefully analyse these examples in terms of the theories and concepts discussed in the text and reserve reading. This will typically focus on trying to understand the motive of the helper. Did they help out of self interest (to look like a hero or get a reward?) or help only out of concern for the person needing help? The answer to these questions make the difference between describing helping behavior as prosocial behavior or a special case of helping behavior – true altruism.
The object of this assignment is for you to develop a deeper understanding of the definition of altruism, the scientific debate surrounding the existence of “true” altruism, and the methods that social psychologists have used to provide evidence in this debate. To do this I will ask you to do four things: 1) Read the required text book chapter and the Batson reading (see Batson article on the Blackboard course in “Course Materials” – Required Readings), 2) Find one or more examples of altruism (or what some people may claim is altruism) in the media, 3) Write a brief description of your example(s) of altruism… focusing on the relevant details (details that may help us understand the helper’s motives), and explain why you think it is true altruism or only pro-social behavior (be sure to cover both in your explanations). In doing so be sure to use terms and definitions from the text and reading. This write up should include an APA style title page and 4 – 5 pages of description and explanation. You may also attach the article / URL you used if you wish (not required) and 4) Be prepared to debate for and against the position that true altruism exists. Submit the written portion of this homework (part 3 above) on Blackboard using the assignment feature.
The assigned reading: At a minimum to understand what you will be looking for, you need to read your text Chapter 9, focusing on the definition of “pure” altruism found there as compared to the definition of pro-social behavior also in that chapter. Once you have read these you can look for examples that illustrate ‘altruism’ in the media. You will be more prepared if read all of Chapter 9 before you get started. Finally, be sure to read the “How Social an Animal” reading by Batson – as it will be particularly useful for preparing you for explaining how your example fits or does not fit as an example of true altruism (and for arguing the other side of the altruism debate).
Scan the media (print, TV, radio, Internet) for examples to bring to class for discussion on the “Altruism Debate in class session” indicated in the syllabus. Be sure to locate an example that provides enough detail about the act (and the motives that might underlie it) so that you can use it to illustrate principles that are described in the text (disguised self interest – for example). Next, look for specific evidence in the example of some principle, process, or strategy that is described in Chapter 9 or the Batson reading. Be prepared to briefly try to explain how each example could be described as true altruism or pro-social behavior.
Class debate / discussion: The due date of the written portion #3 above is indicated in the syllabus. If time and logistics permit we will hold a debate in class and I will ask people to form small teams (about 5 people) based on their belief in “true altruism” or not. The groups will discuss examples that they have found in the media and analyzed. We will then have a few brief debates – using theory / research findings from the readings and evidence / illustrations from the examples people found in the media. Remember regardless of your position your team may be called upon to argue either for or against your example being a case of altruism. The important thing to remember, therefore, is that you must consider the other view – point. Another way to look at this is you have to be prepared to counter argue against what the other side of the debate might say against your position.
Have fun…
PSY 375
Altruism Homework Criteria / Feedback
__ Title Page that includes the Assignment Name and the Student’s Name and is formatted
in APA style (up to 20 points). See APA Style Resources on Blackboard*.
__ Altruism description provides sufficient / relevant detail (up to 35 points)
Sufficient detail provided to understand the motivations of the helper (0 – 20 pts)
Details are provided regarding empathy and or self interest (0 -10 pts)
Details are relevant to understanding type of help (emergency/nonemergency) (0-5 pts)
__ Explanation of why the helping behavior is best described as Purely Altruistic or simply Pro-social Behavior. (cover both possibilities). (up to 55 points)
Uses terms/concepts/processes described clearly with sufficient detail (eg., terms and concepts such as: Empathy Altruism hypothesis / sequence; Egoistic explanations: Aversive Arousal (negative state) Reduction; Mood Management hypothesis, Reciprocity, Kin Selection…etc. Providing definitions for terms is helpful. (0 – 45 pts)
minimum expectations met (one term / finding, etc.) (0 – 5 pts)
minimum expectations exceeded (several terms used, etc.) (0 – 5 pts)
__ Number of examples of helping described and explained (40 points total)
minimum expectations for assignment are met. (0 – 30 pts)
minimum expectations for assignment are exceeded (more than one illustration provided and explained using relevant concepts) (0 – 10 pts)
__ Total (150 points total possible).
*See checklist on the Persuasion Homework for help remembering aspects of APA style.
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