Web Exercise #1: Stereotype Word Cloud

Word clouds are a fun and engaging way to visualize concepts and ideas. They can also help illustrate semantic networks like a stereotype. For this exercise, first identify a particular in-group. Then search for internet text on this in-group and generate a word cloud in a free online word cloud generator such as TagCrowd.com. Reflect on the research process you used to create your word cloud, and discuss what you learned by studying the resulting visual representation of the in-group.

Web Exercise #2: Priming and Replication

“Social priming” is a currently controversial area of research in social psychology. It’s interesting to think about how priming words (e.g., “Florida”) can activate semantic networks (e.g., “older person”) that subsequently affect behavior (e.g., walking more slowly). However, social priming researchers currently have a replication problem. For this exercise, conduct an internet key word search on “social priming and replication.” Write a brief report that:

• Defines social priming including examples
• Reviews the replication problem
• Analyzes why replication is important in science 

Web Exercise #3: TED Talk--How Reliable is Your Memory?

View the TED Talk, “How Reliable is Your Memory?” by Dr. Elizabeth Loftus. Summarize the video and the major “take home” messages. Reflect on your own experiences with false memories. Can you recall a specific experience? What does the malleability of memory mean in terms of real-world issues like eyewitness testimony and counseling sessions?