Assignment 1: 1st

Individual Journal

Name: Chow Hong Da

Student ID: 0318571

Course: Social Psychology

Course code: PSY30203

Lecturer: Ms. Norul Hidayah

In Psychology, a social behavior is a person’s behavior towards society, more

specifically how a person reacts to a social situation. The picture above shows a group of

Chinese boys and an Indian boy dressed up in traditional Malay outfits, ready to perform in

traditional Malay dance.

First of all, the picture above shows the concept of perseverance effect. Traditionally,

only Malays wear the traditional Baju Melayu, and only during special occasions. Seeing

people of other races wearing the Malay costume contradicts the beliefs and schemas of

others, especially the audience and judges during the performance. People might think they

are Malays even though they are not.

The other concept touched upon in the picture is representative heuristics. At first

glance, none of the people in the picture appear to be able to dance or perform. The brain

automatically perceives us as such but they managed to perform successfully on the event

which is the opposite of what the brain thinks.

In short, the brain automatically sorts and filters information received with schemas,

biases and judgments before finally being processed. Social psychology teaches us to process

social behavior with no prejudice in order to study the human psyche properly and fairly to

produce an accurate idea instead of biased judgments.

(210 words total)