Discussion Prompts
Discussion Point #1:
- What was your experience doing activity 1 (Module 17 Presentation)?
- Have you had other experiences of your performance like a public speech or a sport you played or taking a test that was affected by having other people around?
- Do you agree with Zajonc that it’s just the mere presence of someone or is that someone else provides distraction or were you affected out of fear of judgement?
Discussion Point #2:
- What are your responses to activity 2 (Module 19 Presentation)? For Activity 2, please respond to the question, how can you be more aware of deindividuation and increase self-awareness in your own life?
- What is a situation in which you experienced deindividualization?
- Are you more aggressive when in questionnaires and surveys where you can be anonymous? Do you think we should discourage anonymity in comments online?
Discussion Point #3:
- When was a time that group polarization impacted your opinions?
- What are some ways you could change groupthink in some of your environments whether it’s a classroom, social media, your household, or your job? (Be specific)?
Discussion Point #4:
Pose one original question to the class based upon the readings or any other materials in the module. Original implies that it has not been asked yet.
Evaluation
Be sure to review the discussion rubric before composing your post and replies. Click the three dots in the upper right corner to view the rubric.
How to solve
discussion question 300-500 words
Introduction:
As a medical professor, I have the responsibility of creating assignments and evaluating the performance of medical college students. Through lectures, examinations, and assignments, I aim to provide a comprehensive education and assess the students’ understanding of the subject matter. In this context, I will answer each question separately, providing a detailed response to the content provided.
Answer to Discussion Point #1:
1. My experience with activity 1, the Module 17 Presentation, was highly informative. I found it engaging and useful in enhancing my understanding of the topic. The opportunity to present and discuss the material allowed me to delve deeper into the subject and gain insights from my peers.
2. Yes, I have had other experiences where my performance was influenced by the presence of others. Public speaking, for example, has always been a challenge for me. The presence of a large audience often leads to a heightened sense of self-awareness and fear of judgement, impacting my performance. Similarly, participating in team sports or taking tests in a competitive environment has also affected my performance due to the pressure of comparison and evaluation.
3. While Zajonc suggests that the mere presence of someone can have an impact, I believe that both distraction and fear of judgement play roles in influencing performance. The presence of others can create a distraction, which can hinder concentration and focus. Additionally, the fear of being judged negatively can trigger anxiety and self-doubt, further affecting performance.
Answer to Discussion Point #2:
1. In response to activity 2, the Module 19 Presentation, I believe it emphasized the importance of self-awareness and deindividuation. The activity made me reflect on situations where I might have experienced deindividuation and highlighted the need to be more conscious of this phenomenon in my own life.
2. One situation in which I experienced deindividuation was during a large protest march. In the midst of a large crowd, with everyone chanting in unison and blending into the collective, I felt a loss of personal identity. This led to a sense of anonymity and a diminished sense of personal responsibility for my actions.
3. While anonymity in questionnaires and surveys may lead to increased aggression in some individuals, I believe that discouraging anonymity in online comments is essential. Anonymity often allows people to express their true thoughts and feelings without fear of social repercussions, which can promote open and honest dialogue. However, measures should be in place to prevent the misuse of anonymity, such as curtailing hate speech and cyberbullying.
Answer to Discussion Point #3:
1. There was a time when group polarization impacted my opinions during a seminar discussion on healthcare policy. Initially, I held a moderate view on the topic, but after hearing the strong opinions of individuals who shared similar beliefs, I found myself aligning more strongly with their perspective. The group dynamics and the reinforcement of like-minded opinions influenced me to adopt a more extreme stance.
2. To change groupthink in various environments, it is crucial to encourage critical thinking, diverse perspectives, and respectful debate. In a classroom setting, the professor can assign group projects that require students to consider different viewpoints and challenge their own assumptions. On social media, actively engaging with diverse content and individuals can help overcome echo chambers. In a household or workplace, creating a culture that values dissent and open dialogue can prevent groupthink.
Original Question for the Class:
Based on the readings and materials in the module, consider the ethical implications of deindividuation in healthcare settings. How might the loss of personal identity in a medical environment impact patient care and the professional behavior of healthcare providers?
