Final Exam Study Guide

Final Exam Study Guide

In addition to your own notes you may, in preparing for the final, use articles posted and linked from the class website, along with student posting of research, research summaries, and statements linking research to political psychological theories. The final itself will be done without notes.

What is meant by the "erosion of scientific rationalism"? Why is this an area of research within the discipline of political psychology?

What have you learned this semester about the political psychology of social media? Your answer should be informed by a theoretical discussion such as le Bon's "The Crowd" and should also be rooted in Maslow's pyramid.

Why and how do people "Exit"? What have you learned this semester about the varying motivations people have for Exiting, and the ways other members of society respond? In what ways are these motivations and responses grounded in psychology but expressed in politics?

What is the difference between nationalism and patriotism? In what ways are both expressions of Crowd psychology? What parts of Maslow's pyramid of needs are most relevant to this discussion? Why?

Describe the research methodology in the articles we read demonstrating that Gender Bias in Elections is real. Why might voters be more susceptible to this bias during times of global conflict or military threat? Which elements of Maslow's pyramid are most relevant?

How would you define the "New Nationalism"? How is this different from what is traditionally understood as nationalism?

What did you learn this semester about Research Skills and Methodology? How might this help you in the real-world job market?

Which of our content areas did you find most personally relevant this semester? Why?