Miguel has just moved to a new school. It is the beginning of his senior year, and he doesn't know anyone He is worned about making friends and fitting in. Define the following terms and explain how each could have an effect either positive or negative on his ability to make friends and feel comfortable in his new school
a. Locus of control
b. In group/out group
c. Stereotyping
d. Groupthink
e. Mere exposure effect
1. Fundamental attribution error
Finally, using your knowledge of psychology, explain one thing that Miguel could do to make the transition to his new school easier.
a. Locus of control refers to the extent to which an individual believes they have control over their own life and the events that occur. If Miguel has an internal locus of control, he believes that he has the ability to influence his own outcomes and make friends at his new school. This positive belief can lead him to actively seek opportunities to meet new people and engage in social activities, increasing his chances of making friends and feeling comfortable. On the other hand, if Miguel has an external locus of control, he may believe that making friends is largely dependent on luck or external circumstances. This belief could lead to feelings of helplessness and a lack of initiative in reaching out to others, potentially hindering his ability to make friends.
b. In group/out group refers to the tendency for people to categorize others into groups, with the in-group being those that are perceived as similar or belonging to the same social group, while the out-group comprises those who are perceived as different or not belonging. The formation of cliques or social groups within a school is common, and individuals tend to associate more with their in-group. If Miguel can find common interests or characteristics that align him with certain social groups within his new school, he may find it easier to make friends and feel comfortable. However, if he is perceived as being too different or not fitting into any established in-groups, he may face challenges in making friends and feeling like he belongs.
c. Stereotyping is a cognitive process where people categorize others based on preconceived notions or assumptions about certain groups. Stereotypes are often based on limited or inaccurate information and can lead to unfair judgments or expectations. If Miguel is subjected to stereotypes based on his ethnicity, background, or other characteristics, it could negatively impact his ability to make friends and feel comfortable. This could cause others to make assumptions about him that may not be true, leading to misunderstandings or exclusion.
d. Groupthink occurs when a group of individuals prioritize conformity and consensus over critical thinking and independent decision-making. This can lead to a lack of creativity, diversity of ideas, and poor decision-making within the group. If Miguel joins a social group or clique in his new school that heavily relies on groupthink, his ability to express his own individuality, thoughts, and opinions may be suppressed. This could make it challenging for him to connect with others on a deeper level and hinder his sense of belonging within the group.
e. The mere exposure effect suggests that repeated exposure to a stimulus increases our liking or preference for that stimulus. In the context of making friends, if Miguel repeatedly interacts with individuals at his new school, whether in class, extracurricular activities, or social events, he is more likely to develop familiarity and comfort with them. This can increase his chances of making friends as he becomes more familiar and accustomed to the people and environment around him.
1. Fundamental attribution error is a cognitive bias where individuals tend to overemphasize dispositional or internal factors when explaining the behavior of others, rather than considering situational or external factors. For Miguel, it would be helpful to be aware of this bias to avoid making snap judgments about his peers. Instead of assuming that others may not want to befriend him because they are unfriendly or uninterested, he could consider that they might be dealing with their own challenges or that the situational circumstances may influence their behavior. By being open-minded and giving people a chance, Miguel can foster new friendships and feel more at ease in his new school.
To make the transition to his new school easier, Miguel could engage in the following activities:
1. Join clubs or extracurricular activities: Participating in clubs or sports teams aligned with his interests can provide Miguel with opportunities to meet like-minded individuals and form friendships based on shared activities.
2. Seek support from school resources: Miguel could connect with guidance counselors, peer support groups, or mentors available at his new school. These resources can provide guidance, advice, and a platform to share concerns, ultimately helping him feel more supported and connected.
3. Take initiative by initiating conversations: Miguel can actively engage in conversations with his classmates or peers, whether in class or during breaks. By showing interest in getting to know others and actively participating in social interactions, he can increase the likelihood of forming friendships.
4. Attend social events: Miguel should make an effort to attend social events organized at his new school, such as orientation programs, dances, or sporting events. These events provide opportunities to meet new people in a more relaxed and informal setting, making it easier to initiate conversations and form connections.
5. Volunteer or help others: Miguel could engage in community service or offer to help classmates with their studies or projects. These acts of kindness and helpfulness can create goodwill, enhance his reputation, and facilitate the formation of relationships.
Overall, by being proactive, open-minded, and utilizing available resources, Miguel can increase his chances of making friends and feeling comfortable in his new school.