Persuasion, Aggression, and Prejudice: The Forces Behind Human Behavior PART 2

In Persuasion, Aggression, and Prejudice, we explore the powerful social influence techniques that shape our decisions, from the door-in-the-face to the that's-not-all methods of persuasion. Based on Baumeister and Bushman’s Social Psychology and Human Nature, we take a deep dive into how persuasion works through both central and peripheral routes, and examine the factors that drive prosocial behavior, including empathy, reciprocity, and the bystander effect. We also unpack the roots of aggression—looking at biological and social learning theories, media violence, and cultures of honor. Finally, we tackle the impact of prejudice and discrimination, exploring how stereotypes, self-esteem, and intergroup contact shape our relationships and how biases can be overcome. Tune in for an insightful journey into the psychological forces that drive human behavior and our interactions with others.