Proposal 3

RESEARCH TOPIC:

Social psychology

TITLE:

Interpersonal attraction

BACKGROUND:

Social psychology is the scientific study of how people's thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are influenced by the actual, imagined, or implied presence of others. By this definition, scientific refers to the empirical method of investigation. The terms thoughts, feelings, and behaviors include all psychological variables that are measurable in a human being. The statement that others' presence may be imagined or implied suggests that we are prone to social influence even when no other people are present, such as when watching television, or following internalized cultural norms.

A major area in the study of people's relations to each other is interpersonal attraction. This refers to all forces that lead people to like each other, establish relationships, and (in some cases) fall in love. Several general principles of attraction have been discovered by social psychologists, but many still continue to experiment and do research to find out more. One of the most important factors in interpersonal attraction is how similar two particular people are. The more similar two people are in general attitudes, backgrounds, environments, worldviews, and other traits, the more probable an attraction is possible. Contrary to popular opinion, opposites do not usually attract.

Physical attractiveness is an important element of romantic relationships, particularly in the early stages characterized by high levels of passion. Later on, similarity and other compatibility factors become more important, and the type of love people experience shifts from passionate to companionate. Robert Sternberg has suggested that there are actually three components of love: intimacy, passion, and commitment. When two (or more) people experience all three, they are said to be in a state of consummate love.

According to social exchange theory, relationships are based on rational choice and cost-benefit analysis. If one partner's costs begin to outweigh his or her benefits, that person may leave the relationship, especially if there are good alternatives available. This theory is similar to the mini max principle proposed by mathematicians and economists. With time, long term relationships tend to become communal rather than simply based on exchange.

PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION:

-people are influenced by the situation and general attitudes

-people often demonstrate bias against other races

-guide people toward the adoption of an attitude, idea, or behavior by rational or emotive

-people who regard themselves as over or underweight

-change in behavior suggest from another person

-influence by media of a person behavior and attitude

-failure marriage life

-a lot of teen get wrongly involve in relationship life

AIM AND OBJECTIVE:

-the way people alter the thoughts, feelings, and behaviors of others

-people can perceive, think about, and remember information about others

-attitudes are basic expressions of approval or disapproval

-groups tend to interact, influence each other, and share a common identity

MOTIVATION:

I like to show people's thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are influenced by the actual, imagined, or implied presence of others. Besides, I like to represent physical attractiveness is an important element of relationships. I want to show factors which influence one person's attraction to another, with physical aspects being one of them.

IDEATION AND CONCEPT:

My concept on this topic is to provide a video installation or digital photography. This video covers some helpful information and will help you to visualize the important in interpersonal attraction.

DESIGN APPROACH:

Video installation / digital photography / documentary