Question

Section 2 – Why might people believe improbable things?

Explain how people may generate and perpetuate one of the following beliefs: (a) believing that Bigfoot exists, (b) believing that horoscopes are accurate. Include AT LEAST 2 principles from the Self, Social Cognition, or Social Attribution chapters. Points are awarded for an accurate description of the principle as well as correct application of the concept to your example. (4 points)

Answer 1

I am choosing horoscope. Social attribution theory, this theory says that human being have tendency to assign their actions. If the result is positive they would attribute it to self and if it is negative people would attribute it to environment or somebody else. Eg. If one achieves success then the person may say that it is due to his hardwork, toiling day and night, efforts etc. If the result is negative then a person would not say due to his lack of efforts, concentration he would blame that his stars are not good,day was not in favour for particular horoscope as per his reading.

Self theory - Carl Rogers has played a good role in this theory. This theory states that a person ideas or perceptions that he has about himself and the way he wants them.to work in his career or relationships. We often see that girls reading lot of astrology compatibility stuff and building perceptions or ideas and choosing partner accordingly. Or even reading horoscope and then choosing career path or any good career move. People even change their spelling as per numerology.