Understanding Psychology

Chapter 20: Attitudes and Social Influence

Web Activity Lesson Plans

"Major Influences"

Introduction
Students have read about how persuasion is a direct attempt to influence attitudes. In this exercise, students will visit several Web sites that detail how their interests influence their behavior and attitudes.

Lesson Description
Students will use information from these Web sites to learn about research results and surveys on teenagers and influences. Students will read about why various people respond differently to given situations and how influences can change their attitudes. Students will then apply this information by imagining they are a sales executive for a big-time company, trying to deliver a sales pitch to their biggest clients by performing a commercial skit, displaying a poster, or presenting a music jingle.

1. Students will be able to summarize research findings about attitudes, influences, and persuasions and describe how this affects their daily lives.
2. Students will be able to use this knowledge to imagine they are a sales executive trying to influence and persuade the audience to buy their product.