Imagine the following scenario: You are dating a person that you have fun with and who brings new and interesting hobbies into your life. Your partner is funny and attractive. Your partner treats you well. But you often think about a colleague at your office and wonder what it would be like to date someone other than your partner. The colleague at your office is more attractive than the person you are dating and this colleague has asked you out. What you do not like about the person you are currently seeing is that he or she is a bit needy. At times, he or she seeks you out constantly, calls frequently wanting to do things and is almost clingy. When you ask for space, your dating partner gets upset. On the other hand, you don't want to be that close to another person. You prefer to keep your distance and want a relationship with less commitment. Analyze the relationship you have with this dating partner in terms of social-exchange theory (comparison level, comparison level for alternatives, rewards and costs) and attachment style.
Consider the social cognitive cause of prejudice, specifically the idea of the activation of stereotypes. How does the activation of stereotypes explain prejudiced behavior? Summarize Devine's research on automatic and controlled processing of stereotypes, and how it can explain prejudicial behavior. How does the justification-suppression model of prejudice explain how prejudice works? How does the illusory correlation explain prejudicial thinking? When you consider the meaning and research behind all of these theories, what conclusions can be drawn about your ability to change stereotypical beliefs?