Lesson Notes

Lesson 16.4a  Reducing Prejudice and Discrimination

In this lesson you will learn how to reduce prejudice and discrimination. Research has found that there are five approaches that have been the most effective. From promoting cooperation, and increasing contact, we have the ability to decrease the amount of negative interactions and belief systems people have about others. One of the most recent methods utilized is the use of cognitive retraining. This objective looks to find ways to change people’s stereotypical and prejudicial belief systems about others. For example, in your community there may be a negative belief system towards teens. Many of these beliefs are influenced by media portrayals of teens. By challenging these beliefs with the countless positive (and many times altruistic) behaviour of teens, the hope is that people will have a different perspective on the youth in our community.

Lesson 16.4 b  Overcoming Destructive Obedience: When is it Okay to Say No

This lesson discusses how what you need to know so that you can overcome situations where following orders is not in your best interest. By understanding principles like socialization, groupthink, and the foot-in-the-door phenomena you will be better able to avoid situations where you may feel undue pressure (i.e. buying a car).