6-1 Discussion: Prosocial Behavior A family member says that humans are exceptional because, unlike other animals, we can be kind, selfless, and virtuous. Would you agree with that statement? Or do yo

6-1 Discussion: Prosocial Behavior

A family member says that humans are exceptional because, unlike other animals, we can be kind, selfless, and virtuous. Would you agree with that statement? Or do you think that our selflessness is actually driven by some degree of self-interest? For this discussion, you will explore the concept of prosocial behavior, with a focus on empathy, morality, and altruism.

First, title your post “Prosocial Behavior.”

For your initial post, review the videos Aggression vs. Altruism: Crash Course Psychology #40, Why Some People Are More Altruistic Than Others, and How Is Our Moral Psychology Manipulating Us. Then answer the following questions:

• Is our ability to empathize with others a product of nature or nurture? How does our worldview shape our capacity for empathy?
• In what ways is our moral compass influenced by the social and cultural perspectives that guide our behavior?
• In what ways is our moral compass influenced by spiritual perspectives that guide our behavior?
• Some people believe that humans are exceptional because of our capacity for prosocial behavior, such as kindness and altruism. By contrast, others believe that all behavior is motivated by some degree of self-interest; therefore, humans are not capable of engaging in selfless acts. Do you believe that humans are capable of altruism? Use credible evidence to support your position.
• How does the concept of prosocial behavior apply to any of the following programmatic course themes:
  • Self-care
  • Social justice
  • Emotional intelligence
  • Career connections
  • Ethics

Remember to respond to two peers while being respectful of and sensitive to their viewpoints. Consider advancing the discussion in the following ways:

• Post an article, video, or visual related to empathy, morality, or altruism to reinforce a peer’s idea or challenge them to see their point from a different perspective.
• Paraphrase something from the original post. Then consider asking a question or sharing your personal experience.

To complete this assignment, review the Psychology Discussion Rubric.

Discussion RubricCriteriaExemplaryProficientNeeds ImprovementNot EvidentValueContribution to the Learning CommunityInitial post actively stimulates the discussion and growth of learning within the community by initiating constructive dialogue; posts reflect a clear focused point of view pertaining to subject matter that is supported by credible resources and is designed to motivate the group’s professional dialogue (100%)

Initial post contributes to the learning community by initiating dialogue; posts reflect a clear point of view and are supported by credible resources (85%)

Initial post somewhat contributes to the learning community, with an attempt to initiate dialogue; posts may reflect some challenges in communicating a clear point of view that may not be supported by credible resources (55%)

Initial post does not contribute to the learning community, with no attempt to initiate dialogue; post does not reflect a clear point of view that is supported by credible resources (0%) 25Relevance to Programmatic Themes:Self-Care,Social Justice,Emotional Intelligence,Career Connections,EthicsInitial post integrates multiple applicable programmatic themes and elaborates on how each theme relates to the discussion topic (100%)

Initial post elaborates on how one or more applicable programmatic themes relate to the discussion topic (85%)

Initial post attempts to integrate one or more applicable programmatic themes, which may relate to the discussion topic (55%)Initial post does not integrate one or more applicable programmatic themes (0%)

25Advancement of DiscussionResponse posts significantly add to the learning community and advance the discussion by building upon peers’ initial posts; posts integrate multiple views from other learners and sources, views are applicable to content and professional practice, and they extend learning within the community (100%)

Response posts add to the learning community and advance the discussion; posts integrate views from other learners and sources (85%)

One or more response posts attempt to add to the learning community and provide content that somewhat advances the discussion (55%)

One or more response posts do not add value to the learning community and fail to advance the discussion (0%)

15Professional CommunicationPosts are clear and concise, and demonstrate respect and awareness of peers’ viewpoints; proper APA citation methods used where applicable, with minor errors in citations (100%)

Posts are clear and concise, and demonstrate respect and awareness of peers’ viewpoints; proper APA citation methods used where applicable, with few errors in citations, grammar, and syntax (85%)

Posts are understandable, and use proper APA citation methods where applicable, with a number of errors in citation, grammar, and syntax (55%)

Posts lack clarity, contain numerous grammar and syntax errors, and/or do not use proper APA citation methods where applicable (0%)20TimelinessN/ASubmits initial post on time (100%)

Submits initial post one day late (55%)

Submits initial post two or more days late (0%)15

Total:100%