Assignment Question
We hear a lot about random acts of violence. We are more likely to pay attention to the negative, unexpected events that happen than the mildly pleasant events that occur. We notice that things go wrong and don’t consider the number of times when things go according to plan. Consequently, we are likely to overestimate how often bad things occur. In this project, you will commit three random acts of kindness. You will do something kind for someone else that requires you to go somewhat out of your way to do. They do not have to be around for someone to witness your act or to acknowledge what you have done. Examples are paying for the coffee of the person behind you at Starbucks or bringing a treat to a favorite coworker.
Remember: these should be random! Treating your significant other to a movie or buying a round of drinks for everyone at the bar are not random acts of kindness because you have something to gain! These should be actions that do not benefit you in any way, beyond maybe making you feel good for doing something kind.
Tell me:
1. What were your three random acts of kindness?
2. How did you feel before committing each act, during each act, and how did you feel afterwards?
3. Did anyone react to your act of kindness? What sort of reaction did they have?
4. Do you believe there is a norm of kindness to others or more of a norm of putting “number one” first? On what are you basing your opinion? Do you notice more acts of kindness after doing this or fewer?
5. According to social exchange theory, how might you weigh the costs and benefits of each act of kindness?
6. How might someone who strongly believes the empathy-altruism hypothesis view these acts of kindness?
We hear a lot about random acts of violence. We are more likely to pay attention to the negative, unexpected events that happen than the mildly pleasant events that occur. We notice that things go wrong and don’t consider the number of times when things go according to plan. Consequently, we are likely to overestimate how often bad things occur.
