1. Assignment 1: 1st
Individual Journal
Name: Chow Hong Da
Student ID: 0318571
Course: Social Psychology
Course code: PSY30203
Lecturer: Ms. Norul Hidayah

2. In Psychology, a social behavior is a person’s behavior towards society, more
specifically how a person reacts to a social situation. The picture above shows a group of
Chinese boys and an Indian boy dressed up in traditional Malay outfits, ready to perform in
traditional Malay dance.
First of all, the picture above shows the concept of perseverance effect. Traditionally,
only Malays wear the traditional Baju Melayu, and only during special occasions. Seeing
people of other races wearing the Malay costume contradicts the beliefs and schemas of
others, especially the audience and judges during the performance. People might think they
are Malays even though they are not.

3. The other concept touched upon in the picture is representative heuristics. At first
glance, none of the people in the picture appear to be able to dance or perform. The brain
automatically perceives us as such but they managed to perform successfully on the event
which is the opposite of what the brain thinks.
In short, the brain automatically sorts and filters information received with schemas,
biases and judgments before finally being processed. Social psychology teaches us to process
social behavior with no prejudice in order to study the human psyche properly and fairly to
produce an accurate idea instead of biased judgments.
(210 words total)