CASE STUDY
For this essay (1000-1500 words), you will critically analyze a facet of contemporary popular culture that appeals to you. Select material created within the last three years (a short story, a television show or web series, a music album, a podcast, a music video, or an art exhibit). Then, write an argument where you:
Show how the material you’ve selected demonstrates one specific cognitive bias (the Dunning Kruger Effect, the Halo Effect, Confirmation Bias, etc.),
Explain what ”truth” this reveals about our society.
Using at least two academic sources to support your claims, explain what implication this has or why it matters.
For instance, you might analyze how the character Michael Scott in The Office exemplifies the Dunning-Kruger Effect Links to an external site.because he’s often certain he knows more than he actually does, and he’s unaware of his own intellectual limitations. The ”truth” this puts forth is that those in leadership positions, even if they’re effective some of the time, aren’t necessarily the smartest or most hardworking. This matters because it may cause us to assume that the decisions people in positions of power make are “right” without critical examination.
Or, you could examine how Waylon Smithers, Mr. Burn’s assistant in The Simpsons, exemplifies the Halo Effect (he views Mr. Burns as being ”good” and this colors how he sees Burns’atrocious actions). This might reveal how people commit unethical acts because of who they admire.
Perhaps, you might examine how various characters in Schitt’s Creek interact with each other to demonstrate the horn effect (the opposite of the halo effect), to discuss how Southern accents or things we ascribe to “white trash” is still a prevalent stereotype we adhere to, which in turn might perpetuate the urban/rural divide. The implication is that we might dismiss important viewpoints that could help better our society.
In any case, it’s important to cite any criticisms that you’ve read, and you must offer an original argument.
