1. For this week's discussion topic you are to watch the news for reports of extreme acts of behavior. Your goal is to find evidence that news analysts overemphasize drastic cases in reporting the...

1. For this week's discussion topic you are to watch the news for reports of extreme acts of behavior. Your goal is to find evidence that news analysts overemphasize drastic cases in reporting the news.


2. Once you have found such a case share it with the class. In 200 words or more, discuss whether you think such reports lead to distorted perceptions of the case and why. As others watch the news report do you think information overload or illusory correlations lead to inaccurate views about the topic? How does the affect (emotional responses) created by such reports impact our cognition? Does media sensationalism lead to misconceptions due to availability heuristics? Also, you can consider some of your beliefs about the topic. Were these beliefs formed through assimilation, accommodation, or a combination of both? Do you think your expectations now influence how you respond to the news report? Please include in-text citations and references to support your discussion.