WORKERS EDUCATIONAL ASSOCIATION.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18894, 21 June 1923, Page 8

WORKERS EDUCATIONAL ASSOCIATION.

A course on social psychology was .opened up by Mr J. Johnson, ALA. (tutor), at tho North End W.E.A. Class last week, ‘under the heading '“Social Interaction.” While it is true that “man is a social animal,’’ not in any'special faculty, but by reason of bis whole ’ iraturo)'-yet ‘thete are certain tendencies which in a special wayact as avenues by m.efms of which social influence makes itself felt in tho development of the individual. The tendency of imitation—doing as we sec others do, acting on their beliefs, ideas, and opinions—is of groat importance, insomuch that it is not merely for repetition (or as is commonly called “instincts”), but as a means to acquire knowledge of our own powers , and,; limitations and hereby of service ■ in. education; The. tendency , of sympathy—contagion ~in feeling—-is important as nn aid to the rmderstanding of tho-fcelings and actions of-our fellows, and also to develop a. strong power of resistance over some emotions •in cases of fear and over-excitement. Suggestibility is another specific reactive tendency. Suggestion is a term tho psychologist uses, not in the sense of one thing suggesting another, but to imply a. personal interaction between two individuals; .hypnotic, condition being called exaggerated suggestibility; artificially induced.