Applying Psychology Theories to Serial Podcast Season 1, Episode 1: The Alibi

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Oct 1, 2025

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Bonus Opportunity: Serial Podcast: Season 1, Episode 1: The Alibi

https://serialpodcast.org/season-one/1/the-alibi

Use the resources from the questions below such as psychoanalytic, Kohlberg theory and others.

To complete this bonus option you first need to listen to the entire first episode of this true crime podcast. This case is a fascinating one! After listening to the full episode, apply the following terms, concepts, and psychologists that we have studied this year to this case.

This is not a “gimmee” type deal where simply turning something in gets you the credit. You have to earn it here. Effort is usually obvious on these types of assignments, and demonstrating more effort will help ensure that you are able to get the maximum points. To really earn the credit and get the points you must demonstrate both that you understand the term/concept/psychologist and what it means AND that you also can accurately apply it to this case. You can be somewhat creative in how you apply the terms and concepts….there is often not one right way to do it. To earn points though your application should demonstrate both that you truly understand the term or concept and that you can apply it to this case in a way that makes sense and shows you listened to the whole episode.

One last thing… The paper you submit will be run through AI detection software because of issues I have had in the past with students cheating in this way. That is distressing to me because I only create these type of bonus assignments to help those who might need it, and it feels like a violation of trust when I get papers that clearly were not written by the students that submitted them. Please do not use any type of AI writing assistance when completing this paper. I am not concerned with grammatical errors here….I want to read your words and your thoughts, not some AI drivel that reads like an encyclopedia article.

1. I honestly state that I listened to the entire first episode of the podcast series “Serial”, and that the answers provided are mine and mine alone. __________________________________ (sign your name here)

2. If Freud listened to the same episode you just did, explain how he might use his psychoanalytic theory to make sense of the story and the characters in it.

3. How does the concept of misinformation effect relate to this case? In a full paragraph response (at least 5 sentences) demonstrate that you understand the concept, and then provide 2-3 specific examples from the episode explaining how this phenomenon might be taking place and influencing events.

4. We studied Kohlberg’s theory of moral development in class. In a full paragraph response (at least 5 sentences) prove you understand Kohlberg’s theory by applying it to several of the different characters in the story. There is definitely some ambiguity about what actually happened to Hae, but how might Kohlberg speculate about which level different people might be at, and why?

5. Theory of mind is a cognitive ability that has been extensively studied by cognitive psychologists (it comes up in Piaget’s theory of development). It is well known that being a good liar depends on if you have a solid grasp of theory of mind. Why is that true? Also, think about Adnan specifically here. He clearly has theory of mind. What evidence is there for this in his comments, and how might this ability that he has be influencing the information he gives the podcast host? (There are numerous potentially correct answers here)

6. Jay’s role in the case is an interesting one. He claims that Adnan told him he was going to do it beforehand, and then he even hung out with Adnan while he buried the body without going to the cops that night. How might the fundamental attribution error affect someone listening to the podcast when hearing Jay describe his actions on the day of the murder?

7. Your textbook has a brief section on anecdotal evidence. What is it, and how reliable is it? How does that relate to this case specifically?

8. Finally….after listening to the full episode and reflecting on it, what do you think? Did Adnan kill Hae? Explain your perspective.

Struggling with where to start this assignment? Follow this guide to tackle your assignment easily!

This is a detailed, step-by-step guide for structuring and writing your bonus assignment based on Serial Podcast: Season 1, Episode 1: The Alibi.

1. Declaration

Begin your paper with a statement affirming that you listened to the full episode and that your responses are your own work.
Example:

“I honestly state that I listened to the entire first episode of the podcast series Serial, and that the answers provided are mine and mine alone.”
________________________ (sign your name here)

2. Freud and Psychoanalytic Theory

Introduce Freud’s psychoanalytic theory (id, ego, superego, unconscious motives).
Apply it to the characters in the podcast.
Example approaches:
- Adnan’s possible internal conflicts (id impulses vs. superego constraints).
- How Hae’s and other characters’ behaviors might reflect unconscious motivations.
Write 1–2 paragraphs. Include examples from the episode.

3. Misinformation Effect

Explain the concept: people’s memories can be altered by misleading information or suggestions.
Apply to the episode with 2–3 examples:
- Witness statements that change over time.
- Conflicting recollections between Jay and others.
- Misremembered timelines or events.
Write 1 full paragraph (5+ sentences) clearly connecting examples to the theory.

4. Kohlberg’s Theory of Moral Development

Briefly explain Kohlberg’s stages (pre-conventional, conventional, post-conventional).
Apply to multiple characters:
- Adnan: what level might he reflect based on his decision-making?
- Jay: moral reasoning in his involvement and reporting.
- Others: family or friends’ responses to events.
Discuss ambiguities and justify your reasoning.

5. Theory of Mind

Explain that theory of mind is the ability to understand that others have beliefs, intentions, and perspectives different from one’s own.
Connect to lying and manipulation: why this ability is important.
Apply specifically to Adnan:
- Examples from his comments that show he anticipates others’ thoughts.
- How this skill may influence the narrative he provides to the podcast host.

6. Fundamental Attribution Error

Define the concept: overestimating personal traits and underestimating situational factors when evaluating others’ behaviors.
Apply to Jay’s actions:
- How listeners might blame Jay’s character instead of considering situational pressures or influence from Adnan.

7. Anecdotal Evidence

Define anecdotal evidence: personal stories or observations used as evidence.
Discuss reliability: often biased, incomplete, or not generalizable.
Apply to the case:
- Witness accounts or Jay’s recounting are anecdotal and may not be entirely reliable.

8. Personal Reflection

Give your opinion on the case: Did Adnan kill Hae?
Justify your perspective using psychological analysis, evidence from the episode, and any inconsistencies or ambiguities in testimonies.
Keep it 1 paragraph and clearly explain your reasoning.

9. References

Include:
- The Serial podcast episode (APA format).
- Your textbook or course materials referencing Freud, Kohlberg, Piaget, or cognitive psychology concepts.
Ensure APA formatting is consistent.

Tips for Success:

Take notes while listening to the episode to accurately cite examples.
Show a clear understanding of each psychological concept and directly connect it to the case.
Avoid vague statements; specificity and detailed application are key.
Review for coherence, spelling, and APA formatting.

Resources for Further Reading:

Freud’s Psychoanalytic Theory Overview
Kohlberg’s Stages of Moral Development
Theory of Mind in Cognitive Psychology
Misinformation Effect Research

This guide ensures your paper is organized, reflective, and deeply engaged with the psychological concepts, fulfilling all requirements for maximum points.

Remember! It’s just a sample. Our professional writers will write a unique paper for you.

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