Assignment
1. Among American women born before 1900, a mere 3 percent had experienced premarital sex by age 18. In the United States today, almost half of high school students report having had sexual intercourse. How do these changes in sexual behavior reflect cultural changes that have fueled a preoccupation with needs for social relatedness? How effectively have these sexual behavior changes served to fulfill people's need to belong?
2. While hiking in the woods Sonya and Paul encountered a snake on the trail. While Sonya was extremely frightened of the snake, Paul, realizing the snake was harmless, picked up the snake to examine it more closely. Explain how the James
- Lange theory and the two
- factor theory would explain the emotional reactions of Sonya and Paul.
3. David's history teacher asked him why so many German people complied with Hitler's orders to systematically slaughter millions of innocent Jews. David suggested that the atrocities were committed because the Germans had become unusually cruel, sadistic people with abnormal and twisted personalities. Use your knowledge of Milgram's research on obedience to highlight the weaknesses of David's explanation.
4. According to a number of distinguished psychologists, a major purpose of the defense mechanisms described by Freud is the protection of selfesteem. Give an example of how repression, reaction formation, projection, rationalization, displacement, and denial could each be used to protect or even enhance a positive selfimage.
5. Jane is wary of those who suffer from psychological disorders because she believes that they are aggressive and violent. She also thinks they are more likely to commit crimes than those in the general population that do not suffer from a psychological disorder. What would you say to Jane to convince her that she is mistaken in her assumptions?
6. One of your best friends feels that he fails at everything he does and that his life isn't worth living. When you suggest that he talk to a psychotherapist, your friend responds, "Talking won't help. The more I talk about myself, the more I think about my problems.
The more I think about my problems, the more depressed I get." Explain why your friend's comment illustrates his need for cognitive therapy. What procedures would a cognitive therapist use to help your friend overcome his negative feelings?
The response should include a reference list. Double-space, using Times New Roman 12 pnt font, one-inch margins, and APA style of writing and citations.