Introducing Psychology

Loneliness is a problem that plagues many people, but college students in particular.

1. In a narrative format, discuss the key facts and critical issues presented.

2. How would each of the seven perspectives of psychology approach the question of why people are lonely? Which of the perspectives provides information that you think is most useful? Why?

3. How would the consideration of multiple perspectives to analyze loneliness be superior to the use of any single perspective?

Research Methods in Psychology

Twenge, Baumeister, Tice, and Stucke (2001) told students that a personality test showed that they would or would not have any significant personal relationships for the rest of their lives, and then assessed the students' willingness to help others. The students told that they would not have any important social relationships were less likely to help.

4. In a narrative format, discuss the key facts and critical issues presented.

5. Considering the information you have learned about research ethics for studies using human participants, what should Twenge et al. (2001) do to ensure their participants' safety?

In this study, what serves as the independent variable? Which is the dependent variable?

Which is the control group? Which is the experimental group?

6. If you were serving on an ethical review board, would you approve this study? Why or why not?

Genetics and Evolution

Consider one of your traits or characteristics, such as your musical talent or excellence in math or wavy hair. How might nature and nurture have contributed to your observed characteristic?

7. In a narrative format, discuss the key facts and critical issues presented.

8. What information do you need in order to answer this question accurately? What methods might you use to obtain the needed data? Do you think nature, nurture, or a combination of the two provides the best explanation for your chosen trait?

9. How likely do you think it will be for your trait to show up in your children, should you choose to have a family at some point?