Title: Do we have free will
Author: IVCC
Last saved by: Lora Vasiliauskas

Looking Forward….. Please include your first name and a few key words from your discussion question in the subject title of the 'Looking forward' exercise.  Each student should choose a question from section A and a question from section B from the list below.  Try to choose questions that have not yet been answered. You do not have to research the answers.  In fact, for this assignment only, I would prefer you not ‘look-up’ the answers for this exercise (You will rarely see me say I do not want you to look up information to back your responses!).  Although I am looking for your first thoughts and impressions, support your answer with examples – demonstrate some critical thinking!  The questions are designed to give an overview of topics to come and to start thinking psychology.  I will also want you to respond to at least 2 of your peers, adding to their response (for example, do you agree/disagree, do you have an example...).  This is part of what makes this class fun (and educational)!  You will want your responses to contribute and/or add to the discussions (not just an 'I agree'). Check the schedule under Syllabus for the due date.   (This exercise is worth up to 5 points)

 Part A

Do we have free will?  

How would you define ‘normal’?  

In today’s society, what motivates people?  

Are eye witness testimonies accurate?  

It has been a common practice in recent years, for elementary and junior high schools to reward students just for trying activities (for example, every student who participated in a science fair received at least a second place ribbon or an honorable mention ribbon).  Why is this a good idea or bad idea? 

How is it that there are so many explanations for why kids exhibit behavior problems in school?  What are some reasons you have heard?

Are emotions universal?  

You find out a coworker has a mental illness.  How does that make you feel?  Does your behavior change?  

Being a psychologist is all about the office, the couch, and people telling you their problems.  Is this true? Why or why not?  

How does parenting style impact who we are when we become adults?  Does it really matter? (You may want to address what you think are different styles of parenting in your answer)  

What does the term ‘critical thinking’ mean to you and how does it apply to psychology? 
How do we know if there is really an unconscious?  

Are reported research results always applicable to everyone?  

In your opinion, is there a difference between ‘split personalities’ and someone having schizophrenia? 

Should the ‘end justify the means’ when it comes to psychological research? 

Part B

Do you think that people are more prone to help one another in times of need or not?  

Is psychology just common-sense?  

Does physiology (biology) play more of a role in our behavior than our past experiences?  Explain.  

Do you think that we can mold anyone to do anything by reward and punishment?  Explain.  

Do ‘labels’ really matter? (ie.  That person is a jock, that person is stupid, that person is a brain, that person is a pain in the tush…)  

Does watching television violence increase aggression in children?  

Do you think that people who are hypnosis can make people do things?  Explain. 

Many of us have heard about personality tests, IQ tests, and other types of assessment.  Most of us have taken aptitude tests or achievement tests in school (the IOWA tests, SAT, ACT, and such).  What value does assessment have if any? 

Are high goals or low goals more motivating?  Why?   

Explain why you feel one or both of these is more important than the other – understanding what we feel or the understanding of the benefits of behaving or feeling a certain way.  

Why do you think people develop superstitious behaviors?  

What makes people happy? 

Is stress always a bad thing?  Can someone have too much stress? How can you decrease stress?