Part A.
1.The first psychologists were philosophers; however, the field became more sophisticated as scientific approaches were developed. Explain the historical evolution of psychology, tracing its roots from Ancient Greece to the modern day. Identify and describe three of “today’s perspectives,” and explain in detail which perspective you think best explains the root of human behavior.
2.You are interested in conducting a research study that investigates whether listening to different types of music while studying improves test scores in an Introduction to Psychology course. Detailing ethical considerations, the scientific method, and experimental research methods, how would you implement this research study from start to finish?
3.The brain naturally produces neurotransmitters that have a significant impact on our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Choose three neurotransmitters, and discuss how each one impacts an individual’s thoughts, feelings, or behaviors.
4.The activities of the sympathetic nervous system are often referred to as the “fight or flight” response. Discuss an event in your life when your sympathetic nervous system became activated. What changes did you notice to your body?
5.Suppose you were to suffer an accident to the frontal lobe of your brain. Describe what effects you might notice as a result of this accident. Explain the role neuroplasticity would have in your recovery.
Part B.
1.Explain the principles of classical and operant conditioning. Be sure to discuss the key features of each type of learning.
2.Based on research conducted by Bandura and others related to observational learning (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zerCK0lRjp8), what advice would you give to families about children’s exposure to violent media and video games? Be specific.
3.Explain the three-system memory theory. Be sure to fully detail each component and highlight features related to each storage system.
4.Memory loss can occur for a variety of reasons. After reading the textbook section “Why We Forget,” identify and explain four reasons why forgetting takes place. After reading the information at the following link (http://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newISS_95.htm), explain in detail, two strategies you can employ to improve your memory.
Part C.
1.Suppose that a new “miracle pill” allows a person to function without sleep. Thus, a person who takes the pill will never sleep—or dream—again. Knowing what you do about the functions of sleep and dreaming, what would be some advantages and drawbacks of such a pill from a personal perspective? Would you take such a pill? Why or why not? Keep in mind that a complete answer should be well-supported; in other words, be sure to apply psychological theories and concepts to answering the question.
2.Explain five sleep disturbances. Based on theories and concepts from Chapter 4 of your text, suggest three strategies you might employ to improve your sleep.
3.Imagine that you are working as a mental health professional. A college student confides in you that he is struggling with alcohol and marijuana addiction. How would you explain to him the difference between psychological and physiological dependence? What information would you explain to him regarding these classes of psychoactive drugs? Be specific.
4.Examine the three major types of consequences that result from stress: direct physiological effects; harmful behaviors, and indirect-health related behaviors. Discuss a stressor you’ve encountered and apply it to each consequence. Discuss the current research that links stress to psychoneuroimmunology, and highlight how stress impacts the immune system.
5.Imagine that you were to win the Powerball lottery tomorrow. What type(s) of stress, in your opinion, would diminish because of increased financial resources? What does current research say about whether or not money “buys” happiness? Evaluate these theories: do you agree or disagree with this research? What are the advantages and limitations of these theories? As part of your answer, explain three characteristics related to happy people.