Discussion Questions In Psychology Are There Altogether

These Are Discussion Questions Of Psychology There Are Altogether 5 D

These are Discussion Questions of Psychology. There are altogether 5 Discussion Questions and need to answer each question in words. Note: Need to answer by own not like regular research paper. This questions need own points. Use Book named: Discovering the Life Span, 4th edition by Robert Feldman.

Paper For Above instruction

1. What is meant by the axiom "correlation is not causation?" Give several examples of this issue.

The phrase "correlation is not causation" highlights a fundamental principle in research and statistics: just because two variables are related does not mean one causes the other. Correlation simply indicates that two variables tend to change together, but it doesn't specify the direction or existence of a cause-and-effect relationship. For example, studies may show a correlation between ice cream sales and drowning incidents. However, consuming ice cream does not cause drownings. Instead, both tend to increase during summer months due to warmer weather. This demonstrates that a common underlying factor (seasonality) influences both variables, not a causal relationship. Another example is the correlation between health problems and socioeconomic status. People with lower income may have higher rates of certain illnesses, but poverty does not directly cause these health issues. Instead, factors like access to healthcare or nutrition might mediate this relationship. Recognizing this distinction prevents misconceptions and misguided interventions based solely on observed correlations. It is vital to conduct further research to establish causality rather than assuming cause-and-effect based only on correlation statistics (Feldman, 2019).

2. What cultural and environmental factors in the United States may have contributed to the shift from an authoritarian "spare the rod" parenting style to an authoritative one since WWII? Is another shift underway?

Post-World War II, several cultural and environmental factors contributed to the shift from authoritarian parenting towards more authoritative styles in the United States. Firstly, increased emphasis on individual rights and personal freedom, rooted in democratic ideals, challenged traditional authoritarian approaches. The Civil Rights Movement and social justice initiatives fostered values of equality and respectful dialogue, encouraging more democratic parenting styles. Additionally, scientific research in psychology revealed that authoritative parenting—combining warmth with discipline—is more effective in promoting healthy development than authoritarian methods. This led to societal acceptance of less strict parenting. Environmental influences, such as urbanization and greater access to education, also played roles. Parents became more aware of child development theories and child psychology, influencing parenting practices. Moreover, economic prosperity allowed families to spend more time nurturing children rather than relying solely on discipline. Currently, another cultural shift appears underway, with some signs of more permissive or helicopter parenting, driven by fears of safety and social pressures. Innovations in technology and social media also impact parenting, creating new challenges and possibly leading toward a more protective or overcontrolling style, although the goal of fostering independence remains prevalent (Feldman, 2019).

3. More than a quarter of adolescents report feeling so sad or hopeless for two or more weeks in a row that they stop doing their normal activities. The depression rate for girls is higher than for boys. There is no evidence that hormone or gene differences account for this higher rate. Post why you think the rate is higher for adolescent girls than boys, and what you think our educational system might do to help in this matter.

The higher depression rates among adolescent girls compared to boys could stem from various social and psychological factors rather than biological ones. Girls tend to experience more social pressures related to appearance, peer relationships, and expectations, which can contribute to feelings of inadequacy and stress. Societal standards often place greater scrutiny on girls’ behavior and emotional expression, leading to increased vulnerability to depression. Additionally, girls are more likely to internalize problems, turning to self-criticism or rumination, which are linked with depression. The educational system can play a vital role by incorporating mental health education into curricula, teaching coping strategies, emotional regulation, and resilience-building. Schools should promote supportive environments where students feel safe to express emotions and seek help. Providing accessible counseling services and reducing stigma around mental health can encourage early intervention. Furthermore, fostering a balanced focus on academics and social-emotional development can help girls develop healthier self-esteem and relational skills, reducing feelings of hopelessness. Overall, a holistic, supportive, and proactive approach in education can significantly impact adolescent mental health (Feldman, 2019).

4. What does "familiarity breeds rigidity" mean? Give several examples of this phenomenon. Give an example from your own life. 5.

"Familiarity breeds rigidity" suggests that over time, repeated exposure to the same environment, routines, or ideas can lead to inflexibility, resistance to change, or closed-mindedness. When individuals or groups become too accustomed to their familiar circumstances, they may develop rigid attitudes or behaviors, making adaptation to new situations challenging. For example, in a workplace, employees who have worked in a specific way for years may resist adopting new technologies or procedures, even if they could improve efficiency. Similarly, in families, parents might insist on traditional methods of discipline despite evidence that alternative approaches could be better. From personal experience, I once became very comfortable with my daily routine, which limited my willingness to explore new hobbies or social activities. This familiarity made me resistant to change, and I had difficulty adjusting when life circumstances shifted. Recognizing this tendency allows one to actively seek new experiences and remain open to growth and adaptation, preventing the negative effects of rigidity (Feldman, 2019).

5. In 1998 Oregon passed the "right to die" law, giving physicians the legal ability to help their patients die. Do you support this law? Why or why not? If you were in a terminal situation where the pain was terrible with no hope of getting better, would you want assistance in dying? How would you feel about assisting someone that you loved?

Support for laws like Oregon’s "right to die" hinges on respecting individual autonomy and alleviating unbearable suffering. Personally, if I were in a terminal stage with intense pain and no hope for recovery, I might support the option of assisted dying to maintain my dignity and avoid prolonged suffering. The choice to end life, under strict ethical and medical guidelines, can be viewed as an extension of personal freedom concerning one’s body and life decisions. Supporting such a law acknowledges that individuals should have control over their end-of-life circumstances, especially when quality of life is severely compromised. Conversely, others may oppose these laws on moral or religious grounds, fearing potential misuse or the devaluation of life. Regarding assisting a loved one, I believe it would be an intensely personal decision. If their suffering was relentless and they expressed a desire to end their life, I would likely support their choice, respecting their autonomy and compassion. Ultimately, these decisions involve complex emotional and ethical considerations, and each case requires careful deliberation (Feldman, 2019).

References

• Feldman, R. (2019). Discovering the Life Span (4th ed.). Pearson.