General Instructions: Below are a variety of discussion topics related to chapters 1 and 2. For this DB, you should choose one of these topics and post an original thread thoroughly addressing all aspects of that item in at least 2-3 well-written paragraphs. When creating your thread, use an informative subject line (e. g., My Research Project about Studying). Your original post is worth a maximum of 8 points. You must post your own original thread before you can see what others have posted. You also need to give thoughtful responses to at least 2 classmates’ original posts. How can you continue the conversation? What questions do you have for your classmate? Each response is worth 1 point for a maximum of 2 points.

All original posts and responses should be based on evidence from the book or video lectures, and your critical thinking skills. If sources outside the textbook are used, you must include the reference. Use this assignment to show me what you are learning!

As with all DB’s, you will lose one point if you begin participating in a discussion board on the last day it is open. This DB is worth a maximum of 10 points.

Chapter 1 - Perspectives: Traditionally, psychology can be divided into different perspectives, such as psychoanalysis, behaviorism, humanism, multiculturalism, evolutionary psychology, cognitive psychology, neuroscience, positive psychology, and biopsychosocial theory. Psychologists who associate themselves with a specific perspective generally view human behavior and mental processes as being explained by the concepts that their perspective emphasizes. Most people view smoking cigarettes as an undesirable behavior due to the increase risk for health related problems. A psychologist could potentially explain why someone would engage in this behavior based on their psychological perspective. In your original thread, pick 3 of the above perspectives (italicized) and describe in your own words the main focus of each perspective. Then, give an explanation for why someone might smoke cigarettes using each perspective. Lastly, state which perspective, in your opinion, provides the best explanation or is the most useful for understanding this behavior?

Chapter 1 – Research: Columbus State Community College has a very diverse student population with regard to gender, race, ethnicity, nationality, age, etc. Suppose you are interested in learning about how studying affects student grades at CSCC. Maybe you’re interested in the number of hours per day students study or the types of study strategies students use. The research questions about studying are endless! Using what you’ve learned in Chapter 1, imagine that you are going to do your own research project about studying and create a post answering all of the following questions. Be sure to consider the large diversity among the student population as you design your research project.

What is your specific research question?
What is your theory and specific hypothesis?
Describe your sample of research participants especially related to demographics at CSCC.
How are you going to recruit your research participants?
Which research design do you think would be best for testing your hypothesis? Explain why.
Describe your research method in detail (e. g., descriptive, correlational, experimental).
What ethical challenges could come up with your research project?
Chapter 2 - Brain Areas: In Chapter 2, we are learning about many different areas of the brain and their associated functions. Using this information, imagine that you have a rare disease that will destroy one area of your brain. Choose 3 specific brain areas (must be discussed in Chapter 2) that you might consider giving up if you were able to choose. Name and describe (in your own words) the functions of these 3 brain areas. Then, pick one of these 3 areas to be destroyed. Describe why you are willing to destroy it. ]