Chapter 2 Critical Thinking/Essay Questions
1. Describe personality structure in terms of the interactions of the id, ego and superego. How might your behavior be influenced by the dynamics of these structures? Please consider a recent decision that you made and relate this process to the three personality structures. What input did each of these structures give in your decision making process? What was the resulting outcome?
2. Identify the major differences between operant and classical conditioning. How might one apply both of these types of conditioning in their daily lives? Please give at least one example for each type of conditioning.
3. Describe the possible relationship between genes and traits. How might nature and nurture interact to form our personality? What do you feel has been the most influential in your own life, nature or nurture?
4. Begin by reading the following article:
http://www.fastcompany.com/magazine/88/open_playbook.html
After reading the web-link article on utilizing personality inventories in the job application process, what are your reactions? What do you see as some potential strengths and weaknesses of using personality inventories as a tool in the hiring process? Explain why you believe this is or is not a fair process.
5. In the text, you read how a few years ago, people in Tokyo, Japan turned in some $23 million in cash to lost-and-found centers. Do you think that this happens in the United States? What are some factors that might lead you to think that this is more or less likely to occur in the United States? (Please be sure to include a discussion of individualistic versus collectivist cultures).
6. Congratulations! You have been hired by your local community to provide expert psychological advice to local parents. These parents are curious about the impact of televised violence upon their children. Drawing upon your knowledge of Social Cognitive theory, what information and advice might you share with these parents?