Contempary Debate :)

Question 1

What 3 points do you argue for the debate is positive psychology relevant today?

Answer 1

-education
-Health
-Sport

Question 2

What is the argument for why “positive psychology is relevant” today for the topic of education?

Answer 2

-28% of teenagers say they worry a lot
-set a mindfulness based stress reduction program was set up to teach, mindful, breathing, meditation, and a few other techniques.
-It was found in the first year of the program 65 students took part, in the second year of the program 800 students took part and in the third year 1500 students took part.

Question 3

What is the argument for “ why positive psychology is not relevant today” for the topic of education?

Answer 3

-thousands of pupils at 85 different secondary schools took part in mindfulness lessons during a school term, they were then asked to continue the mindfulness lessons at home.
-It was found that very few students continued this at home as they found it to be boring and ineffective
-overall, the study concluded that the stresses teenagers are going through are too difficult for mindfulness lessons to have any effect

Question 4

What is the argument for “ why positive psychology is relevant today” for the topic of health?

Answer 4

-it was found that having anxiety and depression can lead to poor health as people with these mental health disorders are more likely to: drink, smoke, use drugs, and have a high cholesterol. This shows the connections between poor physical health and poor mental health.
- a study shows, that those who practice positive psychology report, having lower stress levels and lower levels of anxiety and depression, meaning they are less likely to have “destructive behaviours“.

Question 5

What is the argument for “ why positive psychology is not relevant today” for the topic of health?

Answer 5

-it was found that positive psychology can be used, shame people with anxiety and depression.
-An example of this would be, the findings from a study, which are: those who think emotions can be easily changed, are more likely to blame themselves for their own negative emotions, as they feel as if it is their own fault that they feel that way.
-It was also found that when other people expected them to deal with their own emotions, they experienced worsened symptoms as they felt like they cant ask for help, so proceed to try and deal with it on there own.

Question 6

What is the argument for “ why positive psychology is relevant today” for the topic of sport?

Answer 6

-A Study from the University of Kent shows that injured athletes benefit from mindfulness as a part of sport rehabilitation, as it can improve pain, tolerance and awareness.
-The study shows that 20 athletes, with injuries, which prevent participation in the sports, took part in practising there normal physio but with 90 minutes of mindfulness a
week as well, they did this for three months.
- a cold pressure test was used to assess pain tolerance
-it was found that MBSR reduce pain and improved tolerance.

Question 7

What is the argument for “ why positive psychology is not relevant today” for the topic of sport?

Answer 7

-research suggests that positive psychology creates avoidance to sports, reducing productivity within athletes
-As well as this positive psychology ignores individual circumstances, and the original cause to why an athlete may struggle with there sport to begin with.
-This means that providing all athletes with mindfulness may not help with their sporting improvement, as it doesn’t address the athletes individual circumstance and the cause of why they are struggling with the sport to begin with.
-therefore, positive psychology may not work for all athletes, which could lead to athletes blaming themselves when the therapy doesn’t work, which could lead to low self-esteem, overall worsening their sporting performance

Question 8

What three points do you argue for is eyewitness testimony, reliable – debate?

Answer 8

-Weapon focus
-Emotion
-Age

Question 9

What is the argument for “ eyewitness testimony is not reliable”- for the topic of weapon focus?

Answer 9

-a Study consisted of: two groups,
-Group 1 saw a video of a crime all the weapon in full view, group 2 could only partially view the weapon
-It was found that group 1 could record significantly less information as they were focused on the weapon, compared to group 2

Question 10

What is the argument for “ eyewitness testimony is reliable”- for the topic of weapon focus?

Answer 10

-research found that weapon is on display, leads to increase in stress.
-Stress is linked with the neurobiological system
-For example, stress triggers the amygdala to give off adrenaline and other adrenal stress hormones ,
-this leads to the enhancement of storing long-term memories
-as these hormones trigger receptors in your brain, which then helps with the making of long-term memories

Question 11

What is the argument for “ eyewitness testimony is not reliable”- for the topic of emotion?

Answer 11

-research found that stress in pairs memory retrieval in the classroom,
-through hampering the updating of memories and inducing a shift from flexible cognitive forms of learning to rigid habit like behaviour.
-as stress allocates any cognitive resources to deal with the stress, this limits, the cognitive resources to help us learn in the classroom.
-showing how learning under stress can lead to issues, recalling the information, especially within a classroom environment

Question 12

What is the argument for “ eyewitness testimony is reliable”- for the topic of emotion?

Answer 12

-A study found that emotional arousal can enhance storage of memories
-For example, stress leads to adrenal hormones been released by the amygdala, this activate the neuro adrenoreceptors, these receptors are essential for stress induced memory.

Question 13

What is the argument for “ eyewitness testimony is not reliable”- for the topic of age?

Answer 13

-Study, suggests that children may not remember as much as adults
-A study was conducted with three-year-olds, six-year-olds and adults
-These three groups interacted with a stranger for five minutes
-5 days later, they had to recall what happened and identify the stranger
-There was no difference in six-year-olds and adults in identifying the stranger, however, six-year-old could recall less
-3 -year-olds couldn’t identify the stranger Or recall much from the event

Question 14

What is the argument for “ eyewitness testimony is reliable”- for the topic of age?

Answer 14

-adults may be at a greater risk to false memories compared to children
-An experiment was conducted with a group of adults, a group of older children, and a group of young children.
-All three groups were shown the words: Baker, dough, knife, flour.
-The results were that all the children and adults frequently remembered seeing the word bread, a lot more compare to the younger children

Question 15

What three topics should use for the debate of should mother be the primary caregiver?

Answer 15

-influence on future relationships
-Hormone/sex, role stereotypes
-maternal deprivation

Question 16

What is the argument for “mother should be primary care giver”- for the topic of influence on future relationships

Answer 16

-suggests that by a child having a good attachment to there mother, they will form a good mental representation of what a relationship should look like and will base future relationships on this (internal working model).
-for example, a study was conducted where they assessed 99 mothers and on the relationships which they had with there one year olds, and reported the quality of this through interviews and observations.
-it was found that the mothers who reported having bad relationships with there own mums, where also more likely to have poorer attachments to there own one year olds.

Question 17

What is the argument for “mother should not be primary care giver”- for the topic on influence on future relationships

Answer 17

-a study suggests that the quality of a relationship between the mother and infant dosent effect the quality of relationships the child will have in the future
-a study was conducted which assessed the type of attachment 12-18 months had with there primary care giver (PCG).
-this was assessed again when the children where 16
-they found that the type of attachment the children had when they where 12-18 months with there PCG, did not effect the quality of the relationships they had when they where 16
-therefore contradicting the internal working model.

Question 18

What is the argument for “mother should be primary care giver”- for the topic of hormones/ sex roles stereotypes.

Answer 18

-a study suggests that it is the mothers role to show comfort and care to a child.
-lambs study found that children preferred interacting with there farther when in a positive mental state and wanting to play, however found that the mother was preferred when the child was distressed or seeking comfort.
-shows how the mother should be PCG as she is essential comfort and support to the child, so they can develop a good wellbeing.

Question 19

What is the argument for “mother should not be primary care giver”- for the topic of hormones/ sex role stereotypes?

Answer 19

-research suggests that when father’s raise a child without a female partner, they can develop the same emotional responses as a mother
-a study was conducted and shows that: when fathers raise a child with out a female figure then there brain will change its hormone out put (reduce testosterone levels)
-meaning parenting duties can be fulfilled.
-this shows how farthers can be PCG as they are stepping in and biologically adapting to have some of the same caring characteristics as the mother

Question 20

What is the argument for “mother should be primary caregiver ”- for the topic of maternal deprivation?

Answer 20

-the study suggests that if a child fails to develop an attachment with a PCG then they may not learn how to develop healthy attachments or relationships.
-a study was conducted which shows: that children who never create an attachment with there mothers as PCG are more likely to develop: clingy, dependent and attention seeking behaviour, to try and gain attention which they never received from there mother
-shows how mother should be PCG as a child needs to develop a good health attachment to get the attention they need, to not seek the attention they need in the future.

Question 21

What is the argument for “mother should not be primary care giver”- for the topic of maternal deprivation?

Answer 21

-a study suggests that “mothering” is not an exclusively female skill.
-A sample of 141 single fathers was surveyed about there father- child relationships.
-the findings of the study show how most single father’s reported feeling capable and comfortable as single parents
-the study also states that “single parents shouldn’t be overlooked and they should be aware that “mothering” is not entirely a female role.

Question 22

What 3 topics should you write about for the debate are classical conditioning techniques appropriate?

Answer 22

-home
-school
-vulnerable groups

Question 23

What is the argument for” classical conditioning techniques are appropriate”- for the topic of home?

Answer 23

-research suggests that recognising how children behave and using operant conditioning techniques in the home environment such as using reward charts, helps to strengthen children’s suitable behaviour as they can learn what is right through rewards.
-aswell as this reward charts also help to visualise good behaviour to children as they can see when there good behaviour matched up with the rewards in place, helping some children to understand the behaviour expected from them better. It
-research also suggests that by punishing bad behaviour, it can help children to realise which behaviour is undesirable and could motivate them to change it, so that they can earn rewards.

Question 24

What is the argument for” classical conditioning techniques are not appropriate”- for the topic of home?

Answer 24

• a study suggests that operant conditioning techniques such as: giving a child a reward for doing a chore, may be an unsuitable technique.
  -as the child is not motivated to do the chore, they are only doing it for a reward, so may not do the chore in future unless a reward is given.
  -a study was conducted where a researcher asked some students to finish a puzzle. Group 1 of participants where told that they would be payed to complete the puzzle, group 2 where not told about any payment.
  -the results where: that after the time was up group1 left with the money and didn’t stay to finish the puzzle, where as group 2 stayed longer after the time was up to finish the puzzle.
  -shows extrinsic motivation.

Question 25

What is the argument for” classical conditioning techniques are appropriate”- for the topic of school?

Answer 25

-research suggests that using operant conditioning techniques proves to be successful within children in an educational environment.
-The study suggests that using operant conditioning techniques such as time outs can improve behaviour as children are more likely to change there behaviour and be motivated try harder not to end up in time out.
-also time outs give a child time to calm down so they can reflect on there behaviour and how they may change it.
-as-well as this the study states that using time outs and detentions is the best way teachers can can ensure that students are not misbehaving, with out using harsh punishments.

Question 26

What is the argument for” classical conditioning techniques are not appropriate”- for the topic of school?

Answer 26

-research suggests that operant conditioning techniques, such as giving out detentions doesn’t work in schools.
-the study suggests that by an adult giving a detention to a student, the student may not develop self discipline as they are relying on others to discipline them.
-also the study suggests that the use of reward charts in schools, only created extrinsic motivation and doesn’t encourage pupils to work hard to do well, however encourages them to work hard for a reward.

Question 27

What is the argument for” classical conditioning techniques are appropriate”- for the topic of vulnerable groups?

Answer 27

-research suggests that using operant conditioning techniques such a reward chats on individuals with ADHD, may be useful as it identifies both positive and negative behaviour.
-reward charts themselves work particularly well for ADHD children as the use of rewards stimulate the production of dopamine, giving the prefrontal cortex what it needs to allow the child to sit still and pay attention, so they can learn in the long run.

Question 28

What is the argument for” classical conditioning techniques are not appropriate”- for the topic of vulnerable groups?

Answer 28

-research suggests that there is no evidence to suggest that any alternative treatment would be effective in treating special needs children.
-A school in Massachusetts used electric shocks as an operant conditioning technique.
-this cause backlash when an 18 year old received more then two dozen electric shocks whilst tied to a bed as many viewed this to be unethical, when there is no evidence that alternate treatment works in the first place, and that there are better more ethical examples of classical conditioning the school could of used.

Question 29

What are the 3 topics for the debate is neuroscience ethical?

Answer 29

-neuro marketing
-stress reduction
-enhancing cognitive function

Question 30

What is the argument for “neuroscience is ethical”- for the topic of neuromarketing?

Answer 30

-research suggests that there can be benefits to neuromarketing.
-neuromarketing is a commercial market field that applies neuro-psychology to market research, to gain an insight into costumers decisions and preferences, in order to sell more products.
-an online study was conducted online through blogs to find to find out costumers opinions on neuromarketing.
-it was found that overall there was a neutral or positive outlook form most participants

Question 31

What is the argument for “neuroscience is not ethical”- for the topic of neuromarketing?

Answer 31

-research shows how the use of neuromarketing breaks ethical codes and guidelines
-as neuromarketing accesses the consumer’s unconscious, through company’s observing different responses and behaviours to advertising and then making a market consumers will find appealing from this.
-therefore, showing how neuromarketing manipulates consumers to buy a product, with them being unaware of this.

Question 32

What is the argument for “neuroscience is ethical”- for the topic of
Stress reduction?

Answer 32

-The study suggest that sound therapy can help to reduce anxiety levels
-For example, a study was conducted where participants attempted to solve puzzles as quickly as possible, whilst connected sensors, the sensors measured there heart and breathing rate.
-The puzzles were designed to induce different levels of stress, which would be measured using the sensors which The participants were connect to.
-whilst the participants did this, They would also listen to different songs.
-it was found that some songs reduce the stress levels by about 65%

Question 33

What is the argument for “neuroscience is not ethical”- for the topic of Stress reduction?

Answer 33

-research found the use of sound therapy to reduce stress could have negative side-effects.
-for example, sound therapy can decrease thinking and cause the mind to move in, slower rhythms, leading sleepiness
-This shows how sound therapy can’t be used for Driving, or within the workplace, as when driving, if drowsiness is induced it can be dangerous, also if it leads to a decrease in productivity it may not be suitable for work place

Question 34

What is the argument for “neuroscience is ethical”- for the topic of enhancing cognitive function

Answer 34

-research has shown how drugs such as Adderall have been developed to help those with defects in cognitive functions. For example, those who have been diagnosed with ADHD.
-Adderall is a drug, which has been developed to inhibit adrenaline transmission to reduce hyperactivity and improve focus, therefore making it an effective drug for enhancing cognitive function.

Question 35

What is the argument for “neuroscience is not ethical”- for the topic of enhancing cognitive function

Answer 35

-research suggests that the use of drugs like Adderall may not actually work, however, only create a placebo effect instead of actually improving focus
-psychologist on the University of Alabama stated that the idea of stimulants as cognitive enhancers did not work on those are in correctly diagnosed.
-from this a study was conducted which used 32 people who did not have ADHD. On 4 different occasions they were given medication to take, 3 of these occasions where placebos and one of these occasions the participants were given 10 milligrams of adderal.
It was found that when the participants were told they had taken adderal (it was really a placebo) they performed better then when they had actually taken adral and was told it was a placebo
-This shows how if you don’t have a defective cognitive function. The drugs may not actually help you however, only create a placebo effect.