Briefly discuss how common homosexuality is and the evidence on the determinants of sexual orientation
What will be an ideal response?
Sexual orientation refers to a person's preference for emotional and sexual relationships with individuals of the same sex (homosexuality), the other sex (heterosexuality), or either sex (bisexuality). Some conceptualizations of sexuality hold that homosexuality and heterosexuality are endpoints on a continuum. Data on the prevalence of homosexuality suggests that 3.5% of the population identifies as exclusively homosexual.
Many environmental theories explaining homosexuality have been put forth historically. Freud held that male home sexuality results when a boy is raised by a weak, ineffectual father and an overly attached mother with whom the boy identifies. Behaviorists assert that homosexuality is learned through conditioning. Research has failed to support either theory. What has been found is that most men and women with homosexual orientations can trace their leanings back to early childhood, suggesting a biological basis.
Biological research suggests that there is a genetic predisposition to homosexuality. Some theorists believe that the organizing effects of prenatal hormones on neurological development may play an important role in the development of homosexuality.
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John has dropped out of college. The most likely consequence will be that
a. all his problems will disappear. b. his goals and directions will be clarified. c. he will earn more money in the short and long-term. d. his marriage prospects will be impacted.
In which of the following instances can shaping be used?
a. to reinstate a previous behavior b. to develop a novel behavior c. to change a dimension of an existing behavior d. all of these
Piaget asserted that cultural and environmental influences on the child's development affected
a. the developmental rate and also the stage sequence. b. the developmental rate but not the stage sequence. c. the stage sequence but not the developmental rate. d. neither the stage sequence nor the developmental rate.
If you had a negative attitude towards assisted suicide, then a possible behavioral component would be:
a. your dislike and distrust of those who advocate it b. voting for politicians who want to make it illegal c. your belief that assisted suicide is evil d. your hatred toward assisted suicide