Explain why neurological (cognitive) arousal is of interest to psychologists.

What will be an ideal response?


Neurological (cognitive) arousal is of interest to psychologists because of its association with behavior. The regulator of cognitive arousal is the reticular activating system (RAS), a little-finger sized bundle of nerves running from the top of the spinal column to the thalamus where the RAS’s information is relayed to the appropriate brain areas. Some individuals possess an RAS that is highly sensitive to incoming stimuli (augmenters), and others possess one that is unusually insensitive (reducers). Think of the RAS as a radio receiver tuned to different stations, with the volume turned up or down in different individuals. Thus in identical environmental situations, some people are underaroused and other people are overaroused. There is no conscious attempt to augment or reduce incoming stimuli; as with the reactivity of the ANS, augmentation or reduction is solely a function of differential physiology.

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Christopher Schreck recognized that the General Theory of Crime could also be used to explain victimization, not just offending. He argued that ______.

a. preferences for simple tasks in persons with low self-control means that they lack persistence and/or diligence and seek tasks that provide easy opportunities and gratification b. a person with low self-control will engage in risk-seeking behaviors without thought of the consequences of such behaviors c. there are often parallels between victimization and offending, which raise the possibility that a common underlying cause can influence the likelihood of both becoming an offender and a victim d. low self-control will be shown through self-centeredness and will not consider how their actions impact others, showing no empathy

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Answer the following statement(s) true (T) or false (F)

1. Marxists traditionally believed that the demise of capitalism is historically inevitable. 2. Fascists traditionally believe in equality for all members of society. 3. Right-wing terrorist movements have been common and long-lasting. 4. Left-wing terrorist movements were predominant during the 1970s and 1980s. 5. The proletariat represents the middle class.

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When taking conscious and deliberate steps to insure that what you are looking at is what you intended to look at, you avoid:

a. overgeneralization b. inaccurate observation c. illogical reasoning d. generalization

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Which of the following would not be considered an advantage of field research?

a. qualitative field studies yield precise statements about a larger population b. the research is considered very flexible c. the researcher has a choice of roles they can assume to fit the individual needs of the research at hand d. the research is reliable

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