Discussion questions
ETH DQ2
Name a famous person whom you would consider a “typical” American. What characteristics of this individual do you think make her or him typical? Do you consider these characteristics a stereotype? Why, or why not?
I think if I had to choose one typical American it would have to be the ‘typical’ ideal American. I do not think that in today’s society that there is a ‘typical’ American. So if I was going to pick a famous person it would have to one from history, Abe Lincoln, for example. He stood for freedom, equality, and upholding the values of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness; the values our country was founded on. I think that when he was alive he embodied the characteristics of a typical American because he worked hard to provide for his family and fought hard to stand up for what he believed was right for our country. I consider these to be all wonderful characteristics to have but when applied to the ‘typical’ American it does seem to be stereotypical or even a little unfair. It is hard in this day and age to embody all of those things that he did. America is a country made up of so many different people with different backgrounds and cultures that we are truly a melting-pot. I think it is time that we redefine the ‘typical’ American to no definition at all. Everyone who is American is ‘typical’, it is what makes this country so great.
Resource: Module 4 of Psychology and Your Life
Write a 200- to 300-word summary describing a time when you had to test a theory. This theory may be something you have tested at work, school, or at home.
Answer the following questions in your summary:
What type of informal research method did you use?
How was your research method similar to research methods used by psychologists?
If given another opportunity, what would you have done differently?
Describe one ethical issue mentioned in the text that you have encountered. Why is informed consent necessary for ethical
Name a famous person whom you would consider a “typical” American. What characteristics of this individual do you think make her or him typical? Do you consider these characteristics a stereotype? Why, or why not?
I think if I had to choose one typical American it would have to be the ‘typical’ ideal American. I do not think that in today’s society that there is a ‘typical’ American. So if I was going to pick a famous person it would have to one from history, Abe Lincoln, for example. He stood for freedom, equality, and upholding the values of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness; the values our country was founded on. I think that when he was alive he embodied the characteristics of a typical American because he worked hard to provide for his family and fought hard to stand up for what he believed was right for our country. I consider these to be all wonderful characteristics to have but when applied to the ‘typical’ American it does seem to be stereotypical or even a little unfair. It is hard in this day and age to embody all of those things that he did. America is a country made up of so many different people with different backgrounds and cultures that we are truly a melting-pot. I think it is time that we redefine the ‘typical’ American to no definition at all. Everyone who is American is ‘typical’, it is what makes this country so great.
Resource: Module 4 of Psychology and Your Life
Write a 200- to 300-word summary describing a time when you had to test a theory. This theory may be something you have tested at work, school, or at home.
Answer the following questions in your summary:
What type of informal research method did you use?
How was your research method similar to research methods used by psychologists?
If given another opportunity, what would you have done differently?
Describe one ethical issue mentioned in the text that you have encountered. Why is informed consent necessary for ethical