Question 1: What is the evidence supporting and not supporting the idea that prosocial and aggressive behaviors are innate, or something we learn via socialization, or, both? Some would argue that children are innately kind (prosocial) and learn aggression via their environment. Others argue that children are innately aggressive and have to be “socialized” into prosocial behavior. And then, of course, there are still proponents of the idea that babies are born as blank slates and are shaped completely by their environment. Build a case and the criticisms for all three sides of this argument: (1) that these behaviors are innate and based in brain systems; (2) that these behaviors are socialized; and, (3) that complex interactions between biology and environment/experience across development (nature via nurture) all shape these behaviors.
Question 2:
Propose one research question that could be investigated by extending the methods and/or findings that you’ve learned about pertaining to prosocial behavior, aggression, and/or social development. That is, what is one research question, and the rationale for it, that could be explored in the future that would advance our understanding of these phenomena? For this question, as with the previous Take-Home Exams, make a case for why your research question is important and how investigating the question could contribute to an understanding of social interaction.
Note: Your task is to think about an important research question to ask, the rationale for that question, and explain how the investigation of your research question could increase knowledge and understanding of people’s social interactions. For full credit on this final exam, you must (!!!) explicitly state a research question, discuss the context and any related studies/experiments, propose a testable hypothesis, outline methods that could logically answer your question (not simply with fMRI–but demonstrate you understand how an fMRI experiment would be conducted to test your hypothesis), and discuss what variables will be compared in what different groups.
Details for both questions:
There is no minimum length requirement for your responses to the two questions that you choose to respond to, though a good rule of thumb is to focus on quality over quantity. Number your responses for each question (e.g., Question #1, Question #2) and use 1-inch margins on all sides of each page (left, right, top, bottom), size 12 font. Single or double-spaced sentences are fine. Any information that is not uniquely your own ideas, opinions, experience, etc. should be cited accordingly, and you should include a References list at the end of the document that you submit. Per the PSYC Citation Training & Certification, use a Level 2 form of citation for this assignment. Follow APA-style conventions for in-text citations, and the listing of sources on the References page. Before submitting your responses, be sure to check for spelling, grammar, formatting, typos, and other writing mechanics and errors.
Please use as many sources as needed for each question. which means it could be more than 4 sources for each question.
