352 words

Capital punishment and juvenile offenders in the United States

The author, Diane Schetky (2001), defends the opinion that capital punishment should not be an option for juvenile offenders by making several points against this type of punishment.

~2 min read

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1,459 words

Theoretical frameworks in educational and psychological research studies

There should be a logical progression from what was done in the past, through what the researcher is doing currently, and on to what can be done in the future.

~8 min read

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2,819 words

Double imagery and moral duality in Hitchcock's Strangers on a Train

When writers create a story or movie script, they don't start off with an underlying "theme" in mind. After the first writing, as they read it over, a theme -- or the kernel of a theme -- emerges, that is, something the writer (or director) wants to say about the human condition via the story.

~15 min read

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744 words

Victimization and self-identity in Hurston and Gabrin

The concept of victimization is very emotionally charged. While almost every person alive has been victimized at some point in his or her life, many resist the victim label.

~4 min read

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864 words

Mind modularity versus plastic adaptation in cognitive science

This paper first provides some background information on cognitive science and the Representational Theory of Mind (RTM), then examines the question of the way the mind functions, whether it is modular or a highly plastic general purpose organ.

~5 min read

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689 words

Equity theory and attribution in group social dynamics

Humans tend to be social and group animals. Some anthropologists even believe that it is cohesive nature of being group animals that contributed to the eventual civilization of humanity. Because we are group animals by nature, it is typical for us to compare ourselves with others.

~4 min read

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550 words

Crowding and its effects on human behavior and stress

Important points to consider regarding crowding include its definition, predisposing attributes, setting conditions, correlation studies, theories, practical effects of crowding, and the author's conclusions.

~3 min read

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691 words

Multidirectional learning and development in Forrest Gump

This can be seen in Forest's development, whereby he experiences occasional flashes of insight over the course of his life, despite his mental disability. When he first recognizes his ability to run fast, he gains a sense of empowerment and feels a sense of community with his fellow human beings.

~4 min read

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688 words

Non-rational escalation of commitment in gambling behavior

On any given day individuals have to make decisions that commit them to a particular course of actions in the pursuit of their desired goals. Since few goals in life are achieved through smooth sailing; unexpected and unfavorable circumstances commonly arise during such pursuits.

~4 min read

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894 words

Herdt's critique of individualism in adolescent sexual development theory

Herdt, G. (2004). Sexual development, social oppression, and local culture. Sexuality Research One of the most contentious debates in the field of psychology today is the question of nature vs. nurture, or the extent to which biology influences personal psychology vs. cultural constructs.

~5 min read

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