Melucci Sample Essay questions

[Drnanjo]

Hello again,

I am going to share with you (uninvited) a typical essay section for exam 1
in intro psychology. I am proud of these questions - I think they are
enjoyable and challenging for the student to answer and drive home the
important points I am trying to me. If you think that they are not good, I
would appreciate the reality check and your feedback.  If you like them, you
may use them without giving me any credit. I will be happy to supply a
scoring standard at your request, though I trust you can develop your own.

Nancy Melucci
ELAC

Worth 40 points.
Answer ONE (1) out of FIVE (6) options.
Answer parts A and B, please.

1. A. Create three good questions about the structure or functions of the
human nervous system.
B. Answer one of your questions thoroughly.

2. A. Melucci says "You have to learn to see." What is she going on about?
B. Define "sensory interaction" and give one example of this process in
humans.


3. A. Describe one case of brain damage or disease process from which we have
learned about the amazing brain.
B. Identify and describe one of the new technologies that allow us to image
the brain, and ask one question that you'd like to see answered by this
question in the next decade.

4. A. Describe one research method that is used in the science of psychology,
including its strengths and weaknesses.
B. Identify one question that you'd like to see answered using this research
method - briefly describe a study that might be done using this research
method.

5. A. Describe the anatomy and functioning of one (1) of the seven senses.
B.Define the term "Perceptual Set" (AKA "mental set") and explain why it is
important to know about this aspect of human cognitive processing.

6.  "You only use 10% of your brain!"
" I am not very logical - I must be right brained and very creative too!"
"Men listen with only one side of their brains, and women use both, so
there's proof that women are better listeners than men are!"

A.Imagine that your friend says one of these things to you. Now that you have
learned about the brain, what would you say to your friend in response to the
claim they are making?
B. Tell me one true fact that you would share with your friend about the
anatomy and function of the amazing human brain.

(A couple of other favorites of mine:)

1.     Your friend just read the results of a research study that concludes
that babies wholisten to Mozart and Bach achieve higher grades in elementary
and highschool.  She is stoked about this and is rushing out to buy $100.00
worth of classical music CDs to play for her newborn.  What questions would
youencourage your friend to ask before she makes such a large investment
based onthese findings?

1.     What questions would you want to ask a person who claims that he or
she has ESP and other alleged “paranormal” powers?  What type of evidence
would you like to back up these claims?