...Abstract Kowalski, R.,& Westen. D. (2005). Psychology (4th ed.). Hoboken, NJ: Wiley This paper will examine basic concepts of human interaction from a psychology perspective. It will describe at least two examples of how human behavior changes based on social situations. The two behaviors that this paper will examine are teenagers who drink in a crowd of their peers but don't drink when they are alone and taking part in bullying in a group but not alone. In both of these scenarios the individual who participates in the behaviors to fit in are “changing their attitudes or behavior to accommodate the standards of peers or group by a process called conformity (Kowalski & Westen, 2005).” The paper will also discuss precursors and consequences of both of these behaviors. Next, the paper will analyze and identify any associated phenomenon like social facilitation, social loafing , or groupthink. Last, there will be some discussion from the NIMH on whether or not these behaviors necessitate intervention. Social Influences Paper Introduction “Sociologist and philosophers have recognized that people behave different in crowds than they do as individuals and that a crowd is more than the mere sum of its parts (Kowalski & Westen, 2005).” Human behavior changes based on the social situations they encounter. This paper will examine basic concepts of human interaction from a psychology perspective. It will describe at least...
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...The Long-Term Effects of Binge Drinking on University Students Sociology Abstract Binge drinking on university campuses poses a concern for serious health issues and negative social implications. Education and awareness, about the non-gender specific short and long term effects associated with binge drinking, provides a mechanism for students to make informed decisions about the alcohol consumption levels they will indulge in. This report illustrates the risks associated with binge drinking and offers an info graphic for observation, and consideration by students that challenges them to stop and think before they engage in risky drinking behaviours. The information for this report is drawn from the research findings of studies carried out by a variety of academics and professionals. The objective is to alert or reiterate, to the entire university student population, the risks associated with binge drinking, and the hope is that students will be oriented toward making choices related to their optimal health and wellbeing and avoid binge drinking. For many students, relaxing after a difficult week of study and research is complemented by drugs and alcohol, and sometimes way too much of either or both. Evidence of imbibing plentifully can be witnessed on campus after wild nights, reminders of excess that lead binge-drinkers to unhealthy mornings and possibly to poor exam or paper results. The “What’s Your Cap?” initiative has presented...
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...Will changing the Australian legal drinking age be the demise of youth music festivals? | Stage Two Research Paper | | Maya Burvill 16568 | 4/twenty-one/2011 | Academic Research Paper – Stage Two | Will changing the Australian legal drinking age be the demise of youth music festivals? Abstract: Binge drinking and alcohol incurred road accidents by youth are a growing concern in Australia; issues which governments are looking for strategies to control. One solution that is currently being debated is to increase the minimum legal drinking age from eighteen to twenty-one. This option would create some unintended consequences that will adversely impact Australia’s youth and the Australian events industry. Alcohol is integral to the success of any large scale licenced event as it encourages attendance, is a key profit source and often is the main source of sponsorship. This paper evaluates the beneficial and detrimental effects of changing the legal drinking age in Australia, focusing on the potential detrimental impact such a move would have on youth and Australian music festivals. It was concluded that whilst there are significant health benefits, changing the minimum legal drinking age in Australia would ultimately have a negative impact on youth as it will encourage them to participate in illegal behaviour and seriously threaten the financial viability of Australian music festivals. Will changing the Australian legal drinking age be the demise of youth music...
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... Abstract Excess drinking is associated with lost productivity, accidents, disability, early death, crime, neglect of family responsibilities, and personality deterioration. These and related concerns have justified special restrictions on alcoholic-beverage commerce and consumption. The nature and extent of government involvement in this arena vary widely over time and place, and are often controversial. Economists have contributed to the evaluation of alcohol policy through empirical work on the effects of alcohol-control measures on consumption and its consequences. Economics has also provided an accounting framework for defining and comparing costs and benefits of interventions, including excise taxes. Outside of the policy arena, economists have analyzed alcohol consumption in the context of stretching the standard model of consumer choice to include intertemporal effects and social influence. Nonetheless, perhaps the most important contribution by economists has been the repeated demonstration that there is nothing unusual about alcohol in at least one essential respect: consumers drink less ethanol (and have fewer alcohol-related problems) when alcohol-beverage prices are increased. Important econometric challenges remain, including the search for a satisfactory resolution to the conflicting results on the effect of price changes on consumption by consumers who tend to drink heavily. There are also unresolved puzzles about the relationship between drinking and productivity;...
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...Reflection Paper The event happened the night before I left for home for Christmas break. A friend and I went over to Teresa to hang out with friends in somebody’s dorm room. There was no alcohol when we got there but somebody suggested that we get alcohol. Somebody went to get beer, Axis energy drinks containing alcohol and a couple of 40 oz. malt liquor bottles. I took an Axis and only had a few sips, not liking the taste. I knew I shouldn’t have been in the environment I was in, with so much alcohol and alcohol drinking going on. I knew it wasn’t allowed on campus, yet continued to stay in the room and talk to people and listen to music. At one point during the night I noticed many people leaving the room, not realizing immediately that a resident assistant was at the door. My first instinct was to stay. I had no thought of leaving, and knew I had to take responsibility for my actions. I spoke with the RA giving him my name and telling him my ID number having left my card in my dorm room. I helped count the alcohol cans in the room and proceeded to help bring them out to the dumpster. I was very nervous as to if my parents would find out because I know that they would be extremely disappointed, possibly even pulling me out of St. Edward’s and making me go to school closer to home. So I am extremely fortunate that they did not find out and I do not plan on doing anything to get in trouble again. If I am ever put in this situation again I would leave immediately if I found...
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...Driving under the Influence Abstract Driving Under the Influence (DUI) has been and is increasingly becoming more of a problem on the leading cause of vehicular deaths. This research paper will cover multiple areas of this issue such as National Statistics on DUI’s, The second most cause of DUI’s aside alcohol, How big the problem is getting, Who is most at risk, Particularly how it effects individuals in the military, both criminally and long term and last, The program M.A.D.D. (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) and how this programs helps the community. As I mentioned before, the issue of DUI’s is becoming more of an issue every day and it is not getting any better. There is this misconception that individuals can only be considered driving under the influence when consuming alcohol but this is not the case no more. The second most inhibitor of driving under the influence is Marijuana. It seems like the more time goes by, the more states make it legal to smoke. This drug can be obtained easier then alcohol as when that time comes when there is, as long as the money is right, it can be brought by pretty much anyone. National Statistics on DUI’s The annual numbers of DUI’s is pretty hard to swallow and the following numbers are just with alcohol, not marijuana. * The average number of people arrested annually for drunk driving are 1,500,000 * The average number of people who die annually in drunk driving accidents are 10,075 DUI’s Arrest by age group...
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...Alcoholism; A social insight Alcohol has been present in the history and culture of mankind since the beginning of times. Used in religious activities and ceremonies, the concept of alcohol has historically been portrayed as beneficial for its analgesic, antiseptic and medicinal properties. However alcohol consumption, with the use of media has been transformed into an element in our society that is present everywhere and its abuse is such that, is the third leading cause of death in America. There are approximately 80,000 deaths attributable to excessive alcohol use each year in the United States. Alcohol along with tobacco has become the most legal used drugs in the world. About 65% of American adults claim to drink socially, however numbers get astonishingly big around college students, 90% of college kids drink, and the word occasionally takes a twist here, because college students are reported to be heavy drinkers, which means on average, more than two drinks for men a day and one for women. One drink is defined by its alcohol content; one drink refers to a 12 oz. beer, 5 oz. of wine, or a 1.5 oz. of 80 proof (40%) pure alcohol shot or liquor in a mixed drink like a cocktail. Alcohol consumption is believed to be, nearly five times more than what moderate standards refer to. This is increasingly worrying, because more alcohol consumption means increasing risk, not only for the drinker itself, but to all the people around the individual and even third parties. But...
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...Crime Causation and Diversion Paper Kendra V. Castro Maldonado CJA/374 Juvenile System and Process July 29, 2014 Prof. Victor Candelario- Vega Crime Causation and Diversion Paper As a prerequisite for the course, we were to analyze two different programs for juvenile offenders, this could be to prevent, to intervene or divert juveniles into committing any crime. On this paper, you will find two-intervention programs practiced in Puerto Rico, in a wish are focused to a certain type of crime or accountability. Enforcing Underage Drinking Laws. The program EUDL is focused on the prohibition of selling alcoholic beverages to minors, and it also focuses on the purchase and consumption of alcoholic beverages by minors. OJJDP's EUDL program supports and enhances efforts by States and local jurisdictions to reduce the availability of alcohol to minors. The program encourages close partnerships between law enforcement agencies and community groups involved in preventing and intervening in underage drinking. OJJDP also offers comprehensive training and technical assistance to guide States and communities in their efforts. Underage drinking contributes to youth violence, traffic injuries and fatalities, crime, suicide, high-risk sex, and a host of other problems. In 2005, underage drinkers (defined as individuals younger than21 years old) consumed 15 percent of all alcohol sold in the United States (Miller, 2006). To address this serious problem, the Office of Juvenile Justice...
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...Outline The overall objective of this research paper is to identify and address those aspects of alcoholism, which contribute to it as a medical disease. True, alcoholism has many ramifications for society as well as the economy, but the focus of this paper shall be, for the most part, on the medical aspects. In the way of background, alcoholism refers to the drinking of alcoholic beverages to such a degree that major aspects of the individual’s life -such as work, school, family relationships or personal SAFETY AND HEALTH, above all, are seriously and repeatedly interfered with. Alcoholism is considered a disease, meaning that it follows a characteristic course with known physical, psychological, and social systems. The alcoholic continues to consume alcohol despite the destructive consequences. Alcoholism is serious, progressive, and irreversible. If not treated, it can be fatal. It is generally thought that once the disease has developed, the alcoholic will not drink normally again. An alcoholic who abstains from drinking, however, can regain control over the aspects of life with which ALCOHOL interfered. The alcoholic is then said to be “recovering” not “cured” of the disease. It is important to note that the particular symptoms and pattern of DRINKING PROBLEMS may vary with the individual. ALCOHOLISM is, therefore, a very complex disorder, and it is this very complexity which has led some recent researchers to question the accuracy of the disease concept of alcoholism...
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...Simulation Paper Sean Adams Submitted to Heidi Hales For SCI/362 January 4, 2013 Case-In point: Lake Washington Environmental pollution is an issue that knows no borders. Some countries are more successful than others in addressing these issues for both short and long-term results. The main objective of this paper is to discuss the environmental problems in Central and Eastern Europe caused by decades of pollution. In this paper, I will identify unintended consequences of humankind’s activities that has led to environmental problems, describe the effect of current scientific or technological activities, discuss how the scientific method approach could have helped the current issues, and address any alternative solutions beyond the scientific method. The environmental pollution problems of Central and Eastern Europe come largely from the neglect of environmentally safe work and behavior practices of the previously communist-run countries. During the communist era, there was little to no incentive for an industrial company to consider the company’s affect on the environment. Production quotas took precedence over environmental awareness or public health concerns. Polluting the clean air, water, and soil was acceptable as these commodities were given no economic value (University of Phoenix, 2010). In Russia, the consequences have been severe, affecting human health along with the destruction of Russia’s ecosystems. By the 1990s...
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...Not only is alcohol one of the leading problems in todays society, but it is also a growing problem in Americas teenagers. I will be discussing several point in this paper from various studies to what exactly alcoholism is and the different dangers of this disease. This is a very personal topic to me so I hope you enjoy my research paper. The first point being addressed is what exactly alcoholism is. According to The Reader’s Digest Great Encyclopedic Dictionary, alcoholism “is a diseased condition resulting from the excessive use or persistent use of alcoholic beverages.” Alcoholism has divided into two major forms--alcohol abuse and alcohol dependence (Goodwin 1998). Alcohol abuse is the excessive consumption of alcohol which has detrimental effects on the people and situations surrounding an individual; whereas, alcohol dependence is a physical attachment to the alcohol. Alcohol abuse leads to hazardous behavior, such as drunken driving and continued drinking despite negative consequences on family, work, or social functioning. Alcohol dependence involves withdrawal symptoms when alcohol is not used, and lack of control over drinking despite serious social and medical problems (Goodwin 1998). Various studies have been performed to show the relationship between alcoholism and genetics. New research on male twins show that genes play a critical role in the development of milder forms of alcoholism, such as, occasional abuse that can land the drinker in dangerous circumstances...
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...Impact of Peer Pressure on Alcohol Consumption among Adolescents Halamehi R Abstract This paper addresses the impact of peer pressure on risky behaviour such as alcohol abuse among adolescents focusing on high school students from 12-19 years. Peer pressure in relation to alcohol use include peer norms, peer approval to drinking and the need to conform. Studies show that peer pressure does have an impact on alcohol use. However, other factors such as intrapersonal or psycho social forces, as well as parental influencess also have an effect on adolescents decisions to drink. The following literature reviews show the extent of peer pressure on adolescent alcohol and the other factors that may have a contribution to it. Impact of Peer Pressure on Risky Behaviour (alcohol abuse) Peer pressure refers to the influences that a group of friends or peers can have over each other. It is common among adolescents who are at a time in their lives where development of a separate identity from the identity perceptions their parents have of them is at a peak. Additionally, it is at this time that peers are trying to fit in with their group and therefore find themselves in activities or risky behavior that they would otherwise partake in. Peer pressure has no demographic boundaries affecting males and females over a wide age range in different ways with negative implications. Such negative implications of peer pressure include risky behaviors such as alcohol abuse. Alcohol consumption...
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...groups (p. 307). Based on Capraro’s research, college men’s alcohol use is also influenced by the fact that heavy drinking can make them feel more strong and assertive (p. 310). This once again shows their motives to conform to traditional masculinity and achieve the social power within the ranks of college groups (p. 310). Yet at the same time, many men drink as a form of “escapism or to get drunk,” showing their desire to become powerless through alcohol use (p. 308). Even if a man is drinking to appear masculine and become socially empowered in the eyes of other people, they individually feel powerless and numb the stress of conforming to college masculine culture (p. 310). Thus, we have the paradox of power and powerlessness....
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...Phobias and Addictions Paper Week Two Assignment Giselle Bayard PSY/300 – General Psychology October 20, 2012 This is an essay concerning phobias and addictions. Four selected topics in four specific sections are what this paper is comprised of. These topic are: 1. How phobias can be developed through classical conditioning. 2. How addictions can be developed through operant conditioning. 3. Distinguish between classical and operant conditioning. 4. The meaning of "extinction" and how it is achieved in both classical and operant conditioning. How phobias can be developed through classical conditioning "A phobia is a group of symptoms brought on by an object or situation that causes a person to feel irrational fear" (Porterfield, 2005). A few types of phobias are prevalent in society. A simple phobia, the fear of an object like a dog or a cat or a telephone or the fear of heights or traveling in a train or a car impact millions of lives. Social phobia, caused by fear of humiliation causes millions more otherwise normal people to live lives of loneliness and desperation. "Behaviorists believe that these intense fears (phobias)begin when people are classically conditioned by a negative stimulus paired with the object or situation. In other words, phobias are learned. Sometimes parents may pass irrational fears on to their children in this way" (Porterfield, 2005). This is a powerful form of behavior modification. It deals with spontaneous...
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...The Effects of Maternal Substance Abuse on Infants Casey A. Burns Oklahoma City University The Effects of Maternal Substance Abuse on Infants Substance abuse is a topic that is encountered in our world everyday. Drinking and doing drugs are recreational activities that many people choose to participate in on a regular basis. What most people do not understand is that if you drink and do drugs while pregnant, then the fetus is essentially drinking and doing drugs as well. This is because the majority of anything the mother injests crosses the placental and hematoencephalic barrier with out being metabolised first which in turn affects, primarily, the central nervous system of the unborn fetus (Kassada, Marcon, Pagliarini, Rossi,...
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