Psychology

Exercise 1

1 A researcher finds that students who attend fewer classes get poorer grades.
The study found a positive correlation because the direction of the relationship of the variables is similar. When classroom attendance decreases, academic performance also decreases.

2 Cities with more stores selling pornography have higher rates of violence.
This study also indicates a positive correlation between pornography sales and violence because the direction of the relationship is similar. The more  pornographic items are sold, the more incidents of violence that occur.

3 A survey of adolescents being treated for eating disorders noted that those who watched the most TV during the week tended to receive the lowest ratings on a measure of general health.
This study indicates a negative correlation between TV usage and health measures. The direction of the correlation is opposite. The more people watch TV during the week, the less healthy they are.

4 When the physical attractiveness of high school girls was rated by their peers, it was noticed that those with the highest scores tended to do the best on a measure of self-esteem on record in the guidance office.
The finding indicates positive correlation because as the independent variable increase, the dependent variable also increases. When physical attractiveness was high among high school girls, their self-esteem also tended to be high.

5 The longer couples have been together the more similar they are in their attitudes and opinions.
This study records a positive correlation because of the similar direction of the relationship between the independent and dependent variable. The greater the length of the relationship between a couple, the greater the similarity in their attitudes and beliefs.

Exercise 2
We belong to social categories which we can readily identify however there are also categories that may be ascribed to us by birth, but do not necessarily fit our own perceptions, worldview, or perceptions of ourselves as we grow up.

I actively identify with my religion as Muslim Sunni. I was born and raised in the Middle East and being Muslim is something that has been attached to my identity since birth and until death. To many, Islam is not merely a belief or a set of principles to live righteously in accordance with Allahs teachings but more importantly, as a way of life. To some who misconstrue its true meaning, they equate being Muslim to terrorism, extremism, anti-democracy, and various other negative connotations. To those who do not understand, Muslims are people to be feared or avoided, but being Muslim is not synonymous to these things. To me, Islam is a personal guide to achieving peace, for Islam is synonymous to peace. With peace, comes happiness, which is something every human being aspires to. I say that I identify with being Muslim very strongly. First, I believe in Allah and the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Although I do not profess a strict adherence to Islamic teachings, I strive to conform to the essential foundations of the faith. I respect the sacredness of the five pillars in Islam, which are faith in the Oneness of God and belief in Muhammad (PBUH), the daily prayers, charity towards the needy, and fasting, and pilgrimage to Mecca (hajj). In terms of frequency, I am fairly frequent with my daily prayers. I have participated in the hajj and try to help those in need when I can, although I confess this has been seldom. Second, there are Islamic practices that I follow strictly. I do not eat pork and always make sure I am eating halal food only. Third, I value the Islamic concept of brotherhood. Muslims recognize and easily empathize with their brothers in faith. We distinguish ourselves by shaking hands and putting our palm to the heart as a gesture of peace or uttering As-Salamu Alaykum (translated as peace be upon you).  Following the concept of brotherhood, I am, like all Muslims, sensitive even to political and social issues that concern my brothers. For instance, it is a rarity among Muslims to not be highly sensitive to the Israeli-Palestine issue. I empathize with the plight of the dispossessed Muslims in the region and hope for peace to come because we are all brothers.
   
On the other hand, I find myself unable to actively reconcile portions of my Middle Eastern upbringing, the values because it conflicts with my Westernized mode of thinking and lifestyle. Being Middle Eastern today brings the connotation that one is anti-West. This position is shared by many people of Middle Eastern origin. Although I am deeply attached to my cultural roots, my Westernized education and the proliferation of the media and the Internet has had a considerable influence on my personal beliefs which are contradictory to conservative Middle Eastern values. In terms of lifestyle, I say that I identify more with the West than my own ethnicity. I like to explore other cultures and learn about different people. I am very fond of Western films and spend a lot of time watching them during leisurely hours. I enjoy and appreciate the creativity and diversity of Western music and my particular preference lies with R  B and hip hop. I do not put particular attention to etiquette that is required in Middle Eastern culture. I prefer to dress in Western garb and am willing to spend money to allow myself such little vanities. I eat more McDonalds burgers than I do with Middle Eastern cuisine. Even my worldview is not traditionally Middle Eastern. For instance, countries in the Middle East treat women in a particular manner that prohibits them from enjoying the same rights as men. I do not share the view that women should be considered unequal to the men in all respects. Third, I do not identify with the traditional Middle Eastern view of the West. In the Arab world, the West is something to be wary of. There is a historical distrust in the West for its alleged role in eroding important traditional values and replacing them with materialism or decadence. I, however, take a more pragmatic stance on the issue. There are contributions from the West that we could reconcile with Middle Eastern heritage and there are those that are destructive. The important thing is to embrace the good and reject the evil.