2009 Summer Assignment

In her conclusion to Opening Skinner's Box, Lauren Slater writes:

I do notice...certain common threads haphazardly emerging from these chapters, a series of questions that inform and give density to many of these experiments. Over and over arise questions of free will (Skinner, Alexander, Loftus, Moniz), conformity/obedience (Milgram, Darley and Latanė, Festinger, Rosenhan), and the experimentation itself on living beings (Harlow, Skinner, Milgram, Moniz). Even the most technically proficient experiments...ultimately concern themselves with...the kinds of ethical and existential questions we associate with philosophy.

With the exception of the Milgram experiment, consider two of the experiments discussed in Slater's book. In a three to four-page, well-organized essay, discuss how these two psychological experiments provide insight into either the notion of free will, obedience/conformity, or experimentation on living beings. In addition, respond to the following prompt: What ethical and existential (look up the definition of this word if you don't know it) questions were brought about for you, a student of psychology? You will need to provide a brief synopsis of each of the two experiments you chose, but this is to provide context, not to add bulk to your paper. Again, do not discuss the Milgram experiment.

Please, no funky fonts, cover pages or wide margins. 12 point Times, double-spaced. Your teacher will stop reading after four pages.

This assignment is due on your first AP Psych class. Please e-mail Mr. Sandler with questions(msandler@arlington.k12.ma.us).

Good luck, and get ready for a challenging and rewarding year.