Introductory Psychology 
Psych 1010
Essay Questions 2

The following short answer questions will be on the exam.  Be ready to write answers to each question.  Each question can be answered in a paragraph, although Question 1 will probably be much longer than question 2. Question 1 is worth 10 points and Question 2 is worth 5 points.

Question 1. Folk psychology assumes that all behavior originates from our mental states.  This is the Assumption of Mental States. In this view, even our physical states are caused by our mental states. For example, it is assumed that the brain and muscular activity of raising your hand is caused by you wanting to raise it.

	In chapter 2 (Neurosicence) and chapter 3 (Consciousness) we talked about the biological basis of behavior. We discussed how biological processes and not mental states may cause us to behave in particular ways.  For example, we talked about how biological processes and not mental states may be the basis for depression, gambling, emotional reactions, learning, memory, sex differences, dreaming and having a sense of self.  

	Comment on how your thinking about your own or others’ behavior has changed by reading the textbook and attending lecture.  Your answer should include your thoughts about how to explain a particular behavior (from the list above or any other you may think of) prior to the reading the textbook.  Then present you thoughts about how your thinking about the explanation of behavior has changed after reading the textbook and attending lecture.  Be specific about what you learned that caused you to change your thinking (10 points).

Question 2:  Give three examples of the way in which the Assumption of Perfect Perception (we see the world as it truly is) is violated by what we know (from text and lecture) about the process of sensation and perception.  Be sure to explain how your example violates the assumption (5 points).