40 Questions
What was considered controversial in television programming in the 1970s?
A single, pregnant woman deciding to have a baby on her own
According to social learning theory, what has contributed to changes in sexual attitudes and behaviors?
Sexualized media depictions
In the TV show Californication, what is a notable aspect of Hank Moody's character?
He has problems with sex, drugs, and booze
Which TV show features a scene where a character receives anilingus from their boyfriend?
Girls
What is a notable aspect of the TV show Girls?
It follows the lives of four millennial women
In the TV show Californication, what is a notable aspect of Hank Moody's relationships?
He has a sexual relationship with a 16-year-old girl
What is a notable aspect of the TV show Girls?
It features explicit sexual content
What is a notable aspect of Adam's behavior in the TV show Girls?
He ejaculates on his girlfriend Natalia's chest
What is a specific stimulus that produces a specific behavior in the context of human sexuality?
Gentle touch or stroking of genitals
What is the term for the process by which a stimulus that did not originally elicit a response comes to elicit that response through pairing with another stimulus?
Classical Conditioning
According to Pavlov's experiments, what was the original stimulus that produced salivation in dogs?
The presentation of meat powder
What is the goal of pairing the original stimulus with a new stimulus in classical conditioning?
To make the new stimulus elicit the same response as the original stimulus
What is the limitation of classical conditioning in understanding human behavior?
It cannot provide a complete understanding of all behavior
Who is credited with proposing operant conditioning as a type of learning?
B.F. Skinner
What is the potential application of classical conditioning in the treatment of sexual difficulties?
It can be used to treat sexual difficulties
What is the term for a strong sexual attraction to a specific object or activity?
Fetish
What was the primary purpose of sex in the traditional view of societies around the world?
For the purpose of procreation
What is a notable difference between sexual activity in modern times and in the past?
It is no longer legally or morally restricted to traditional heterosexual marriage
According to the study by Meston and Buss (2007), how many distinct reasons did participants report for having sex?
237
What is one of the most commonly cited reasons for having sex, according to the study by Meston and Buss (2007)?
Wanting to show affection or love for someone else
What is the goal of this chapter in the context of human sexuality?
To give a theoretical foundation for appreciating the complexities of modern human sexuality
What is a key factor in understanding modern human sexuality, according to the chapter?
The immense variation in sexual activities, relationships, and motivations
What is true about every single sexual act, according to the chapter?
It is the result of several powerful forces acting upon one or more persons
What is one of the least common reasons for having sex, according to the study by Meston and Buss (2007)?
Wanting to give a sexually transmitted disease to another person
What is the primary goal of reparative therapy?
To change an individual's sexual orientation from homosexual to heterosexual
What is aversive conditioning?
A type of therapy that uses physical punishment to change behavior
What is the outcome of using reparative therapy, according to published research?
It can cause psychological harm to the individual
Why is it not justified to use conditioning principles to change an individual's sexual orientation?
Because homosexuality is not considered a psychological disorder
What is the purpose of snapping a rubber band on the wrist as part of reparative therapy?
To pair with homoerotic stimuli to condition the individual
What do reputable, peer-reviewed journals conclude about reparative therapy?
There is no scientific evidence that it works
What is the classification of homosexuality in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5)?
It is not classified as a psychological disorder
What is the name of the researcher who published a study on the harmful effects of reparative therapy?
Halderman
What is the role of the superego in the context of Freud's personality structure?
It is responsible for moralizing and guilt, and may deter an individual from pursuing a course of action that may lead to hurting others.
What is the primary criticism of Freud's theory of psychosexual development?
It is based on case reports of clinical patients and cannot be scientifically tested.
What is the primary difference between the Oedipus complex and the Electra complex?
The Oedipus complex is observed in boys, while the Electra complex is observed in girls.
What is the term for an individual's lifelong urge to gratify a particular source of pleasure due to fixation in one of the psychosexual stages?
Fixation
What is the criticism of Freud's theory of penis envy?
It is sexist and implies that women are inherently inferior to men due to the lack of a penis.
What is the primary function of the ego in Freud's personality structure?
It is responsible for mediating between the id and reality, and finding ways to gratify the id's desires in a socially acceptable manner.
What is the term for the series of five stages in which different parts of the body serve as a source of pleasure, according to Freud's theory of psychosexual development?
Psychosexual stages
What is the primary criticism of Freud's theory of psychoanalytic development?
It is based on case reports of clinical patients and cannot be scientifically tested, and it is also sexist and implies that women are inherently inferior to men.
Study Notes
Definition of Sex
- For centuries, societies defined sex as penis-in-vagina intercourse within marriage for procreation
- Modern times have expanded the concept of sex to include a wide range of behaviors, such as mutual masturbation, oral, vaginal, and anal stimulation, sexting, and phone sex
- Sexual activity is no longer restricted to traditional heterosexual marriage
Reasons for Engaging in Sex
- 237 distinct reasons why people have sex, including feeling attracted to another person, wanting to have fun or experience physical pleasure, and wanting to show affection or love for someone else
- Least common reasons include making money, punishing oneself, wanting to give a sexually transmitted disease to another person, and feeling closer to God
Evolution of Sexual Content in Media
- Television has gradually included more sexual content over time, despite social resistance
- Examples of TV shows that have pushed the sexual envelope include Californication, Girls, and others
- Popular songs, music videos, and video games have also become more explicit over time
Psychosexual Development
- Freud proposed an elaborate theory of psychosexual development, which involves five stages: oral, anal, phallic, latent, and genital
- According to Freud, unsuccessful passage through these stages can lead to fixation and a lifelong urge to gratify the relevant body part
- The Oedipus complex, penis envy, and the Electra complex are also part of Freud's psychosexual theory
Classical Conditioning
- Pavlov's experiments demonstrated classical conditioning, where a neutral stimulus is paired with an unconditioned stimulus to elicit a conditioned response
- Classical conditioning has been implicated in many sexual behaviors, including fetishes
- Conditioning can also be used in the treatment of sexual difficulties
Operant Conditioning
- Operant conditioning, proposed by B.F. Skinner, explores learning and behavior beyond classical conditioning
- Some therapists have attempted to use operant conditioning principles to change sexual orientation through reparative therapy, but there is no reliable evidence that these therapies work and they may even be harmful
Explore the evolution of sex and its definition from ancient times to modern society. Learn how sexual activity has become more complex and accepted.
Make Your Own Quizzes and Flashcards
Convert your notes into interactive study material.
Get started for free
