Reptile Nightmares

Term Paper # 103369

Psychology > Behaviorism

Reptile Nightmares

An analysis of Clotaire Rapaille's theory that human's have a reptilian instinct.

979 words () | 3 sources | MLA | 2008 United States

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses Clotaire Rapaille, who believes that people instinctively desire large objects because of a reptilian instinct and how the bigger the object, the more appealing it is to humans. The paper also looks at how critics have described Rapaille's theory as fanatical and rash.

From the Paper:

"Rapaille knows at times he can be irrational and completely ignores statistics. He performs studies of people for his instinct theory, and from his own results claims them to be true. His discoveries should not be taken seriously due to his biased ways he himself is aware of. When Rapaille does his studies, he only looks at the results that are in favor to his theory. Knowing that he has much to lose if his theories are wrong, including his job, his discoveries are always in his favor. Rapaille would be digging his own grave if he proved his theory was incorrect. Genuine scientists do not overlook and falsify their outcome in experiments; he or she accepts their analyzed evidence and moves on to another theory."

Sample of Sources Used:

Bekker, Henk. "Top Selling Cars in Germany (2007)." Suite 101. 18 Jan. 2008. 8 Apr. 2008 <http://internationaltrade.suite101.com/article.cfm/top_selling_cars_in_germany_2007>.
Bradsher, Keith. "Reptile Dreams." The Presence of Others (2004): 450-456.
"Introduction." Natural Academies Press. Natural Academy of Sciences. 31 Mar. 2008 <http://www.nap.edu/html/creationism/introduction.html>.