Abstract This paper presents the facts regarding the murder of Kitty Genovese in New York City in 1964. The paper explains that this murder prompted many social psychologists to consider the nature of emergency helping behavior, since thirty-eight of Genovese's neighbors witnessed the attack without intervening. The paper identifies five elements that determine whether a person will offer assistance in an emergency situation. These conditions are: 1) the event must be noticed by the bystander; 2) it must be interpreted as an emergency by the bystander; 3) the individual must take personal responsibility for offering assistance; 4) the bystander must know how to help; and 5) he or she must be able to implement the decision to offer aid.
From the Paper "In the case of Kitty Genovese in New York City, interviews with the witnesses after the fact showed that everyone noticed the emergency. (Smetana et al., 1983). Since the young woman was attacked and murdered in the middle of the night, in most cases, neighbors were awoken and some even stayed by their windows for the duration of the attack, which lasted almost an hour. (Smetana et al., 1983)
Having noticed an emergency in the first place, the second condition that determines emergency helping behavior, according to Darley and Latane is the correct interpretation. If the event is not interpreted as an emergency, then no help will be offered. One aspect of this correct interpretation is correct perception. Bystanders have to know that what they are witnessing is an emergency. If gunshots are misinterpreted as a car backfiring, then there will be no perception of an emergency, and no bystander intercession."
An analysis of Eric Hickey's theory on serial murders and their victims as defined in his book "Serial Murders and Their Victims" and its relevance to law enforcement.
Abstract This paper examines how the crux of the approach and theory of Hickey is centered around two fundamental issues - the separation of myth from reality regarding serial killers, and understanding the means by which the serial killer is specifically distinguished apart from other forms of murder such as mass murderers. The paper looks at how Hickey provides a veritable blueprint for the study of mass murder that further enhances the field by providing a model for evaluation that has given rise to computer programs, sophisticated tracking systems, and high level psychological profiling by law enforcement officials, that has served to center the focus in the study on the particular type of mentality that the mass murderer has.
From the Paper "Hickey's motivation for writing his book and providing and a blueprint model for the study of the serial killer is to address the clinical tendencies of the serial killer, and separate myths from facts so that law enforcement which contributes to law enforcement more effectively, objectively and quantifiable pursuit of the factors regarding serial killers, in developing methods of apprehending serial killers and maintaining the damage that they wreak on society thereof. Hickey takes a critical eye to the social phenomenon of the serial murderer, which gives rise to a relatively objective and empirical model for studying the serial killer that has given rise to technology, departments, and organizational advantages in techniques of law enforcement and application of law enforcement theory in apprehending the serial murderers thereof. "
Abstract This paper discusses the lessons that can be learned on why political mass murder has occurred, how it can be prevented in the future, and an analysis of the history of western civilization since the 17th century.
From the paper:
"Mass murder like mass hysteria is a terrifying phenomenon to which the Western civilization has succumbed to all too easily in the bygone eras. As the term suggests, mass murder is the brutal killing of a massive population for a variety of reasons that can be either religious, moral and social or political, bigoted and racist in nature. Whatever the causes, mass murder remains one of those episodes in the history of Western civilization, which one would gladly like to forget. However not many measure up to the extermination of European Jews that occurred during the Second World War. This was a tragedy of insurmountable proportions and can be attributed to Hitler's propagandist campaign that successfully mobilized the German masses, particularly the youth of the country. This incident better known as the Holocaust can be described as the extermination of European Jews by the Nazis during the years 1939-45."
This paper analyzes and examines the multitude of issues related to the JonBenet Ramsey murder case. JonBenet Ramsey was a six-year-old girl from Boulder, Colorado, murdered on Christmas Day in 1996.
Abstract The paper outlines the major elements of the case, including the facts surrounding the murder and the evidence collected. The paper then evaluates the published statements of material witnesses. It also examines the arguments of a former Boulder Police investigator and his suspicions regarding the identity of the killer. Lastly, this paper concludes with preliminary summarizations and recommendations for further investigation.
From the Paper "A month later, Boulder County District Attorney Alex Hunter identified the Ramseys as ?the obvious focus of the investigation.? A year after JonBenet's murder, police basically had two theories about the case: (1) that someone entered the Ramseys? house through unknown means, possibly sexually abused then brutally, yet silently, killed JonBenet, hid her body, took the time to write a long ransom note, then left unheard and unseen; or (2) that someone who was in the house that night committed the horrible crime."
This paper examines the legal, ethical and moral ramifications in the Robert Latimer murder trial, in which the defendant ended the life of his disabled daughter.
Abstract This paper discusses the controversial issue of euthanasia while focusing on the murder trial of Robert Latimer. Latimer was charged with second degree murder when he ended the pain-filled life of his 12-year-old daughter, Tracy, who suffered from cerebral palsy and was a wheelchair-bound quadriplegic. The writer explores the questions of morality, equality and justice that this particular case has raised. The courts have been forced to look at issues such as the worth of a disabled person's life in comparison to that of a healthy person's and to decide if sending the defendant to prison for life would constitute cruel and unusual punishment. This paper details the legal and moral aspects of this particular case which has forced the courts and the legislature to look at the issue of euthanasia in a different light.
From the Paper "The Latimer Case spans over several years and still has yet to reach a conclusion. It began on Sunday, October 24, 1993 in Battleford Saskatchewan. Robert Latimer had made the decision to end the life of his disabled daughter, Tracy. Tracy, who was twelve at the time, had Cerebral Palsy and was a quadriplegic. She was scheduled to have a hip operation early the next month to help alleviate some of the pain she was in as a result of her condition. That morning at 11:00am Robert Latimer took Tracy from her bed and put her inside his pickup truck. Using pipes he pumped the trucks exhaust fumes inside the truck where he had Tracy wrapped in a sleeping bag. He left her in the truck for approximately one hour. Tracy died of carbon monoxide poisoning."
Abstract The paper discusses what is it that differentiates murderers from the rest of society. The paper examines how, since the late 18th century, externally-oriented theories of demonic possession have been replaced by primarily psychological and physiological micro-level explanations of why individuals murder. This paper compares the theory of psychopathy with the theory of low self-control. Historically, psychopathy is one of the oldest of the micro-level psychological theories, having emerged shortly after people began to look within the individual for the causes of crime.
Abstract The primary focus of this paper is an examination of aggression related to behavioral types in order to determine the extent to which aggression relates to behavior. Three separate aggression analysis scales are used to survey undergraduate students to determine what behavior types and other aggression patterns could be distinguished between men and women. In addition, a comprehensive literature review is presented that examined prior research conducted with regard to aggression and behavior. The paper contends that the results suggest that men are more likely to demonstrate aggression associated with behaviors related to their perceptions of self-esteem and peer pressure and other behavioral dysfunctions or discomfort. Women are more likely to be the victims of aggression, but will act out when provoked. These ideas are explored in the paper in greater detail.
From the Paper "From a behavioral standpoint aggression exhibited in males has been linked with behavioral patterns including a concern with honor and face-saving mechanisms, particularly in certain subcultures including the southern U.S. (Graham & Wells, 2001: 595). In other studies male aggression is considered a more 'normative' behavior pattern and among males generally considered more acceptable and pleasurable as an activity (Graham & Wells, 2001). The primary behavior associated with aggression in females that is suggested by studies is jealousy, though aggression in women has also been linked with previous aggression or misbehavior from another person that incites aggressive activities in the female aggressor (Graham & Wells, 2001). This behavioral trait may be linked to insecurities or peer pressure that causes females to feel the need to compete. Females are more likely to demonstrate female to female aggression rather than aggressive tendencies toward a member of the opposite sex as well (Bateman et. al, 1998)."
Abstract This paper reviews and analyzes Gestalt and behavior therapy. According to the paper, Gestalt therapy is a psychological system that stresses integration of body and mind factors by developing self-awareness and personal responsibility. The paper goes on to discuss behavior therapy, stating that there are several approaches to cognitive-behavioral therapy, including rational emotive behavior therapy, rational behavior therapy, rational living therapy, cognitive therapy and dialectic behavior therapy.
From the Paper "Therefore, the therapeutic process encourages the client to interact with the environment, as a group, as an individual, and on many different levels, with different techniques, from using battacca bats to whack furniture, to imaging and interacting with the image in their mind by conversing with it out loud. The techniques used in therapy vary as widely as the therapists and clients, from principles based on Holism, Field theory, figure formation, organismic, the concept of the Now and "unfinished business." The therapist dialogues with warmth and caring, yet remains "invisible," as the client is encouraged to interact with the field (environment). The client must think of him- or herself as an abstract area in a limitless "field," thus, therapy is "unpredictable," or follows moment to moment dictum. (Doermann, 2002)"
Abstract This paper discusses applied behavior analysis (ABA) and explains that it follows accepted theory that autism is neurologically based and affects a variety of behaviors. An attempt is made in the paper to differentiate between applied behavior analysis (ABA) and any of the myriad programs of behavioral modification which rely on it as a basis for their work. The paper also relates the seven essential elements that make up the ABA approach and provides general recommendations as to what constitutes a good program. The paper contends that parents' first priority must be to have their child evaluated with an acceptable assessment test. The paper then discusses how the goal of applied behavior analysis may be achieved when the child can be satisfactorily mainstreamed.
From the Paper "Today it is in the news for its use with children, particularly those children diagnosed with autism. But it is important to make the differentiation between ABA and any of the myriad programs of behavioral modification which rely on it as a basis for their work. ABA is not a program in itself. It is a framework for a scientific approach to the problem. It is, rather, an umbrella under which many different systems and theories can operate. It may seem to be splitting hairs, but ABA is not synonymous with any of the various programs which may claim it as their own private domain."
Abstract This paper details a study conducted to examine the effects of religion on behavior in elementary students to see if any correlation is evident. The study was conducted under the assumption that religion does, in fact, have an influence on the behaviors of young subjects. The primary hypothesis of the study is that subjects are more likely to show positive behaviors if they participate in religious activities. The results reported indicate that there is a significant statistical correlation between religious activity and positive behavior in females, but not in males.
From the Paper "The results suggested that there was a significant relationship between previous religious activity and classroom behavior. The hypothesis was that previous religious activity would lead to a better rating of behavior in the classroom setting. In the study, 85% of the subjects reported having previously had religious activities (17 subjects), whereas 15% (3 subjects) had not. Of the sample of 12 girls and 8 boys, 10 females had obtained religious instruction or participated in religious activity, as had 7 boys. Two females and 1 male had not previously received religious instruction or had not participated in religious activities. When corresponded with the instructor's evaluation of behaviors, it was concluded that the females who had received previous religious instruction or had participated in religious activities were more like to show more positive behaviors, whereas the males showed no difference in behaviors between the two groups."
Abstract This paper explains the basic assumptions underlying Ajzen's theory of planned behavior and its objectives. The paper asserts that, while the theory is a well-constructed explanation of human behavior with significant strengths, it also has weaknesses, beginning with the premise upon which it is based. Finally, the paper looks at how the theory of planned behavior can be used successfully in the nursing profession.
From the Paper "The theory of planned behavior (TPB) rests on two assumptions: that humans are rational beings and as such make use of information to guide their actions and; that individuals determine the implications of future actions before engaging in them. The objectives of TPB are not only to explain behavior but also to predict and modify it. It states that intent is the most important determinant of one's actions. Intention is comprised of an individual's attitude toward a particular situation and its corresponding environmental pressures, called subjective norms. A third antecedent to action, labeled perceived behavioral control, is one's estimation of the ease or difficulty involved in carrying out a particular task. TPB claims that positive attitudes and subjective norms along with greater perceived control increase the likelihood of one's intention to act."
Abstract This paper studies the application of behavior modification therapy. The paper begins by defining behavioral modification and its theoretical premises. Next the paper discusses the theories and practices of major theorists such as Thorndike, Watson and Skinner. The paper examines the application of behavior modification in marriage and family therapy, as well as its integration into behavior-oriented therapy.
From the Paper "Based on the theoretical premise that human behavior precedes thoughts, feelings and actions, acts in the future..."
An overview of cognitive behavior therapy, focusing on the roles of the therapist and patient and how it compares to other therapies used in psychology.
3,720 words (approx. 14.9 pages), 6 sources, 2006, $ 133.95
Abstract This paper discusses cognitive behavioral therapy and the elements of its practice. It also explores the therapist and patient roles of cognitive behavioral therapy, and how it relates to other therapies currently used in psychology. Adlerian therapy, person centered therapy, existential therapy, Gestalt therapy, reality therapy, solution oriented brief therapy, multi-modal therapy, feminist therapy, and rational emotion behavior therapy are discussed and contrasted to traditional cognitive behavioral therapy. Through these comparisons a focus on the central characteristics of these therapies is evident, providing a framework for patients and professionals to determine which therapy would be most effective for the needs of particular patients.
Abstract The following paper examines how agitation, which is broadly characterized by anxiety accompanied by restlessness, is by far the most common cause for psychiatric consultation for the aged. The writer discusses how attempts to meaningfully categorize different agitated behaviors are in their infancy. The writer discusses why it is essential to distinguish truly problematic behaviors that dictate immediate intervention from "nuisance" behaviors or symptoms, such as repetitive questioning or non-upsetting visual hallucinations, which are probably better managed through caregiver education.
From the Paper "Cognitive-behavioral therapy for the elderly aims to change the way patients behave by focusing on the actual behavior rather than basing the solution on the emotions of the individual being treated and the associative causes. These include behavioral disorders of elderly patients which may result from emotional reactions to the hardships or crises of life such as psychoses, which is characterized by deranged thinking and behavior and often require hospitalization; psychoneuroses, which are chronic disorders that affect a person's ability to function and that may be accompanied by bodily symptoms and psychosomatic disorders, such as gastric or duodenal ulcer, certain skin diseases and stress."
Abstract This paper summarizes a research proposal to determine what links exist between alcoholism as a learned behavior (rather than as a condition arising from any genetic predisposition) and self-esteem. This research is based upon the assumption that there is a direct connection between self-esteem and learned behaviors. Drawing from the recent work of a number of other researchers, this research argues that because alcoholism is, in large measure, a learned behavior it has a substantial negative effect upon the self-esteem of alcoholics who blame themselves for their drinking and, understanding the harm that they are doing to themselves and to those around them, suffer from lowered self-esteem.
From the Paper "Our attitudes about alcoholism have changed dramatically over the last fifty years as our conception of the condition ? which causes so much harm and so much grief to so many people, including both the alcoholics themselves and to others ? as one that was a matter of complete free will to a question of genetics. That pendulum is slowly swinging back now to viewing alcoholism as a learned behavior, although there is little doubt that there is some element of genetic predisposition to the condition. This research proposes to answer the question of whether the learned aspects of alcoholism are more significant than the genetic elements of it and, if so, how this fact should affect the way in which social workers treat alcoholics and their families."
