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The Psychology of Thrill Seekers

Kenneth Carter

Sensation seeking is a trait we all have and includes the search for complex and new experiences. Thrill Seekers, people with high-sensation seeking personalities, crave exotic and intense experiences even when physical or social risks are involved. This course helps learners examine the remarkable world of the high-sensation seeking personality and explores the lifestyle, psychology, and neuroscience behind thrill seekers.

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What's inside

Syllabus

What Is Thrill Seeking and Sensation Seeking?

In this week, we'll examine the curious beginnings of sensation-seeking research, discuss the four components that make up sensation seeking, and discuss the profile of a high sensation seeker.

The Psychology and Neuroscience of Sensation Seeking

This week, we'll take a scientific approach to uncovering more about sensation seeking and focus on the fascinating biological processes and environment at play.

The Habits and Hobbies of High Sensation Seekers

In this week, we'll look at the hobbies and travel and food preferences of high sensation seekers and discuss why they are so unique compared to the average person. We'll begin our exploration with a focus on emotional regulation and what that means for a high sensation seeker.

How High Sensation Seeking Impacts Relationships

In this week, we get more personal and look at the challenges and rewards high sensation seekers face in regards to relationships and love.

Is High Sensation Seeking a Superpower or a Super Problem?

In this week, we consider how to perceive high sensation seeking and look at the overall benefits and issues as well as how to keep high sensation seeking in check.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Examines high sensation seeking, a trait related to complex and intense experiences

Despite physical and social risks involved, sensation seekers crave exotic experiences

Taught by Kenneth Carter, a recognized instructor in personality psychology

Develops understanding of the biological processes and environment linked to sensation seeking

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Reviews summary

Well-received course on thrill seekers

Learners say that this course is very informative and offers engaging assignments related to the field of thrill-seeking behavior. The lectures are described as well-explained and entertaining, featuring interviews with experts.

Clear and concise lessons

"The course was very good for learning and I enjoyed it."

"It has been a great course."

Excellent instructor

"Ken Carter did an amazing job of putting this course together."

"His lectures were content rich, professionally delivered and fun to watch."

"Mr.Kenneth Carter is excellent"

Informative and entertaining course

"The course gave insights into high sensation seeking behavior."

"The content of this course was very well explained."

"The peer review system is irritating... However, the course content is very good."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in The Psychology of Thrill Seekers with these activities:

Learn about trait psychology

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Review the concepts of trait psychology to strengthen your understanding of the fundamentals of sensation seeking.

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Define and discuss the concept of trait psychology.
Identify the different types of personality traits.
Explain the role of genetics and environment in the development of personality traits.

Complete online quizzes and assessments on sensation seeking

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Test your understanding of sensation seeking and identify areas for further exploration by completing online quizzes and assessments.

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Identify reputable online quizzes and assessments that measure sensation seeking.
Complete these assessments and analyze your results.
Reflect on your scores and identify areas where you have a strong understanding and areas where you need further learning.

Explore online resources on the neuroscience of sensation seeking

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Expand your knowledge of the neural mechanisms underlying sensation seeking by exploring reputable online resources.

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Identify credible websites and articles that discuss the neuroscience of sensation seeking.
Read and summarize key findings on the brain regions and neurochemicals involved in sensation seeking.
Analyze the implications of these findings for understanding the biological basis of sensation seeking.

Five other activities

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Read 'Sensation Seeking: A Review of the Literature' by Marvin Zuckerman

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Gain a deeper understanding of sensation seeking by exploring the comprehensive research and theories presented in this seminal work.

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Read and summarize the key findings of Zuckerman's research on sensation seeking.
Analyze the different theories proposed to explain the nature of sensation seeking.
Identify the implications of sensation seeking for understanding human behavior.

Develop a personality profile of a high sensation seeker

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Solidify your understanding of sensation seeking by creating a detailed profile that captures the unique characteristics and behaviors of high sensation seekers.

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Identify the defining traits and characteristics of high sensation seekers.
Describe the typical behaviors and lifestyle choices of high sensation seekers.
Analyze the potential motivations and underlying factors that contribute to sensation seeking.

Engage in group discussions on sensation seeking

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Deepen your understanding of sensation seeking by sharing perspectives and engaging in discussions with peers.

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Join or create a study group or online forum for discussing sensation seeking.
Participate actively in discussions, sharing your insights and perspectives.
Analyze and synthesize different viewpoints to broaden your understanding of sensation seeking.

Create a comprehensive study guide on sensation seeking

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Enhance your retention of key concepts and materials by compiling a comprehensive study guide that covers all aspects of sensation seeking.

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Review your notes, readings, and other course materials.
Identify and organize key concepts, theories, and research findings related to sensation seeking.
Create a structured and well-organized study guide that includes summaries, diagrams, and practice questions.

Connect with experts in the field of sensation seeking

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Gain valuable insights and guidance by connecting with professionals who have expertise in the study of sensation seeking.

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Identify researchers, professors, or industry professionals who specialize in sensation seeking.
Reach out to these experts and express your interest in learning more about their work.
Request guidance or mentorship opportunities to deepen your understanding of sensation seeking.

Career center

Learners who complete The Psychology of Thrill Seekers will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Pilot

Pilots get to travel the globe and engage in daring, high-stakes activities on a regular basis. This includes landing and taking off the aircraft in various conditions and locations. A deep understanding of a thrill seeker's mindset and needs can help a pilot be more effective. The Psychology of Thrill Seekers may be of help to someone interested in a career as a pilot, explaining the characteristics of the high-sensation seeking personality.

See salaries and explore the career path for Pilot

Military Officer

Military Officers work in a highly structured and disciplined organization. They are responsible for achieving and maintaining national security. This work often involves taking calculated risks and making quick decisions under extreme pressure. The Psychology of Thrill Seekers may be of help to someone interested in a career as a military officer, explaining the characteristics of the high-sensation seeking personality.

See salaries and explore the career path for Military Officer

Police Officer

Police Officers are responsible for upholding the law and public safety. This work often involves working in dangerous and unpredictable situations. Courses on thrill seeking can help police officers better understand the psychology of criminals and also how to manage their own stress levels on the job. The Psychology of Thrill Seekers may be of help to someone interested in a career as a police officer, explaining the characteristics of the high-sensation seeking personality.

See salaries and explore the career path for Police Officer

Business Owner

Business Owners are responsible for running their own businesses. This work often involves taking risks and making quick decisions. The Psychology of Thrill Seekers may be of help to someone interested in a career as a business owner, explaining the characteristics of the high-sensation seeking personality.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Owner

Marketing Manager

Marketing Managers are responsible for planning and executing marketing campaigns. This work often involves working in a fast-paced and competitive environment. The Psychology of Thrill Seekers may be of help to someone interested in a career as a marketing manager, explaining the characteristics of the high-sensation seeking personality.

See salaries and explore the career path for Marketing Manager

Sales Manager

Sales Managers are responsible for leading and motivating sales teams. This work often involves working in a competitive environment. The Psychology of Thrill Seekers may be of help to someone interested in a career as a sales manager, explaining the characteristics of the high-sensation seeking personality.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sales Manager

Journalist

Journalists are responsible for gathering, writing, and reporting news and current events. This work often involves working in dangerous and unpredictable situations. The Psychology of Thrill Seekers may be of help to someone interested in a career as a journalist, explaining the characteristics of the high-sensation seeking personality.

See salaries and explore the career path for Journalist

Event Coordinator

Event Coordinators are responsible for planning and executing events. This work often involves working in a fast-paced and stressful environment. The Psychology of Thrill Seekers may be of help to someone interested in a career as an event coordinator, explaining the characteristics of the high-sensation seeking personality.

See salaries and explore the career path for Event Coordinator

Teacher

Teachers are responsible for educating students. This work often involves working in a challenging and rewarding environment. The Psychology of Thrill Seekers may be of help to someone interested in a career as a teacher, explaining the characteristics of the high-sensation seeking personality.

See salaries and explore the career path for Teacher

Social Worker

Social Workers are responsible for helping people in need. This work often involves working in a challenging and rewarding environment. The Psychology of Thrill Seekers may be of help to someone interested in a career as a social worker, explaining the characteristics of the high-sensation seeking personality.

See salaries and explore the career path for Social Worker

Doctor

Doctors are responsible for diagnosing and treating patients. This work often involves working in a challenging and rewarding environment. The Psychology of Thrill Seekers may be of help to someone interested in a career as a doctor, explaining the characteristics of the high-sensation seeking personality.

See salaries and explore the career path for Doctor

Nurse

Nurses are responsible for providing care to patients. This work often involves working in a challenging and rewarding environment. The Psychology of Thrill Seekers may be of help to someone interested in a career as a nurse, explaining the characteristics of the high-sensation seeking personality.

See salaries and explore the career path for Nurse

Therapist

Therapists are responsible for providing counseling and support to people. This work often involves working in a challenging and rewarding environment. The Psychology of Thrill Seekers may be of help to someone interested in a career as a therapist, explaining the characteristics of the high-sensation seeking personality.

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Lawyer

Lawyers are responsible for representing clients in legal matters. This work often involves working in a challenging and adversarial environment. The Psychology of Thrill Seekers may be of help to someone interested in a career as a lawyer, explaining the characteristics of the high-sensation seeking personality.

See salaries and explore the career path for Lawyer

Accountant

Accountants are responsible for preparing and auditing financial documents. This work often involves working in a detail-oriented and structured environment. The Psychology of Thrill Seekers may not be of much help to someone interested in a career as an accountant.

See salaries and explore the career path for Accountant

Reading list

We've selected nine books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in The Psychology of Thrill Seekers.

Personality Science

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Provides a comprehensive overview of the sensation-seeking construct, including its history, measurement, and relationship to other personality traits. It valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about this topic.

The Psychology of Thrill Seekers

What's inside

Syllabus

Good to know

Save this course

Reviews summary

Well-received course on thrill seekers

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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