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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.
Read more
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.
Read more
Traffic lights
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause 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
Exploring the psychology of thrill seekers
According to learners, this course offers a fascinating exploration into the world of high sensation seekers. Students found the content clear and engaging, providing a solid overview of the psychology and neuroscience behind the trait. Many highlighted the sections on habits, relationships, and emotional regulation as particularly insightful and relevant, helping them understand both themselves and others better. While largely seen as a valuable and thought-provoking introduction, some learners felt certain areas, such as the neuroscience, could benefit from greater depth. Overall, it's considered an excellent course for anyone curious about this unique personality trait, offering a balanced perspective on its challenges and rewards.
Helps understand oneself and others.
"Loved this course! As someone who identifies with high sensation seeking, it was amazing to understand the 'why' behind some of my behaviors."
"It felt validating and provided a good framework for thinking about how to channel it constructively."
"Gave me a lot of insight into people I know who are high sensation seekers."
"Highly recommend for anyone curious about why some people crave intensity."
Specific modules offer valuable insights.
"I particularly enjoyed the section on the neuroscience behind it, really helped connect the behavior to the brain."
"The examples of habits and how it affects relationships were surprisingly insightful."
"The relationship section was okay, but the neuroscience felt rushed."
"It was amazing to understand the 'why' behind some of my behaviors and relationship dynamics."
Content is well-organized and easy to follow.
"The way they broke down sensation seeking was clear and engaging."
"A solid introduction to the psychology of thrill seeking. The weekly structure felt logical."
"Emory University did a great job presenting this topic. The lectures were well-paced."
"I found the course structure intuitive and easy to follow, week by week."
Deep dive into the intriguing world of sensation seekers.
"Absolutely fascinating course! The way they broke down sensation seeking was clear and engaging."
"Loved this course! As someone who identifies with high sensation seeking, it was amazing to understand the 'why'."
"Such an interesting subject matter, really made me think about behavior and personality."
"Found the topic incredibly engaging from start to finish."
Good introduction but lacks deep detail for experts.
"It gives a good general overview, but if you're looking for deep psychological theory or practical application, this isn't it."
"Interesting subject matter, but felt a bit superficial in places."
"Some parts, like the neuroscience, were a bit dense, but overall understandable."
"Useful as a starting point, but don't expect exhaustive coverage of every topic."
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
Show steps
Review the concepts of trait psychology to strengthen your understanding of the fundamentals of sensation seeking.
Show steps
-
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
Show steps
Test your understanding of sensation seeking and identify areas for further exploration by completing online quizzes and assessments.
Show steps
-
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
Show steps
Expand your knowledge of the neural mechanisms underlying sensation seeking by exploring reputable online resources.
Show steps
-
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
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Read 'Sensation Seeking: A Review of the Literature' by Marvin Zuckerman
Show steps
Gain a deeper understanding of sensation seeking by exploring the comprehensive research and theories presented in this seminal work.
Show steps
-
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
Show steps
Solidify your understanding of sensation seeking by creating a detailed profile that captures the unique characteristics and behaviors of high sensation seekers.
Show steps
-
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
Show steps
Deepen your understanding of sensation seeking by sharing perspectives and engaging in discussions with peers.
Show steps
-
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
Show steps
Enhance your retention of key concepts and materials by compiling a comprehensive study guide that covers all aspects of sensation seeking.
Show steps
-
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
Show steps
Gain valuable insights and guidance by connecting with professionals who have expertise in the study of sensation seeking.
Show steps
-
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.
Learn about trait psychology
Show steps
Review the concepts of trait psychology to strengthen your understanding of the fundamentals of sensation seeking.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- 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
Show steps
Test your understanding of sensation seeking and identify areas for further exploration by completing online quizzes and assessments.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- 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
Show steps
Expand your knowledge of the neural mechanisms underlying sensation seeking by exploring reputable online resources.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- 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
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Read 'Sensation Seeking: A Review of the Literature' by Marvin Zuckerman
Show steps
Gain a deeper understanding of sensation seeking by exploring the comprehensive research and theories presented in this seminal work.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- 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
Show steps
Solidify your understanding of sensation seeking by creating a detailed profile that captures the unique characteristics and behaviors of high sensation seekers.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- 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
Show steps
Deepen your understanding of sensation seeking by sharing perspectives and engaging in discussions with peers.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- 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
Show steps
Enhance your retention of key concepts and materials by compiling a comprehensive study guide that covers all aspects of sensation seeking.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- 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
Show steps
Gain valuable insights and guidance by connecting with professionals who have expertise in the study of sensation seeking.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- 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
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.
Military Officer
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.
Police 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.
Business Owner
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.
Marketing Manager
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.
Sales 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.
Journalist
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.
Event Coordinator
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.
Teacher
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.
Social Worker
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.
Doctor
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.
Nurse
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.
Therapist
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.
Lawyer
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.
Accountant
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.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/s19afa/the
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.
Save
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.
Explores the role of dopamine in addiction and reward-seeking behavior. It provides insights into the neural mechanisms that underlie thrill-seeking and other risky behaviors.
Save
Examines the relationship between crime and mental illness. It provides insights into the psychological factors that may contribute to thrill-seeking and other criminal behaviors.
Provides a comprehensive overview of psychopathic disorders. It includes chapters on the etiology, assessment, and treatment of these disorders.
Provides a comprehensive overview of crime and punishment. It includes entries on the history of crime, the different types of crime, and the various ways that criminals are punished.
Provides a comprehensive overview of criminology. It includes chapters on the major theories of crime, as well as the latest research on crime prevention and control.
Provides a comprehensive overview of criminological theory. It includes chapters on the major theories of crime, as well as the latest research on crime prevention and control.
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of forensic psychology. It includes chapters on the assessment and treatment of criminal offenders, as well as the role of psychology in the legal system.
Provides a comprehensive overview of forensic psychology. It includes chapters on the assessment and treatment of criminal offenders, as well as the role of psychology in the legal system.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/s19afa/the
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Rating
4.7
Effort
15 hours to complete
Level
Introductory
Via
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Institution
Emory University
Instructor
Kenneth Carter
Language
English
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