1. Discussion of Task

2. Feedback: Several approaches
Getting angry when insulted
Hidden Emotions: threats to self esteem may lead to a defensive reaction that we do not consciously understand.
Genes and evolution: in our evolutionary past, it may have been advantageous to try and achieve a higher status, and therefore react aggressively to insults.

3. Why some people work hard and others do not
Upbringing: parental behaviour may play a role, with parents as role models.
Human nature: Some people may be fulfilling their full potential, while others have unfulfilled potential due to negative life circumstances.

4. Why many people are afraid of harmless animals
Genes and evolution: in our evolutionary past, these animals (or similar ones) might have presented much more of a threat than they do today.
Learning: we may have had a bad experience with a particular animal in our early childhood, for example being barked at by a dog, or having seen someone else scream at a spider.

5. Why people have habits
The brain: certain brain areas give us a sense of reward/pleasure from our habits.
Hidden emotions: habits such as nail biting may relate to unconscious emotions from childhood such as wanting to be fed as a baby.

6. Why someone dislikes a particular food
Culture and society: we tend to like what is normal to us, and foods that are unfamiliar for our culture may seem strange or unappealing.
Conscious decision making: we may have a belief that a particular food is dangerous or unhealthy, and have therefore decided not to eat it.

7. Rob’s Case:
Brain: some violent killers have been shown to have brain abnormalities – it is possible (although unlikely) that Rob has this kind of abnormality. Upbringing: Rob’s parents may have encouraged aggression in some way such as by being aggressive role models, or alternatively they may have been very strict and he may be rebelling. Hidden emotions: Rob may be directing the anger he feels towards his teacher/peers/parents at an easier target by breaking the window.

8. Decision making: Rob may have rationally decided it would be a waste of time to stand outside the classroom, and he would rather have some fun. Learning: perhaps Rob has done this in the past and been rewarded by attention and special treatment, or just by the fun of breaking things. Genes: humans, especially males, have a history of violence. Rob may have inherited genes for anger and aggression.

9. Human nature: Rob could be a good person but he is constantly getting a hard time from parents and teachers and perhaps being bullied too. Until he is in a warmer and more accepting environment, he can’t eb his true, creative self. Culture: Rob has grown up seeing violence all around him and on TV and he has learned that it is an appropriate response to dealing with problems. Also, he may be a member of an aggressive subculture such as a gang or be experiencing peer pressure that encourages him to appear as a rebel.