Question

Please choose any of these 4 topics and answer the questions that they ask. You only need to choose one.

Consider the two ways we regulate thirst. Why are the two types of thirst seemingly indistinguishable to an individual (think of common pathways/structures in the nervous system). In essence, name the 2 types and how they differ, as well as what they have in common.

Explain and contrast the following theories of motivation: 1) Drive Theory; 2) Incentive Theory; 3) Instinct Theory; 4) Arousal Theory. You do not need to do it in this order. Come up with an example of a behavior (like the candy bar I talked about in the lecture) and explain how each of these theories would be explained.

How important is the sense of taste in our lives? How does taste govern what we eat, what we want to eat, and how much we eat? What do the 5 taste senses tell us about the nature of the food.

The tastes are: Sweet, Salty, Sour, Bitter, and Umami. Explain why we may get certain cravings for these types of food.

What are the most common forms of eating disorders? How do they differ? What do they have in common (how are they similar)? Also, how are they related to other psychological disorders? Discuss their various causes, and the physiological mechanisms that produce them.

Answer 1

Some of the common symptoms of eating disorders are:

Behavioral signs:

• The person appears to be fasting regularly and always seems to be counting calories.

• They avoid meals with others, saying they have eaten even when they haven't. Sometimes they hide the uneaten food to eat privately.

• They visit the bathroom frequently, usually during or immediately after meals. This could be to purge or use the toilet in an attempt to rid their body of the food they have just consumed.

• They check their weight multiple times a day; they also repeatedly observe themselves in the mirror.

• The person may become obsessed with exercise so much so that they may go out for a run even when its pouring or when they're unwell.

Physical signs:

• There is a rapid loss of weight or frequent changes in weight.

• The person feels tired all the time and doesn't sleep well. They feel lethargic and are unable to complete day-to-day tasks.

• They are extremely sensitive towards cold; they often feel cold in warm environments as well.

• The person may feel faint or dizzy often.

• Women may experience disturbances in their menstrual cycle; sometimes they may stop completely.

Psychological signs:

It is important to remember that dieting and watching what you eat are perfectly normal behaviors. Being on a strict diet does not necessarily mean that the person is suffering from an eating disorder. When a person suffers from an eating disorder, their relationship with food or their body image becomes irrational.

For instance, the diet itself becomes an obsession while the reason for the diet becomes secondary, or is lost completely. Another example would be of a person who is visibly underweight and still believes they need to lose weight.