Tag: Psychology

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Punctuality matters. It benefits us in all aspects of life. When we are punctual, we show others that we are dependable and that we respect their time. But today, we fail to recognize its value. We have so many excuses for being late. The lack of punctuality has become the blatant hallmark of our culture.

Let’s watch the video to find out why some people struggle so much with their punctuality.

https://www.bbc.com/reel/video/p0br5sll/why-some-people-are-always-late

Discussion Questions:

1. Do you consider yourself a “timekeeper” or a “timebender”? Why is this?
2. What might be a few reasons some people are always tardy?
3. Is it considered rude in your country to be late? Explain your answer.
4. Have you ever been late late for an important event? What happened?
5. How do you feel when you are late for a class/appointment/date?
6. To what events/situations is it important to arrive on time?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Conformity bias refers to our tendency to go along with a group and to be influenced by those around us. It occurs when we model our behavior to fit the behavior of others rather than using our own judgement.

Watch the video to know what conformity bias is and see how it works and be able to answer the questions that follow.

Discussion Questions:

1. What is conformity bias? Cite some examples.
2. How does conformity affect decision-making?
3. What should we do in order to maintain independence in the face of the pressure to conform?
4. Share an experience you had about conformity bias.
5. What is your opinion on groupthink?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Selfie is a fun way to capture one’s precious moments. However, for others they take way too numerous selfies which leads to an obsession. A new study shows that addiction to selfies could be an indication of a mental disorder. This new behavioral addiction is called “selfitis”.

Watch the video to learn more about selfitis and be able to answer the questions that follow.

Discussion Questions:

1. What do you think about selfies?
2. What is the impact of selfie in your life/the society/our relationships/our wellbeing?
3. Why do some people become obsessed with taking photos of themselves?
4. What are the dangers of “selfitis”?
5. Do think selfitis is an indicator of a mental disorder? Explain your point.

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Whenever we think of sighing, we think of negative emotions such as frustration or dissatisfaction in something or someone. But is this true? Or is there another reason to why we sigh?

Let’s watch this video to find out more about sighing.

Discussion Questions:

1. Have you ever noticed that you sigh involuntarily? How does this affect the way you interact with other people?
2. Did you know sighing makes you feel relieved or have you always associated it with negative emotions?
3. Have you ever assumed wrongly about anyone because they sighed? Talk about that instance.
4. How do you normally express your resignation and frustration?
5. How do you achieve instant relief amidst negative emotions?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

We have grown to believe that moderation in all things is the key to a good life. We tend to think that when we are in between two seemingly equal choices, we have to compromise and choose the middle ground. This way of thinking, however, has resulted to countless injustices in the world.

Let’s watch the video and learn more about the middle ground fallacy.

Discussion Questions:

1. What is the middle ground fallacy? Share your thoughts on it.
2. Aside from slavery, can you give other historical events wherein it was used?
3. Do you agree that a compromise between one action/idea that is morally indefensible and one that is not is still wrong? Explain your stand.
4. Have you fallen prey to this fallacy? Share that instance.

B2 – Upper Intermediate

OCD is a mental health condition where a person has obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors. An obsession is an unwanted thought that repeatedly enters your mind while compulsion is a repetitive behavior that you feel you need to do to temporarily relieve the unpleasant feelings.

For example, someone with an obsessive fear of being burgled may feel they need to check all the windows and doors are locked several times before they can leave their house.

Watch the video to know more about the symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Discussion Questions:

1. What treatments are available for OCD?
2. Do you think the obsessions in OCD can lead to aggressive or violent behavior? Why?
3. Do you know someone who has an OCD?
4. Do you keep checking things over and over again?
5. Do you have frequent unwanted thoughts that seem uncontrollable? Do you try to get rid of these thoughts and, if so, what do you do?