why+they+do+it


 * media type="youtube" key="fVgUnl0wu2c" height="315" width="420" || media type="youtube" key="k9gtcuZLYTI" height="315" width="420" ||
 * www.youtube.com/v/fVgUnl0wu2c

**Video 1** || www.youtube.com/v/k9gtcuZLYTI

**Video 2** ||


 * Listening - video 1**


 * Watch up until approximately 4 min 20 sec **

__Key vocabulary__

to inhibit = prevent / stop to be susceptible = easily influenced to peak = to reach the highest point before declining

1. Describe the Optimum Arousal Theory in your own words (using a diagram to help you)

2. Zuckerman is a researcher in risk taking and has developed a test to measure how much of a risk taker you are. The test is based on 4 factors, each worth 10 points. The higher you score, the more risks you are likely to take.

Copy this table and make notes on Zuckerman's four factors that relate to risk takers (also called sensation seekers)
 * **Thrill / Adventure seeking** || .................................................................. ||
 * **Experience seeking** || ................................................................. ||
 * **Disinhibition** || ................................................................. ||
 * **Boredom susceptibility** || ................................................................. ||

3. What is the link between divorce and risk/sensation taking? How do you explain this link?

4. What is the link between age and risk/sensation taking? Can you explain this link?


 * Listening - video 2**

__Key vocabulary__

to 'get your kicks' from something = to have the sensation of excitement spontaneous = sudden and without thought or planning brakes = e.g car brakes dopamine = chemical in your brain to reward = to give something good for an achievement auto receptors = part of the brain that receives signals

1. David Zald's study measured thrill seeking and risk taking personality traits. They measured;

a. ..................................................................... b. ..................................................................... c. .....................................................................

2. Brain scans and images of volunteers were taken. What was the main finding of the research?

3. What do researchers hope to be able to discover in the future?

**Discussion**

The video clips suggest that 'nature' is responsible for motivating people to take risks. On the other hand, 'nurture' - the way we are brought up by our parents, and the environment and society we live in could also play a part in determining to what degree we will take risks.

1. How do you think our upbringing and the environment and society we live in might affect our need to take risks? Consider the 4 factors that Zuckerman uses. Try to think of an example for each factor of how nurture might influence our decision to;


 * seek thrills/adventure
 * seek new experiences
 * have less inhibitions
 * become bored easily

2. What do you think controls people more - nature or nurture?


 * HOW MUCH OF A SENSATION SEEKER ARE YOU?**


 * TAKE THE ZUCKERMAN SENSATION SEEKING TEST !!!! CLICK HERE **
 * Richard scored 22/40 **


 * Writing Activity**

Please click on the 'Discussion' tab and comment on anything that you have seen or learnt today about extreme sports / risk taking.

include component="comments" page="why they do it" limit="10"