About this Course

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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.

Shareable Certificate

Earn a Certificate upon completion

100% online

Start instantly and learn at your own schedule.

Flexible deadlines

Reset deadlines in accordance to your schedule.

Beginner Level

Approx. 16 hours to complete

English

Subtitles: French, Portuguese (European), Russian, English, Spanish

Instructor

Kenneth Carter

Professor of Psychology

Oxford College

6,095 Learners

1 Course

Shareable Certificate

Earn a Certificate upon completion

100% online

Start instantly and learn at your own schedule.

Flexible deadlines

Reset deadlines in accordance to your schedule.

Beginner Level

Approx. 16 hours to complete

English

Subtitles: French, Portuguese (European), Russian, English, Spanish

Syllabus - What you will learn from this course

Week

1

Week 1

3 hours to complete

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.

3 hours to complete

6 videos (Total 28 min), 4 readings, 2 quizzes

6 videos

Welcome!6m

The History of Sensation Seeking5m

Components of Sensation Seeking5m

Sensation-Seeking Demographics2m

Types of Sensation Seekers6m

Wrap-Up1m

4 readings

Course Outline and Grading Information5m

[OPTIONAL] Kenneth Carter Publication Offer5m

Discover Your Sensation-Seeking Score!10m

Insights into the Sensation-Seeking Personality1h

1 practice exercise

Practice Time!15m

Week

2

Week 2

3 hours to complete

The Psychology and Neuroscience of Sensation Seeking

This week, we'll take a scientific approach to uncovering more about sensation seeking and focus on the fascinating biological processes and environment at play.

3 hours to complete

6 videos (Total 22 min), 2 readings, 2 quizzes

6 videos

Born to Be Wild?2m

Fight, Flight, or Freeze Response4m

Neuromotivational Systems5m

The Chemistry of Thrill and Fear4m

Environment and Thrill Seekers3m

Wrap-Up2m

2 readings

Hardwired for Sensation Seeking40m

Stress, Fear, and Motivation50m

1 practice exercise

Practice Time!15m

Week

3

Week 3

3 hours to complete

The Habits and Hobbies of High Sensation Seekers

In this week, we'll look at the hobbies and travel and food preferences of high sensation seekers and discuss why they are so unique compared to the average person. We'll begin our exploration with a focus on emotional regulation and what that means for a high sensation seeker.

3 hours to complete

7 videos (Total 44 min), 1 reading, 2 quizzes

7 videos

Week 3 Introduction2m

Hobbies5m

[Optional] Interview with a High Sensation Seeker17m

Travel5m

Food5m

Emotional Regulation5m

Wrap-Up2m

1 reading

A Look at Hobby Preferences1h 10m

1 practice exercise

Practice Time!15m

Week

4

Week 4

3 hours to complete

How High Sensation Seeking Impacts Relationships

In this week, we get more personal and look at the challenges and rewards high sensation seekers face in regards to relationships and love.

3 hours to complete

7 videos (Total 42 min), 3 readings, 2 quizzes

7 videos

Week 4 Introduction1m

Love5m

Emotional Intelligence2m

Problems with Relationships3m

Enhancing Relationships3m

[OPTIONAL] Podcast with a Sensation-Seeking Couple24m

Wrap-Up1m

3 readings

Types of Love15m

A Further Look at Emotional Intelligence50m

Battling Intimacy Challenges15m

1 practice exercise

Practice Time!15m

Frequently Asked Questions

When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?
Access to lectures and assignments depends on your type of enrollment. If you take a course in audit mode, you will be able to see most course materials for free. To access graded assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience, during or after your audit. If you don't see the audit option:
The course may not offer an audit option. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid.
The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.
What will I get if I purchase the Certificate?
When you purchase a Certificate you get access to all course materials, including graded assignments. Upon completing the course, your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free.
Is financial aid available?
Yes, Coursera provides financial aid to learners who cannot afford the fee. Apply for it by clicking on the Financial Aid link beneath the "Enroll" button on the left. You’ll be prompted to complete an application and will be notified if you are approved. Learn more.
Will I earn university credit for completing the Course?
This Course doesn't carry university credit, but some universities may choose to accept Course Certificates for credit. Check with your institution to learn more. Online Degrees and Mastertrack™ Certificates on Coursera provide the opportunity to earn university credit.

More questions? Visit the Learner Help Center.

The Psychology of Thrill Seekers