About this course: 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.
Created by: Emory University
Taught by: Kenneth Carter, Professor of Psychology
Oxford College
| Level | Beginner |
| Commitment | 2-3 hours each week |
| Language | English |
| How To Pass | Pass all graded assignments to complete the course. |
| User Ratings |
Syllabus
WEEK 1
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.
6 videos, 3 readings, 1 practice quiz
- Reading: Course Outline and Grading Information
- Discussion Prompt: Initial Thoughts
- Video: The History of Sensation Seeking
- Reading: Discover Your Sensation-Seeking Score!
- Video: Components of Sensation Seeking
- Video: Sensation-Seeking Demographics
- Video: Types of Sensation Seekers
- Reading: Insights into the Sensation-Seeking Personality
- Practice Quiz: Practice Time!
- Video: Wrap-Up
Graded: High Sensation-Seeking Influences
WEEK 2
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.
6 videos, 2 readings, 1 practice quiz
- Discussion Prompt: Initial Thoughts
- Video: Fight, Flight, or Freeze Response
- Reading: Hardwired for Sensation Seeking
- Video: Neuromotivational Systems
- Video: The Chemistry of Thrill and Fear
- Reading: Stress, Fear, and Motivation
- Video: Environment and Thrill Seekers
- Practice Quiz: Practice Time!
- Video: Wrap-Up
Graded: Biological and Environmental Influences
WEEK 3
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.
7 videos, 1 reading, 1 practice quiz
- Discussion Prompt: Initial Thoughts
- Video: Hobbies
- Reading: A Look at Hobby Preferences
- Video: [Optional] Interview with a High Sensation Seeker
- Video: Travel
- Video: Food
- Video: Emotional Regulation
- Practice Quiz: Practice Time!
- Video: Wrap-Up
Graded: Analyzing Hobbies and Preferences
WEEK 4
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.
7 videos, 3 readings, 1 practice quiz
- Discussion Prompt: Initial Thoughts
- Video: Love
- Reading: Types of Love
- Video: Emotional Intelligence
- Reading: A Further Look at Emotional Intelligence
- Video: Problems with Relationships
- Reading: Battling Intimacy Challenges
- Video: Enhancing Relationships
- Video: [OPTIONAL] Podcast with a Sensation-Seeking Couple
- Practice Quiz: Practice Time!
- Video: Wrap-Up
Graded: Sensation Seekers and Relationships
WEEK 5
Is High Sensation Seeking a Superpower or a Super Problem?
In this week, we consider how to perceive high sensation seeking and look at the overall benefits and issues as well as how to keep high sensation seeking in check.
8 videos, 3 readings, 1 practice quiz
- Discussion Prompt: Initial Thoughts
- Video: Super Problem
- Reading: Addiction and Risk As Super Problems
- Video: Superpower
- Video: [OPTIONAL] Interview with a Firefighter
- Video: [OPTIONAL] Interview with a Fire Chief
- Video: Keeping Sensation Seeking in Check
- Reading: Meditation, Empathy, and Creativity
- Practice Quiz: Practice Time!
- Video: Wrap-Up
- Reading: The Feeling of Awe
- Video: Fun-tage
Graded: Overcoming Super Problems
FAQs
How It Works
Coursework
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Creators
Emory University
Emory University, located in Atlanta, Georgia, is one of the world's leading research universities. Its mission is to create, preserve, teach and apply knowledge in the service of humanity.
Pricing
| Purchase Course | |
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| Access to course materials | Available |
| Access to graded materials | Available |
| Receive a final grade | Available |
| Earn a shareable Course Certificate | Available |
Ratings and Reviews
I was just curious when I signed up for this course and it became one of my favourites. Thank you Dr Carter for this interesting trip in the mind of HSS ! I am myself a psychologist and a low sensation seeker... now I understand all those fascinating differences between low and sensation seekers ! And just as you I will keep admiring HSS for their abilities. The course was really lively, engaging, clear and well structured. The interviews and the funny jelly bean contest were a great addition to the course, as were the readings and additional links.
Phenomenal. Professor Carter is great. I wish the lectures were longer.
Quite interesting course with nice test of whether you are an adventure seeker or not (put on different scales and aspects). Biological and environmental effects are given. As a downside - I didn't find it very practical for myself except for that test.
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JS
Pretty interesting. The science of assessing one's own thrill-seeking potential is quite fascinating. Also enjoyed the info about base jumping off the bridge in Idaho as I have been there and seen that deep canyon.