25.5.1 Overview — Homework 5
ASSIGNMENT Trying something new
In this homework, you’re going to find out about something really weird: a paraphilia you never knew existed.
There are two documents to look at:
Homework 5 instructions is the assignment itself. It’s on the next page.
Homework 5 answer sheet (in text format, on the page after the next one) is easy to download, to use as a framework for your own work. Then you can copy and paste the results into the appropriate Canvas window.
Read the instructions carefully on BOTH pages. In particular, notice:
Do NOT choose dendrophilia (for the reason mentioned on the answer sheet).
Do NOT choose fetishism; that’s too general. You may choose a specific fetish like hair fetishism or underwear fetishism.
Frotteurism is very easy to do, so there is a 4-point penalty if you choose it.
25.5.2 Details for homework 5
ASSIGNMENT Trying something new
This exercise is designed to introduce you to the huge variety of sexual fantasies that humans can experience, and to encourage you to learn something new about at least one of them—in a way which is non-threatening and legal, but interesting, enlightening, and fun.
Your task: use the Internet (or any other research method) to find a paraphilia (or sexual turn-on or lovemap fantasy) that you had never heard of before you took this course. Investigate this paraphilia well enough to understand its major components. Follow these steps:
(1) Find a paraphilia (as defined in class and the textbook) which fits the rules in paragraph (2). You can find one from the textbook or from any of a number of Internet sources. Several sites list large numbers of paraphilias:
https://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paraphilia
https://www.medicinenet.com/paraphilia/article.htm
(2) The paraphilia you choose should follow these rules:
It should be legal, or (at worst) a misdemeanor. No pedophilia, incest, or rape.
For your own protection as you conduct your research (now, or at any time), you should stay away from any sites which feature pedophilia or incest.
It must be a paraphilia which you never heard of before taking this course.
It would be best if the paraphilia is not one that personally excites you sexually. This is for your protection in case someone watches your surfing.
Choose a paraphilia which does not personally disgust you, upset you extremely, or harm you. There are dozens and dozens to choose from, and there is no need to be in turmoil as you investigate one of them. If, during your research, you encounter a disgusting or offensive site or advertisement, close its window and go elsewhere.
Do not choose “fetishism” in general; you’ll get zero points if you do. A specific fetish is OK (socks, hair…).
“Frotteurism” is too easy. If you choose it, the maximum possible is 16 points.
Do not choose “dendrophilia”. Most of its information on the Internet appears to be a joke, not real research.
(3) Write down the name of the paraphilia and a 1- to 3-sentence description of it.
Add 2 or 3 sentences in which you mention what scientists say about the paraphilia (beyond just the definition of it).
Add 2 or 3 sentences about what people with that paraphilia think about having it.
Next, in 2 to 3 sentences speculate (guess) about what childhood events might have caused the paraphilia, if any (I believe that most come from childhood, but some do not).
Finally, list at least 2 references you consulted (3 to get maximum credit of 3 points).
oFor references, you do NOT have to follow APA format. Just list the web pages you may have consulted, the textbook pages you may have used, or the other printed sources you may have used. Do NOT just list psychologytoday.com or minddisorders.com as your references; copy and paste the complete URL to the page you consulted (psychologytoday.com/experts/vol12no6/index.html or whatever).
(4) Do not use the word perihelia. One point will be deducted every time you use this word. It’s from astronomy and has nothing to do with paraphilia. For some reason it turns up in student papers a lot; perhaps it’s a spellcheck suggestion??
25.5.3 Blank answer sheet for HW 5
Click this link to download a blank answer sheet for this assignment.
It looks like this:
Assignment 5
Trying Something New
Name of paraphilia: _________________________________
Description of paraphilia (4 points):
What scientists say about the paraphilia (5 points):
What people who have the paraphilia say about having it (4 points):
What childhood events might have caused the paraphilia (4 points):
References or websites you consulted (3 points):
1.
2.
3.
Minus 1 point if you use the word "perihelia". That is a term from astronomy that has nothing to do with paraphilia at all!
Minus 4 points if you choose "Frotteurism". That's OK, but too easy.
Minus 20 points (i.e., zero credit) if you choose "Fetishism" in general. It has to be more specific than that (for example, hair fetishism, panties fetishism...).
Do NOT use material on dendrophilia. Dendrophilia may or may not be real; much of the information on the Internet about it is a joke, not real research.
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