Larry Is in the 2^nd Grade

question 182

Essay

Larry is in the 2^nd grade. Ms. Level, his teacher, has informed his parents, the school psychologist, and the principal that Larry's behaviour is extremely disruptive. Also, Ms. Level spoke with his kindergarten and 1^st grade teachers and concluded that there might be some impulsivity and attention problems related to his behaviour. Larry is often irritable, easily angered, dominating, and fidgety, and he blurts out responses before being called upon. The school psychologist observed Larry's behaviour over several days and agreed with Ms. Level's suspicions and arranged a meeting with Larry's parents. Larry's parents stated that there was nothing wrong with their son. He was simply being a boy and they have always encouraged his freedom of expression. However, Larry's parents agreed to a psychological evaluation. Discuss whether Larry's behaviour is considered abnormal based on the criteria presented in Chapter One of the text. In addition, discuss whether Larry meets the diagnostic criteria for a behaviour disorder.

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Definitions:

Unconditioned Response

An instinctive, unlearned reaction to an external stimulus that takes place without beforehand learning or conditioning.

Classical Conditioning

A learning process wherein a neutral stimulus becomes associated with a meaningful stimulus, leading to a conditioned response.

Voluntary Behaviours

Actions that are under conscious control, such as walking, talking, or writing.

Immune System

A complex network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to defend the body against attacks by foreign invaders such as bacteria, viruses, and cancer cells.