Extended Essay
Title: Horror Films and their Relation to Fears or Phobias
Research Question: To what extent can horror films be environmental triggers for the genetic predisposition of fears or phobias?
Introduction
In this essay, I will be answering the previous question by analyzing how horror films could act as triggers for the genetic predisposition of phobias. In order to answer this question, I will triangulate six studies that relate to this topic, and finally be able to draw a conclusion. The studies that I selected for this extended analysis are Neuendorf and Sparks (1988), Lundgren et al. (2004), Sparks (1989), Loken, Hettema, Aggen, & Kendler, (2014), and Smoller, Gardner‐Schuster, Covino, (2008). All of these studies investigate the effects of watching horror films, and the way in which they can affect people. I decided to use the following studies as they all follow very similar methodologies, which consist of participants watching scary media and measuring factors like heart rate, skin conductivity, etc. Their strengths and limitations will be analyzed in order to draw a more accurate conclusion that connects past trauma to a negative or upsetting reaction. More specifically, Lundgren et al.(2004), deeply explores how participants who present severe dental anxiety react to videos that show dental procedures. I decided upon this research question because I believe that it is important to raise awareness about phobias, due to the fact that they have such strong impacts on many people’s lives. By being informed, individuals could be more aware of their environmental triggers, which would eventually decrease. Likewise, being informed about having a genetic predisposition that could result in a phobia, people could avoid environmental cues that trigger said fobia, reducing the chance of its manifestation.
Skill - Balanced
I chose this skill because throughout the process of doing my Extended Essay, I had to maintain a balance between my own interpretation of the research question and the science behind it. I couldn't just do a lab report, based completely on scientific articles and specialist's theories. However, I wasn't writing and opinion article either. This is why I can confidently say that I managed to stay balanced while doing this essay, and the end result is able to transmit exactly this message.
I would say that the whole Extended Essay was a challenge itself. It was probably the most challenging assignment of the IB program. I had to do an immense amount of research, had to keep up with deadlines, make a lot of corrections, complete reflections, etc. It was very exhausting, but it was also one of the most rewarding projects that I have done. I can finally see how much effort I put into that essay, and I am very proud of how it turned out.
As I mentioned before, this is probably my proudest academic accomplishment, as well as the most rewarding one. This is why I believe that it will help me a lot in the future, because it demonstrates a lot of the skills that I managed to develop during these last two years.