Sue wants to be a biologist but thinks her biology professor, Dr. Wu, is wrong in her opinions about what kind of research is important. But when Sue goes to Dr. Wu's office, she is very friendly. Sue is acting friendly because she's concentrating on her_________________goal of getting a good grade rather than her_________________goal of becoming a renowned biologist.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The terms "proximate" and "ultimate" are often used in biology to distinguish between short-term, immediate goals (proximate) and long-term, ultimate goals (ultimate). In this scenario, Sue's immediate goal is to do well in Dr. Wu's class (proximate), which is why she is being friendly to Dr. Wu despite disagreeing with her. Sue's long-term goal of becoming a renowned biologist (ultimate) is not the focus of her behavior in this situation.

Sue Wants to Be a Biologist but Thinks Her Biology