Discussion Questions for "Bob's Case: A Friendly Physiologist"

by Luz P. Mangurian and David F. Brakke

1. What in Bob's behavior could have been altered to avoid Maureen's advances and at what stages?

2. Was it appropriate for Sally to have asked Maureen about renting her parent's cottage? Did this result in a level of contact beyond what might be expected, sending the wrong signals? Wasn't he expressing at the same time his interest in and commitment to Sally?

3. Give alternative reactions for Bob after he finds Maureen's note on his car. Explain.

4. What do you think Bob should have said after Maureen gave him the starfish and made her comments about missing Bob?

5. Was it appropriate for Bob and Sally to invite Michael and Daniel to their Christmas party, even though it included a broad cross-section from the community and university, including other students?

6. Whom should Bob have contacted after Daniel's aggressive and threatening behavior? How would it reflect on Bob if he reported the incident?

7. Could Maureen's fabrications about Bob's interest have been avoided?

8. Should Sally have confronted Daniel? Why?

9. Describe in detail the type of behavior Bob (or Michael) must exhibit to invite student interest in a subject and avoid being a target of infatuation.

10. Would this behavior differ if the genders in the case were reversed, i.e. if "Bob" were female? Would any other aspects of the story have been different or would any of your suggested actions vary if genders were reversed for all of the main characters?