...The Diverse Nature of Psychology Dawn Morris PSY/490 December 16, 2013 Cassandra Ferreira The Diverse Nature of Psychology Psychology itself attempts to define people’s behavior through aspects of the human minds ability to process information and stimulants. The diversity of psychology is very evident within the many different branches of the American Psychological Association, each addressing a unique perspective within psychology of understanding human behavior (Plante, 2011). This diversity within psychology, allows psychologists the ability to expand in all areas of explanation, assessment, and diagnoses, which furthers the science of psychology through many different subfield specialties. This paper will discuss the subfields of psychology, the importance of diversity, and the practical applications of psychological principles. The Impact of Diversity in Psychology Each of the major concepts within psychology emphasizes different parts of human behavior, such as the cognitive, social, spiritual, and unconscious factors, which contribute to a person’s behavior. One main defining feature of psychology is that it is a data based scientific study of behavior, in which each step of research used to procure knowledge has contributed to advancements in the development of sound theories within psychology. Three important features related to the science of psychology include the use of systematic empiricism, the production of public awareness, and...
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...COLLEGE OF INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION ASSOCIATE DEGREE PROGRAMME Code: GESS5301 Title: Essential of Psychology Term: Fall 2012 Credits: 3 Pre-requisite: NIL Instructor: Ms. Katherine Leung Office Location: -- Office Tel: -- Email Address: kath0214@hkbu.edu.hk Aims and Objectives This course aims at providing students with a general introduction to the field of psychology. While several orientations to the study of human behavior will be discussed, the primary emphasis will be put on the scientific study of behavior from an empirical perspective. Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs) On completion of this course, students should be able to |CILO 1 |Describe and distinguish between the major psychological theories of behaviour; | |CILO 2 |Define, generate and identify examples of the basic behavioural principles and concepts as well as how to apply them to their own lives; | | |and | |CILO 3 |Critique the major areas typically considered the domain of psychology such as learning, sensation, memory, personality, developmental | | |psychology, and abnormal behaviour from an empirical perspective. ...
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...GENERAL PSYCHOLOGY (SOC SCI 101) 5 JOURNALS OF PSYCHOLOGY PSYCHOLOGY | > the science seeking to describe, understand, and predict the behavior and mental processes of organisms. > the goals of psychology are to describe, explain, predict, and control behavior. ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY * Abnormal psychology is the branch of psychology that studies unusual patterns of behavior, emotion and thought, which may or may not be understood as precipitating a mental disorder. * Although many behaviors could be considered as abnormal, this branch of psychology generally deals with behavior in a clinical context. * There is a long history of attempts to understand and control behavior deemed to be aberrant or deviant (statistically, morally or in some other sense), and there is often cultural variation in the approach taken. * The field of abnormal psychology identifies multiple causes for different conditions, employing diverse theories from the general field of psychology and elsewhere, and much still hinges on what exactly is meant by "abnormal". * There has traditionally been a divide between psychological and biological explanations, reflecting a philosophical dualism in regards to the mind body problem. * There have also been different approaches in trying to classify mental disorders. * Abnormal includes three different categories, they are: * subnormal * supernormal * paranormal * The science...
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...Examination of Clinical Psychology Paper Francine Morgan PSY 480 June 11, 2012 Professor Elizabeth Kane Examination of Clinical Psychology Paper A branch of psychology that deals with assessing and treating abnormal behavior, psychiatric disorders, and mental illness is clinical psychology which is a form of science psychology. In this field of clinical psychology, psychologist treats elderly individuals, young children and their families, even though an individual’s socioeconomic status is not an issue in the decision making process of who should receive treatment. Clinical psychologist deals with an individual that has been diagnosed with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and individual coping with his or her own issues, such as losing a love one or divorce. Clinical psychologist let’s patients express his or her frustrations while assisting them in understanding his or her ability and skills in using different techniques to help patients, depending on their psychologist’s area of expertise. In the early 1800’s, psychology has been around since 2500 B.C. In this time, the approach to examining mental health involved supernatural, religious aspects, and medical. The Greek physician Hippocrates, known as the father of ancient medicine, played a role in the development of psychology. The Hippocrates came up with the theory of humors, which consists of four bodily fluids, and they are the key to good health, which the fluid colors are yellow bile, black bile, blood and phlegm...
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...Examination of Clinical Psychology Paper Tammy Poe PSY 480 University of Phoenix April, 23, 2012 Ross Seligman Examination of Clinical Psychology Paper Clinical psychology is a branch of psychology that involves the concern with assessing and treating abnormal behavior, mental illness, and other psychiatric disorders. Clinical psychology is the science of psychology. Clinical psychologists treat young children to the elderly, individuals or families, thus, an individual’s socioeconomic status is not an issue in the decision-making process of whether or not an individual should receive treatment. There is a broad range of specialties that clinical psychologists deal with, such as individuals diagnosed with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, or individuals coping with his or her personal issues, such as going through a divorce or losing a job. Clinical psychologists allow patients the opportunity to express his or her anger or frustrations while assisting the patient in understanding and controlling his or her situation in a healthy manner. Psychologists have the knowledge and skill in using a variety of methods developed to help patients, depending on the psychologist’s area of expertise. History of Clinical Psychology Established in the 1800s, psychology has been known since 2500 B.C. During this time, the approach to examining mental health involved holistic, supernatural, medical, and religious aspects. The father...
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...While interning with FFLIC, I met with the community organizer on a regular basis who has a child currently imprisoned. I listened to his personal experiences with Louisiana’s juvenile justice system and learned about the need for therapeutic environments, interactions, and opportunities for underrepresented prison populations. In order to help FFLIC advocate for policy change at a state level, my colleagues and I authored a white paper that outlined recommendations to reduce recidivism rates for juvenile offenders in Louisiana, such as offering more educational and vocational programs in prisons and implementing community-based alternatives to incarceration. Through my research, I discovered that community-based alternatives that embody therapeutic philosophies, through emphasizing skills training, counseling, and behavioral programs, can be more successful at reducing recidivism than incarceration. This experience prompted my desire to continue research on recidivism reduction in graduate school and learn more about the impact clinical psychology practices can have on reforming the criminal justice...
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...Over the years psychology has grown and become more prevalent in society as people are more inclined to know more about the mind, behaviors, and how it all relates to psychology itself. There have been some major influences on psychology and what it is today. At first thought, one would only be able to think of a man who may have contributed to psychology but in contrast, there are many women who have contributed to psychology and what it has become. Anna Freud is one profound woman that had a lot to contribute to the world of psychology. She was born in Vienna on December 3, 1895. She is the youngest daughter of Sigmund Freud’s six children, and she is the only one of the children that became a psychoanalyst. Freud was the founder of child psychoanalysis, and she added to the understanding of how the ego and consciousness functions in preventing painful thoughts, ideas, and urges (Anna Freud, 2013). Of all Sigmund Freud’s children, Anna was closest to him, and she related to him in ways that the other kids did not. Freud’s mother was closer to her other children while Anna identified with her father. Freud and her mother had a strained relationship. Added to their already strained relationship, Freud’s mother was a total skeptic when it came to psychoanalysis. Sigmund Freud noticed his daughter’s intelligence and how interested she was in psychoanalysis. However, he did not send her to the schools that would prepare her for university. Alternatively, she attended Cottage Lyceum...
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...Clinical Psychology Paper Scientific history has provided extraordinary events for medical research and development, including discovering of psychology and other natural sciences. The ancient Greek physician Hippocrates was the first scientist to explain the correlation between disease and dysfunctions (Plante, 2005). Hippocrates proposed that there was imbalances in four fluids humans have, therefore emotions, and psychological malfunctions can be developed in humans and require special treatments to help to balance the fluids back to normal. Greek scientist joined the Hippocrates studies and did more research to find relationships and seek for the right treatment. Plato and Aristotle were among the scientists who formulated that some physical illness can result from the soul (Plante, 2005, P. 34). Unfortunately, during the Middle Ages many diseases were untreated because most mental issues were related to the soul and medical help was never seek. It was believe that insanity was just a lost soul in hell and that there was no cure for the individual. Sigmund Freud had a better explanation about the mind/body association by generating a better understanding to have a full understanding of illness in relation to abnormal behavior (Plante, 2005, P. 46). It was clear that Psychology was developing a huge impact in the medicine field but it was until 1879 when Wilhelm Wundt opened the first laboratory in Germany to increase the research and development in the Psychology field....
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...Industrial and Organizational Psychology Paper Janeen Tipton PSY/435 September 3, 2012 Saakshi Malik Industrial and Organizational Psychology Paper In the realm of science there are many fields of psychology; clinical, abnormal, child development and industrial psychology. Out of those, industrial/organizational (I/O) psychology not only deals with the individual, but also the organizations that such individuals may be employed at. It is theorized that the early development began in 1885 but to better understand the development one must have a clear view of what an I/O psychologists is and what their main objectives are as well as how research and statistics play a crucial role. Industrial and Organizational Psychology Industrial and Organizational psychology (I/O) psychology is the study of organizations and how scientifically-based solutions to human problems in the work place (American Psychological Association, 2012, p.1. para. 1). Such areas that I/O psychologists would have knowledge due to some form of training done at the doctorial level are: • Assessment methods • Job Analysis • Career Development • Job Evaluation, Performance, and Work Motivation • Business Skills (American Psychological Association, 2012, p. 1) There are services that an I/O will and can provide to the company/organization for which one is employed. These services include aiding with the hiring process by forming...
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...PSYCHOLOGICAL SCIENCE This course aims at preparing students for a professional journey in the growing field of psychology by creating interest and developing an understanding of basic concepts of the discipline. Its major concerns include fostering capability to meet the challenges of self-discovery and effective participation in responding to the needs of society. With a vision to create a balance between society and the individual, the course intends to enable students in developing abilities needed for meeting the challenges and needs of the real world effectively. Along with it, students would also be encouraged to build a relationship with oneself, requisite for self discovery. To this end, the course emphasizes on building the conceptual foundations and acquiring psychological skills through classroom teaching/learning consisting of reflective as well as creative engagement in exercises, projects and hands on experiences. The teaching-learning of the programme would be organized through lectures, group discussions, experiential exercises, group projects, presentations, workshops and seminars. Students would be encouraged to connect to real life issues and participate in the programs and practices in the different social context. To this end practicum is incorporated as an important component in most of the papers with hands on training in the use of various research methods such as: laboratory experiments, field experiments, observation, testing, survey, interview, case...
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...Life Span Perspective Paper Historically, the philosophy of human development has stemmed from the Biblical understanding of original sin, Jean-Jacques Rousseau’s intimations of innate goodness, and John Locke’s postulation that we are born with a psychological blank slate (Boyd & Bee, 2006). However, in the 19th century the study of human development was given legs to its already well-defined frame in the form of the theory of evolution, as put forth by Charles Darwin. With the idea of evolutionary stages in place, G. Stanley Hall of Clark University was able to formulate his theory of norms, which hypothesize that human development can be segregated into identifiable phases, and Arnold Gesell was able to suggest his theory of maturation, which was largely dependent on genetic predisposition. From these beginnings the lifespan development perspective of human psychology has been largely concerned with the physiological, psychological, cultural, genetic, and environmental context of individual human development from conception to old age (Baltes & Staudinger, 1999; Boyd & Bee, 2006). Moreover, the lifespan perspective (LSP) of development can be put into context through the models of both human development domains and developmental periods, the major characteristics of LSP, and the contemporary concerns about LSP. Human Development Domains LSP is concerned with three separate, but principally overlapping, domains of human development: physical domain (ontogenesis)...
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...food as well as are in denial about being hungry. These individuals are also scared to get weight as well as view themselves in a bad way. They tend to avoid social situations that involve eating. These individuals suffer from different physical problems for example dizziness/fainting, dry skin, dehydration, constipation, as well as decreased blood pressure level (Hansell & Damour, 2008). This can also result in death like in the case of Karen Carpenter. This paper will be discussing her tragic struggle with this disorder. Case Karen Carpenter was an American singer who battled with anorexia nervosa in the 1960’s. Her struggle with disorder would bring eating disorders to the public and would later contribute to her death. At an early age Karen was teased by her older brother being called “fatso”. Her mother also would make comments that made her aware of her flawed body figure. Her mother would remind her of the fact that big hips run in the family. At the age of 17 she lost 25 pounds. Career At the age of 19 Karen and her brother were signed to A&M Records. This would be the start to Karen being in the spotlight. Being in the spotlight made Karen more self-conscious. Even though her voice was a major contributor to them being popular, her family only supported and praised her brother. It was quite rare for them to encourage and give praise to Karen. After being so successful, Karen began to be criticized by the media and her brother about her...
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...toys and gadgets. In his adolescence he showed interest in works by Charles Darwin and Francis Bacon. In his early adult life he attended Hamilton College in Clinton, New York where he studied English language and Literature, during his time at University he was heavily engaged in the campus magazine, and was known for his hand in pranks. After graduation he was exposed to Behaviorism by the literary magazine Dial, and read further into Conditioned Reflexes by Ivan Pavlov, he soon realized that he was interested in human behavior and was convinced by a close friend that science was the next big thing, he decided to engage in work in psychology. He enrolled at Harvard in 1928, and began experimenting on animals in a lab at the school, after he earned his Ph.D Skinner remained at harvard, continuing his research in the lab. In a number of papers during the 1930’s skinner emphasized the distinction of Respondent behavior, also known as conditioned reflexes, and Operant behavior, which is commanded by the consequences the behavior produces, these could either increase or...
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...more. Last edited 3 days ago by an anonymous user Personality psychology Personality psychology is a branch of psychology that studies personality and its variation between individuals. Its areas of focus include: Construction of a coherent picture of the individual and his or her major psychological processes Investigation of individual psychological differences Investigation of human nature and psychological similarities between individuals "Personality" is a dynamic and organized set of characteristics possessed by a person that uniquely influences his or her cognitions, emotions, motivations, and behaviors in various situations. The word "personality" originates from the Latin persona, which means mask. In the theatre of the ancient Latin-speaking world, the mask was not used as a plot device to disguise the identity of a character, but instead was a convention employed to represent or typify that character. Personality also refers to the pattern of thoughts, feelings, social adjustments, and behaviors consistently exhibited over time that strongly influences one's expectations, self-perceptions, values, and attitudes. It also predicts human reactions to other people, problems, and stress.[1][2] There is still no universal consensus on the definition of "personality" in psychology. Gordon Allport (1937) described two major ways to study personality: the nomothetic and the idiographic. Nomothetic psychology seeks general laws that can be applied to many different people...
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...Obedience to Authority Making a significant contribution to social psychology, Stanley Milgram focused his studies on authority, specifically on how individuals react to it and are obedient to it. His groundbreaking and famous experiment surprised the world of social psychology, as well as society as a whole (Blass, 2002). Throughout this paper, the reasoning behind Milgram’s study of obedience to authority will be discussed. Additionally, the experiment will be explained, beginning with the formulation and ending with the results. Lastly, the influence of the experiment on social psychology, as well as current research on this topic will be covered. Historical Perspective To gain a better understanding of Milgram’s substantial contributions to social psychology, an examination of the historical period in which he started his career is necessary. According to Mastroianni (2002), World War II had just begun and everyone was still traumatized by the alarming reality of what was happening during the war in Europe. As the Nazi concentration camps were being discovered, the world began to find out about Hitler’s plan to purify the “supreme race” (Mastroianni, 2002). The most shocking part of the holocaust was the plans that Hitler had were being implemented (Mastroianni, 2002). Due to the unfolding events happening during World War II, Blass (2002) pointed out that there were many unanswered questions at the time. As a society, people just could not understand how one person...
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