...Introduction to Psychological Testing Lady Scott PSY/475 July 10, 2013 Michelle Bailey Introduction to Psychological Testing The definition of testing according to the American Heritage Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer (1997) “a set of standardized questions, problems, or tasks designed to elicit responses for use in measuring the traits, capacities, or achievements of an individual”. There are four major categories of testing, the first being mental ability test. “In the world of psychological testing, the term mental ability includes a wide variety of cognitive functions, such as memory, spatial visualization, and creative thinking” (Hogan, 2007). These tests are independently given to an individual to test their intelligence independently. These tests can also be given in a group setting, when done so it is to measure mental capacity overall in every day school topics. Test that are given to future college students fit under this category as well, being that is also test intelligence or possible level of attainment in school. The next category in testing is achievement test. “These tests attempt to assess a person’s level of knowledge or skill in a particular domain” (Hogan, 2007). Achievement testing is the most commonly used test, especially in grade school. Teachers use these in order to see if their students are learning the material being taught and to get a clear understanding of the student’s level of understanding of basic studies in several subjects...
Words: 784 - Pages: 4
...TPS 101: INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY TPS 101 serves as the beginning course in psychology; as such, it is broad in scope. The course will introduce students to the history of psychology, and current paradigms and theories. We will cover neuroscience, sensation, perception, memory, and language, stress and health psychology, personality and social psychology, intelligence, and developmental psychology. Because of time limitations, none of these topics can be covered in great depth. The reference textbooks and the material presented in class will serve as the primary sources for the material to be covered. INTRODUCTION TO THE STUDY OF PSYCHOLOGY Psychology is the scientific study of behaviour and mental processes. It is an academic and applied discipline involving the scientific study of mental processes and behaviour. Psychology also refers to the application of such knowledge to various spheres of human activity, including problems of individuals' daily lives and the treatment of mental illness. It is largely concerned with humans, although the behaviour and mental processes of animals can also be part of psychology research, either as a subject in its own right (e.g. animal cognition and ethnology), or somewhat more controversially, as a way of gaining an insight into human psychology by means of comparison (including comparative psychology). Origins of the psychology Near the end of 19th century things started drawing together. Questions raised by philosophers were being...
Words: 84844 - Pages: 340
...LEARNING Learning is often defined as a relatively lasting change in behavior that is the result of experience. It may also be defined as a relatively enduring or permanent change of behavior that results from previous experience with certain stimuli and responses. Operant Conditioning Operant conditioning is also called instrumental conditioning, is a kind of learning in which an animal or human performs some behavior, and the following consequence (reward or punishment) increases or decreases the chance that an animal or human will again perform that same behavior. The law of effect states that behaviors followed by positive consequences are strengthened, while behaviors followed by negative consequences are weakened. Shaping is a procedure in which an experimenter successively reinforcers behaviors that lead up to or approximately the desired behavior. Note: There is an important difference between a reward and a reinforcer in operant conditioning. • A reward is something, which has value to the person giving the reward, but may not necessarily be of value to the person receiving the reward. • A reinforcer is something, which benefits the person receiving it, and so results in an increase of a certain type of behavior. Skinner identified three types of responses or operants that can follow behavior. Neutral operants: Responses from the environment that neither increase nor decrease the probability of a behavior being repeated. Reinforces are any event that strengthens or increases...
Words: 1426 - Pages: 6
...1. Who were the peoples whom Europeans came into contact with in American in 1492? The peoples who Europeans came into contact with in the American in fourteen ninety two is the Ciboney or Guanahacabible. They also met the three major Caribbean groups whom they labelled Arawak, Caribs and Maya. 2. Choose one South American indigenous group and one Caribbean indigenous group. How were they described by European explorers/ invaders [refer to appearance, religious, beliefs, gender role and political system]? One South American indigenous group is the Taino. The Taino were very religious people, and they had very distinctive theological ideas. They expressed their religious beliefs through complex rituals and ceremonies. At the core of their religious beliefs was the recognition of a spirit world in which both humans and gods were classified and ranked. They called their religious spirits or gods, Zemis. They displayed these gods in the shape of images made from gold, wood, stone and bones. Each person had his or her own highly personal way of worshipping Zemis and Zemi, images reflected the thinking of the individual worshipper. Each person then had his or her Zemi images; sometimes several were carried around the necks. Many of the Zemi images have survived and we can see that they were designed to show the supernatural powers of the gods. For example, some Zemi images were carved with prominent sexual organs to show the fertility power of god; others...
Words: 1274 - Pages: 6
...University of Phoenix Material Introduction to Psychology Worksheet Part I: Origins of Psychology Within the discipline of psychology, there are several perspectives used to describe, predict, and explain human behavior. The major perspectives in modern psychology identified in the text are neuroscience, cognitive, behavioral, humanistic, and psychodynamic. Describe these major psychological perspectives using two to three sentences each. Type your response in the space below. Neuroscience: This perspective looks for the causes of abnormal behavior primarily inside the individual. This perspective concentrates on the functioning of the brain and it affects behavior. Cognitive: Cognitive psychology focuses on the way humans process information, looking at how we treat information that comes into the brain and how this treatment leads to responses. Behavioral: Behavioral psychology, also known as behaviorism, is a perspective. The basis of behavioral psychology suggests that all behaviors are learned. Humanistic: Humanistic psychology focuses on human potential and stresses the importance of growth and self-actualization. It is the fundamental belief of humanistic psychology is that people are good by nature and that mental and social problems result from deviations from this natural tendency. Psychodynamic: Psychodynamic psychology focuses on trying to get inside the head of individuals in order to make sense of their relationships, experiences and how...
Words: 418 - Pages: 2
...Introduction To Psychology Worksheet Curtis Lee Morrissette Jr PSY/211 08/12/2015 University of Phoenix Origins of Psychology In 1913, The Behavioral Perspective was founded by American psychologist, John B. Watson. Behavioral is one out of several perspectives used to describe, predict, and explain human behavior. The behavioral perspective focuses primarily on observable and measurable aspects of human behavior. B. F. Skinner was an American psychologist that would later refine the behavioral perspective. Radical behaviorism includes operant conditioning where actions are strengthened or reinforced. For example I enjoy playing Basketball because it clears my mind, so I am more then likely going to play basketball more. The Humanistic Perspective is used to describe, predict and explain human behavior by focusing on how personality, behavior, and mental processes are influenced by an innate capacity for personal growth. It also pat attention to creativity, free will, and human potential. Humanistic Perspective is often called the “third force” it is the response to the limitation of Sigmund Freud’s psychoanalytic and B.F. Skinner’s behaviorism. Abraham Maslow and Carl Rogers are two of the most famous founders of humanistic perspective which rose to prominence in the mid-20 century. The Psychodynamic Perspective is how unconscious or conscious processes determine human behavior. Psychodynamics studies the mind, personality, or psyche as they relate...
Words: 790 - Pages: 4
...University of Phoenix Material Introduction to Psychology Worksheet Complete each part with 100- to 200-word responses. Your responses must total 500 to 800-words for the entire worksheet. Part I: Origins of Psychology Within psychology, several perspectives are used to describe, predict, and explain human behavior. Describe three major psychological perspectives and name at least one leading theorist for each. Structuralism is one psychological perspective and the theorist would be Edward B. Titchener. Structuralism became the first major school of thought in psychology, held that our most complex conscious experiences can be broken down into different structures and parts of feelings and sensations. William James introduced functionalism, which stressed how important behavior functions are to allow people and animals to adapt to their surroundings. Behaviorism was introduced to us by John B. Watson. Behaviorism pretty much was another example of the influence of physiology on psychology. Behaviorism denied any emphasis on consciousness promote but functionalism and structuralism. Part II: Research Methods Provide a brief overview of some research methods used by psychologists. Include strengths and weaknesses of each method. One research method used by psychologists is data collection. Once it has been decided which type of research to use, the next step is to determine how the information will be gathered. There are a number of different research methods...
Words: 508 - Pages: 3
...Introduction to Organizational Psychology Liz Warren University of Phoenix PSY/435 Amanda Major June 27, 2011 Organizational Psychology Organizational psychology is the empirical study of the human side of industries (Spector, 2008). The science of organizational psychology differs from other disciplines of psychology because it is not centered on the individual, but rather how the individual and work place affect each other. The evolution of organizational psychology provides insight into current methods used today in organizational structures. The actions recommended by organizational psychologists originate from research founded on the scientific method (Spector, 2008). The evidence and statistics obtained through rigorous scientific investigation cause organizational psychology to be a unique discipline. Evolution of Organizational Psychology Hugo Munsterberg and Walter Dill Scott are considered founders of organizational psychology as they were both experimental psychologists and professors who applied psychology to industrial problems (Spector, 2008). The investigation of organizational efficiency and job performance in the 1880’s led to Frederick W. Taylor’s scientific management theory, which inspired the segregated study of organizational psychology (McCarthy, 2002). Taylor is...
Words: 1067 - Pages: 5
...A Look into Cross-Cultural Psychology Amy Stoffel Psych 450/Diversity and Cultural Factors in Psychology December 6, 2011 Cheri Meadowlark A Look into Cross-Cultural Psychology Culture is a significant factor for any psychologist to consider when interacting with a client. However, for those psychologists in the field of cross-cultural psychology understanding culture is essential. Understanding the basis of cultural psychology and cross-cultural psychology as well as the relationship between the two psychologies is necessary in this field. Additionally, key concepts such as multiculturalism, the methodology connected with the research, and the role of critical thinking are important in understanding cross-cultural psychology as a discipline. Cross-Cultural Psychology versus Cultural Psychology Cross-cultural psychology is a relatively new field of psychology rooted in Europe but developed primarily in the United States. This branch of psychology is an international discipline that includes other disciplines such as anthropology, sociology, history, physiology, and political science. The main focus of cross-cultural psychology is how cultural factors influence people’s behaviors, emotions, thoughts, and motivations. Cross-cultural psychology is considered the critical and comparative study of cultural effects on human psychology. In cross-cultural psychology both the similarities and differences of people in various cultures are compared [ (Levy & Shiraev...
Words: 1179 - Pages: 5
...Introduction to Cross-Cultural Psychology University of Phoenix Introduction to Cross-Cultural Psychology Culture plays an important part in one’s life as it relates to the field of psychology. Culture enables one to define him or herself and differ from one to another, and helps one survive. Culture facilitates self-expression, through language, appearance, and behavior. Culture exists everywhere and is a product of one’s environment. The significance of culture and its influence by oneself and others will be explained in this paper. In addition, the role of critical thinking in cross-cultural psychology and the scientific method involved with cross-cultural research will be addressed, and defined. Definition of Cultural and Cross-Cultural Psychology Culture is learned, passed down, from generation to generation and strongly influences individual behavior. It is an existing element in one’s environment, shaped by oneself and many others. Culture either shapes or influences one and is what makes one human. Psychology is the study of human behavior and performance; therefore, it is vital that the cultural and cross-cultural aspects are considered in determining the cause of one’s actions. Behavior is affected by sources both biological and environmental in nature but these do not entirely explain human behavior. There must be an acknowledgement of the social-cultural...
Words: 1502 - Pages: 7
...Introduction to Cross-Cultural Psychology Paper Yekaterina Tarkovsky PSY/450 Diversity and Cultural Factors in Psychology Stephen Northam / Professor November 23, 2015 The author of this paper would like to share the results of the study performed on the effects of cognitive appraisals of communication competence in conflict interactions. This study involves both Chinese and Western cultures. The researchers were investigating how differently people from both of these cultures perceive competence, appropriateness, and effectiveness of another party’s communication during conflict. At first, there was a pilot study which had thirty employees in Singapore. They were examining appraisals of communication competence in recalled intercultural conflict incidents. The competence of others was judged by western expatriates. They were determining whether the style of communication itself was direct as well as engaged. This was deemed to be judgements of effectiveness. The competence on interactional skills as well as knowledge on culture was judged by host-nationals. This was deemed to be judgments of appropriateness. The quasi-experimental study followed the pilot study. In this study, two parties comprising of university students. One party had one hundred twenty eight Australian students and the other one had on hundred eight Chinese students. The results of this study had showed that students from Australia discriminated between four different types of conflict styles more...
Words: 1225 - Pages: 5
...Cross-Culture Psychology Paper Character made of individual characteristics as well as different personal traits; culture has a unique set of behaviors, symbols, and attitudes that are held by a group of certain individuals and is usually passed down from generation to generation. (Feist & Feist, 2006; Shiraevv& Levy, 2010) Cultures are more than a group made up of individuals who are simply different from another group. Culture is made of up many things; the subsidiary individuals, genetically transmitted traits, language, tradition, religion, food, clothing, tattoos, and so much more. Martin-Santana and Beerli-Palacio (2008) proposed an advertising campaign that included cyclical effect on culture; such as reinforcing cultural norms. The problem with this was there was no base to it; not religion or society. All it contained was the cultural background: Eastern, Western, African, and so on but culture is not that simple to show in a commercial. The study of Cross- Culture is explained “…the critical and comparative study of cultural effects on human psychology.” (Shiraevv & Levy 2010, pg. 2) With most definitions this can be seen as non-specific and vague. Cross- Cultural psychology is concern is in the comparison of two or more cultures by critical evaluation on a psychological view- point. The comparison can include the connection between social norms and behavior, how human activity may be influences by culture, and interrelated effects of socio- cultural forces...
Words: 1087 - Pages: 5
...Approaches to Psychology and Christianity allowed me to comprehend fully the past occurrences of psychology and theology. The book displayed the faith and confidence that both psychology and Christianity must be combined in order for it to have a better understanding and allowing the client a better chance of healing. In order to do this there must be a complete understanding of each component in and of itself. Entwistle’s (2010) book presented all the facts from history as it has shaped society today (pp. 18-34). As he discussed these historic events, it shows just how the wisdom that is held today is a reflection or reaction of what happened then. Christianity has always had a huge impact on world history and how the world is viewed. Entwistle makes known that God gives humans reality and honesty in His Word. Upon consideration of His works His Word has began to have an effect on the world. The Word of God comes from the Bible in which He created for humankind to read, follow and apply to their lives and from the His Word they will experience His power. Theology and Psychology are not meant to be compatible but they are very much similar when it comes to the appreciation and comprehension that allows someone’s life to be meaningful. The world is full of people that have many talents to share. Humans were created in His image so that makes each unique in their own sense. Each human being has things to share and contribute to the world. Theology and Psychology are earnestly...
Words: 1616 - Pages: 7
...Abnormal Psychology and Therapy Paper Brenda Foster PSY 300 General Psychology May 6, 2013 Laurel Taron Abnormal Psychology and Therapy Paper Society’s view on normal and abnormal behavior is constantly changing. What one person views as normal another will view it as abnormal. Normal or abnormal behavior may be determined by social or cultural context. What a person does in one country may be completely abnormal in another country. Society may have its own version of the standards of normal but the mental health professional has to determine and define abnormal behavior and determine if the abnormal behavior will constitute as a mental disorder. The study of psychopathology is, “the scientific study of the origins, symptoms, and development of psychological disorders” Hockenbury & Hockenbury, (2001). Psychological or mental disorders are defined as, “a pattern of behavioral or psychological symptoms that causes significant personal distress, impairs the ability to function in one or more important areas of life or both” Hockenbury & Hockenbury, (2001). The determination of behaviors or a pattern of symptoms that constitutes a psychological disorder can be diagnosed with a disorder only if the patient has specific criteria from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, DSM-IV, which was published by the American Psychiatric Association (1994). The mental health professionals have a “common language for labeling mental disorders and comprehensive...
Words: 804 - Pages: 4
...Genre Analysis: Citation and the construction of sub-disciplinary knowledge Introduction In Academic Writing, Giltrow introduces a new idea regarding academic writing as a practice of knowledge-making. In the process of constructing knowledge, different disciplines show diversity in the styles of writing. (Giltrow, 2009). Giltrow’s new reasoning of genre- combination of situation and forms- provides researchers a way to analyze the similarities of documents in order to compare the disciplinary differences in styles of expression. The research paper is an important example of the research genres and a typical way of constructing new knowledge in academic discourse. According to Giltrow, successful writing depends upon readers’ recognition of features of genre. Therefore academic writers do not only need to make the results of their research public, but also persuasive. (Ken hyland, 1999) Citation, which is one of the most remarkable features appearing in scholarly articles, brings out a common ground shared by readers and writers to review the validity and novelty of both previous and current argument.(Ken hyland, 1999; Giltrow, 2009) The relationship between different citation forms and different disciplines has been investigated by many researchers. Hyland, who is a professor of applied linguistics, has done immense amounts of research in investigating the similarities and variability of citation in 8 disciplines. He suggests the disciplinary convention of citation usage...
Words: 1984 - Pages: 8
