...Phobias and Addictions Paper Week Two Assignment Giselle Bayard PSY/300 – General Psychology October 20, 2012 This is an essay concerning phobias and addictions. Four selected topics in four specific sections are what this paper is comprised of. These topic are: 1. How phobias can be developed through classical conditioning. 2. How addictions can be developed through operant conditioning. 3. Distinguish between classical and operant conditioning. 4. The meaning of "extinction" and how it is achieved in both classical and operant conditioning. How phobias can be developed through classical conditioning "A phobia is a group of symptoms brought on by an object or situation that causes a person to feel irrational fear" (Porterfield, 2005). A few types of phobias are prevalent in society. A simple phobia, the fear of an object like a dog or a cat or a telephone or the fear of heights or traveling in a train or a car impact millions of lives. Social phobia, caused by fear of humiliation causes millions more otherwise normal people to live lives of loneliness and desperation. "Behaviorists believe that these intense fears (phobias)begin when people are classically conditioned by a negative stimulus paired with the object or situation. In other words, phobias are learned. Sometimes parents may pass irrational fears on to their children in this way" (Porterfield, 2005). This is a powerful form of behavior modification. It deals with spontaneous...
Words: 1092 - Pages: 5
...Fear of Aging and Death Name of Student Liberty University Abstract This paper addresses the fear of death and aging in America. The United States is a culture in which people are judged by their appearance. The media idealizes youth and feeds into the fallacy that becoming older is somehow negative. Thus, the identity of those who are growing older is undermined, and older Americans are often devalued. The reality, however, is that God has a plan for every phase of our lives. Research indicates that between the ages of 75 and 84, 73% report no disability, thus proving that older Americans are living long, healthy lives and are valuable assets to society (Vaillant & Mukamal, 2001). Appearance has no relevance on the contributions one can make in society. Furthermore, our fear of death is irrational. Death is often feared as a result of our diminishing faith in God and unbelief in the reality of eternal life through Jesus Christ. Death is not the end of life, but only the beginning of eternal life in a place free from illness, heartache and death. A Society Obsessed with Youth Americans are obsessed with youth and physical beauty. The average adult male in the United States spends thirty-two minutes getting ready in the morning (Hamermesh, 2011). The average adult female spends forty-four minutes (Hamermesh, 2011). Time is not the only thing Americans spend on their appearance. “In 2008, the average American household spent $718 on women’s and girl’s...
Words: 2741 - Pages: 11
...The meaning of sex can defer depending on a person’s view of the world and different circumstances. A secular person and a religious person have different views on the meaning of sex. Yet, Archard discusses, sex is important to all people across cultural, historical periods, and social groups; sex is not just important or meaningful in a “spatial” mode of interest. When a person is forced into an action of meaning, like when a victim is forced into sex by an offender (rape), the victim goes through many psychological and physical changes that greatly affects the person. For this research, the Department of Justice’s definition on rape will be the definition referred to every time rape is used: “The penetration, no matter how slight, of the...
Words: 1626 - Pages: 7
...a distorted view that focuses on terrorists and extremists. Even though this religion teaches peace and love, because of highly publicized Islamic fundamentalists who have abused and defamed the name of Islam there are stereotypes and distrust geared towards the group. The purpose of this paper is to give a brief insight into the teachings of Islam and how those teaching promote love and peace, not war and bloodshed, in spite of the misconceptions. Understanding the Teachings of Islam Right now, Islam is a highly controversial and sensitive issue in today’s world and there are many misconceptions about its beliefs, values, and goals. The condition of Islam right now is in chaos because of the acts of terrorists and extremists. There needs to be an understanding that the religion of Islam does not portray violence and hate that most see in the media today. The religion of Islam is not very different from other highly practiced religions in the world. Many see Islam through a fallacious view that focuses on terrorists and extremists. Even though this religion teaches mercy and compassion, it has been abused by these people to change focus of the true meaning. The purpose of this paper is to give a brief insight into the teachings of Islam and how this religion is not about the violence and hate. By discussing its basic principles and practices there can be a better understanding of the religion. Islam is a highly practiced religion, even thought there are some variations...
Words: 1351 - Pages: 6
...Memo Through doing the research about dreams I have learned a vast about of important information from how to write an annotated bibliography, how to use VCU’s library system online, how to critically dissect as well as review my paper and the most important what different people believe a dream means to them. Once again my knowledge of VCU’s online library research system came in handy. Because I knew the correct ways to search of information through this data base it helped eliminate unneeded information. The writing workshops gave me and in depth look and how to read a paper from the readers point of view versus just the writer’s voice. It also gave me a chance to see how other people would create such a paper and gave me tips on where I was lacking strength. Having someone else read and criticized your work humbles you as well as gives you room to grow as a writer. Along with the workshop having you look over my paper and giving me your feedback helped be discover ways I could elaborate and fix my claim. Since this is the second time I have written and read research on the topic of dreams I feel like I have a stronger understanding of how beneficial dreams are to your lives. If I have dream that frightens me I know have a idea of where it came from and how it relates to my day to day life because I have read so many different views and opinions on dream analysis. Learning about the different ways people view the ‘meaning’ of a dream really gives me...
Words: 2178 - Pages: 9
...skills. In the contact of the present study learning style refer to the model of learning propose by Honey and Mumford (1992). According to Honey and Mumford (1992), learning has taken place when either or both of the following situations apply where an individual knows something not previously known, and can show it as well as an individual is able to do something he or she was previously unable to do. Learning styles are diverse ways that a person can learn. It's commonly believed that most people favor some particular method of interacting with, taking in, and processing stimuli or information. It is also facilitates students to contribute using their own preferred learning style in order to cope with fear of failure in their performance. The key elements that can avoid fear of failure among students by understanding of learning style preference which has impact on the individual’s...
Words: 1571 - Pages: 7
...This paper addresses the gender gap disparity between levels of fear of crime. Researcher Diedrik Cops, introduces the “fear of crime paradox,” in which those groups that reported the highest levels of fear (women and elderly), in reality have a lower risk of actually being victimized (Cops, 2010). Research taken from National Victimization Surveys (NCVS) indicated in Crime and Criminals, explains that crimes typically occur intraracially, meaning between races and the characteristics of victims tend to male; young (between the ages of twelve and twenty-four); and more likely to be African American than white; more likely to be Hispanic than non-Hispanic (Crime and Criminals, 44). Researchers Kathleen Fox, Mat Nobles, and Alex Piquero, use...
Words: 1614 - Pages: 7
...from the effects of the innovations that the modern world had introduced. He does not have any idea of his termination in the world while exhausting his body to the luxury of technology. That’s why, at certain events, man’s close encounter of death confronts him. “How many of us, though, can succeed in feeling these truths as consolations? We are not good at coping with death, especially in our contemporary materialistic age, with its pretence that we live indefinitely and that the fountain of happiness is purchasing power. Few face the fact of death squarely, or consider its nature clearly” (Grayling 32). It is always been a mystery for man to inquire about the beginning and the end of his life. His existence had created a conflict of meaning between his existence and its end. As for the beginning of human life,...
Words: 2996 - Pages: 12
...your source for free research papers, essays, and term paper examples. Referring to their importance, examine the principal beliefs of Christianity. Christianity is a monotheistic religion whose adherents are followers of Jesus of Nazareth. Christianity reformed out of Judaism in the first century CE and originated in Palestine. Christians preached their faith in Jesus as the Christ, the Jewish Messiah, who is saviour of all peoples through his death and resurrection. The principal beliefs of Christianity are highlighted in the Ten Commandments, the Nicene Creed, the Beatitudes and the Golden Rule. The principal beliefs of Christianity are influenced by Judaism. As a monotheistic religion, adherents believe there is strictly only one God, originating from the Jewish YHWH. Christians believe that God is the Trinity, meaning one being of three co-equal persons – the Father who is the creator and sustainer of all life, the Son who is the redeemer, and the Holy Spirit which is the sanctifier. Christians believe that God created the world and all that is in it. It is believed that humanity is created in the image of God, and that God gave people free will therefore there is good and evil in the world. The Ten Commandments are guidelines received by Moses from God on how adherents can lead good lives. They should not be avoided in fear of punishment, but embraced as a way to be saved from The Fall, where humans make sinful choices. Adherents believe meaning can be found in their...
Words: 354 - Pages: 2
...Racism and Power A Formal Research Paper on Racism HSP-3UI-03 Jenna Yates 06/16/2014 -1- Introduction Over the generations, there have been horrific examples of racism around the globe. The holocaust, the slave trade and Apartheid in South Africa are all examples of appalling events throughout history that display racism. In addition to these extreme examples, racism exists on a smaller scale in peoples day to day lives. For example, there are people who face certain disadvantages, like being denied employment, denied an apartment or denied a friendship all because of their race. While there is definitely a movement to eradicate racist actions and beliefs, they still exist. Despite education and a history of horrible experiences with racism, it is still a huge issue in our culture and in our environment. This is so, because there is always a group who benefits from racism and it is hard to let this power and privileges go. Racism has been an effective tool for those in a position of power and privilege to maintain their status, income, recourses, the ability to make decisions, etc. Racism empowers some and disempowers others. Even though we have seen the down side of racism, it is something we continue to repeat from country to country and decade to decade because we know it works to maintain power. Despite all the advances society has seen in research, knowledge and technology, mankind has not been able to abolish racism. Therefore, in spite of our understanding...
Words: 3395 - Pages: 14
...India in order to train the new staff and manager. Nonverbal communication is present throughout the movie as Todd, works through the language barrier and is introduced to a new culture, values and rituals. In this paper, nonverbal communication demonstrated in the movie is analyzed and discussed as it relates the research of Argyle (1988), Archer (1997), et al. Adler (2011) defines nonverbal communication as messages expressed through non-linguistic means. Research has shown that in communication, the verbal content only is only responsible for 7% of the message, while vocal cues such as pitch and intonation account for 38%, and facial expression an overwhelming 55% (Mehrabian, 1968). Nonverbal communication can be performed through facial expressions, proximity, and body movements. Argyle (1988) describes the five primary functions of Nonverbal Behavior – 1) Expression of Emotion, 2) Communication of Interpersonal Attitudes, 3) Accompany and Support Speech, 4) Self-Presentation, 5) Rituals. In the movie Outsourced (2006), examples of each of these functions of nonverbal behavior are observed. The face plays a particularly important role in showing emotion. Ekman (1982) classified facial expressions of emotion into six categories: happiness, surprise, fear, sadness, anger, and disgust/contempt. Throughout the movie Outsourced (2006) emotions were expressed by the characters through their facial expressions, body movements, and voice. Early in the movie, Todd visits the...
Words: 1597 - Pages: 7
...intend to research is how the modern religion of Mormonism shows the same qualities as a large cult. When we were choosing topics in class, we had discussed about a paper that a student intended to write about that was very broad. Does religion cause war? When we had to simplify that topic I wrote down something along the lines of why modern Mormons go on religious missions today? At home I had researched the means of why Mormonism is the only religion that continues to spread its works around and so on. But in most of my research a lot of associations of cults and secret groups kept popping up on my screen. Looking into these articles and conspiracies, I found small relationships of Mormonism and cults like forms of practice. What I found that really took my attention was the tie of Mormonism and politics. Fascinating conspiracies of cult-like ideas root from the election of Mitt Romney and Barack Obama. The issue of religion itself is included into the constitution and has many controversial issues within. My topic of religion matters because it is a very sensitive word that takes on a lot of meaning. People dedicate their lives for faith and frown upon certain human interactions like love and controls it. I chose this because I do not understand religion and for some reason it is wrong to question it. My basic research question stems from Mormonism and cults. Other key words when researching are religion and politics and cult definitions. From all of my research that...
Words: 849 - Pages: 4
...Emotions Paper The presence of emotion on human lives is a combination of many events, from our natural biological constructs, to our environment and how that aided our development. Emotions play a pivotal role as to how we act towards motivation. Two intrinsically different historical theories arise which illustrate polar views on the source of human emotion. One being James-Lange’s theory where physiological symptoms trigger emotional response, and the second being Cannon’s theory where both physiological and emotional response occur at the same time. Two research methods include word association, how language can label human emotions, and evolutionary theory that is based on the idea that emotions aided early human survival. Finally Darwin had a structural facial component known as facial feedback hypothesis, wherein an event-appraisal-emotional sequence was formulated. All these theories play a major role in human emotion being the driving force behind motivation. Emotion is an important aspect of motivation because it is the source of action when the environment acts as an incentive (Davidson, Jackson, & Kalin, 2000). The historic background of arousal and motivation includes the James-Lange theory of emotion and the Cannon theory. James proposed that physiological symptoms occur directly before a stimulating event or emotional experience (Davidson, Jackson, & Kalin, 2000). Specifically, the physiologic response is the reason for the emotional event...
Words: 1084 - Pages: 5
...These subjective meanings however can become so deeply embedded into a society’s culture that members of society begin to internalize these notions as apparent or natural (Berger & Luckmann, 1966). As identified by Berger and Luckmann (1966) the social construction of reality follows a four-step process: externalization, objectivation, institutionalization, and internalization. To begin, externalization involves projecting a person’s or group’s subjective meanings towards the outside social environment; following this step is obectivation, which is when these externalized meanings become accepted and collectively used by others within this shared social world (Berger & Luckmann, 1966). Institutionalization occurs when these normalized meanings become formalized within the institutions of that society (Berger & Luckmann, 1966). Finally, internalization is when an individual integrates these objective, institutionalized meanings into their subjective consciousness as a result of socialization (Berger & Luckmann, 1966). A Social Constructionist approach is relevant to explaining the portrayal of serial killers within the media because it takes into consideration how the...
Words: 1060 - Pages: 5
...com - Free Term Papers, Essays and Research Documents The Research Paper Factory JoinSearchBrowseSaved Papers Home Page » English and Literature O’brien’s Writing Style In: English and Literature O’brien’s Writing Style My Thought on O’Brien’s Writing Style Authors always have specific writing styles to attract and influence their readers. In the novel, The Things They Carried, Tim O’Brien uses selected diverse writing techniques to support what he intently wrote. In my opinion, these techniques are very immediate and compelling for his readers as well as are essential to support non-fiction writers’ styles. Tim O’Brien uses symbolism, common language, and fiction writing in his novel for the purpose of showing his readers the big picture of US soldiers in the Vietnam War. For one thing, symbolism is a technique that uses a word, a phrase, or a description in order to represent a deeper meaning than the words themselves. In the first chapter of The Things They Carried, the author states, “Jimmy Cross carried letters from a girl named Martha,” ‘Ted Lavender, who was scared, carried tranquilizers, 6 or 7 ounces of premium dope” “Norman Bowker carried a diary. Rat Kiley carried comic books. Kiowa, a devout Baptist, carried an illustrated New Testament.” By listing the daily-using things the soldiers carried, the author not only indicates the soldiers’ characteristics but also implies unseen things as the love of Jimmy Cross for Martha, the fears of facing the unknown...
Words: 368 - Pages: 2