...The foundations of psychology were set upon the discovery of the relationship between biology and philosophy. The birth of psychology is a direct result of these two studies combining to make an intriguing study of human behaviors, emotions and reactions. Psychology became equally important to other studies when it became apparent that it reflected both biological aspects as well as aspects of philosophy. Combined, these two studies allowed the discovery that people exhibit behaviors and emotions for many reasons. Human’s exhibit behaviors(s) in reaction to environmental factors, taught behavior, natural instinct, as well as an array of other scenarios trigger such behaviors. “Humans are complex creatures whose psychological experience lies at the intersection of biology and culture”(Kowalski & Westen, 2005). Psychology was (in some perspectives) stumbled upon in very early biological studies. It was observed that patients with head trauma injuries were test subjects to the identification of the correlation between the human brain and physical responses. This discovery opened the door to the study of human psychology. The finding that the human brain interacted with the body in producing reactions and actions led to an entirely new world of study filled with fascinating aspects, now known as psychology. The foundation of psychology is built largely upon philosophy and was rooted from such philosophers such as Aristotle and Descartes...
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...Social Psychology Definition Madaline Goldstein PSY. 400 July 15, 2013 Julee S. Poole, Ph. D Social Psychology Definition Psychology in general involves a complex view of one’s mind and mental processes (Myers, 2010). Social Psychology is the scientific field of psychology, which focuses on how people individually think, feel, and relate to one another. Compared to other disciplines in relation to psychology, social psychology has its own uniqueness in relation to others such as sociology, personality psychology, biological psychology, and clinical psychology (Myers, 2010). Social Psychology Verses Sociology. Many confuse sociology with social psychology as a result of the common misconception that social psychology is the study of social groups (Greenwood, 2013). Some may assume that sociology is a sub-study of psychology regarding how individuals deal with various social settings. In actuality, while sociology is the study as a whole in a group, social psychology focuses on each individual in a group setting. Sociology puts an emphasis on the origins of a social society, the developments of that society, the organizations developed within the society, and the institutions founded by the society (Greenwood, 2013). Sociology, does of course, resemble much of the focal point of social psychology. Social Psychology Verses Personality Psychology. Personality psychology and social psychology are more similar than contradictive (Cherry, 2013). Social psychology involves...
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...Psychological Perspective Paper Introduction Psychology is the study of human and animal behavior. There are various perspectives within psychology and the upcoming paragraphs deal with 6 psychological perspectives: Behavioral, Cognitive, Biological, Developmental, Psychodynamic, Sociocultural and Evolutionary. Psychological Perspectives All six perspectives seek to explore and examine human behavior and makes use of varying techniques in order to do so. Each perspective tries to search for answers to different questions, which exist about behavior. Each of these perspectives is different hence they have there own reasoning and explanation. Among the perspectives of psychology, many have been accepted some whereas others have had difficulty in being accepted. Behavioral Behavioral Psychology is a branch is psychology that claims that all behavior is learned through conditioning. The field is also known as behaviorism. The idea behind it is that all people acquire their behavior by interacting with their environment through classical condition or operant conditioning. Classical conditioning is the involuntary, or automatic, response to a stimulus (i.e. fight or flight response) where as Operant conditioning is that of a learned behavior through positive/negative reinforcement (consequences) or positive/negative punishment. (What Is Behavioral Psychology, 2011) Cognitive Cognitive psychology is the branch of psychology that studies mental processes including how people...
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...Biological Psychology Paper Individual Week 1 Psy 340 Biological Psychology Paper Individual Week 1 Since man first began to think, he asked the question of how, where, and why. Man wanted to know how and why the thought process occurred. We want to know where we actually live. Where is conscious thought? It was once believed that our thoughts and soul were housed in our hearts. As man began to understand and study the human body, these beliefs changed. We now know that every thought, emotion, belief, and impulse begins in the brain. The primary focus of biopsychology is to understand the mind versus brain relationship. Biological psychology is a sub-field and combination of two separate academic areas of scientific study. Biology literally means the study of life. Physiology is the study of how the body functions. Human psychology studies the mind and the resulting behavior of people (Pinel, 2009). The fields of psychology and physiology are studied together in order to achieve a better understanding of each area and their interdependent functioning and relationships. Biological psychology is also known as: biopsychology, neuroscience, neurobiology, and even behavioral science (Bickhard, 2009). Historically, biological psychology began with the ancient Greeks. Theorists and philosophers across time have added to biology and psychology. Plato, Socrates, Descartes, Galen, and Galvani have all given life to this field. Descartes thought that pineal gland of the...
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...Introduction The history of psychology dates as far back as ancient Greece. The philosophers since the 4th century BCE have been trying to define exactly what it is that makes us, us. Plato proposed four groupings (artistic, sensible, intuitive, reasoning) and Aristotle hypothesized four factors (iconic i.e. artistic, pistic i.e. common sence, noetic i.e. intuition and dianoetic i.e. logic) and contributed to ones social order in society. (blog. tiptaplab.com). Personality psychology is a branch of psychology that governs the personality and its variations between individuals. The areas of focus include; construction of a coherent picture of the individual and their major psychological processes, investigation of individual psychological differences, investigation of human nature and psychological similarities between individuals. Personality also refers to someone’s public image (blog. tiptaplab.com). The word personality is a Latin word personae, which is the mask actors wore in ancient Greek plays. They changed personae to let audience know they were assuming different roles (www.reading fanatic.com). Key contributors of Personality There are several contributors to school of personality psychology who explore personality in different contexts. They include Gordon Alport, who believed personality is something within an individual that leads to characteristics of behaviour and thought. Carl Rogers on the other hand thought it is a self organized consistent pattern...
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...Running head: BIOLOGICAL FOUNDATIONS Biological Foundations in Psychology Lisa Dickens University of Phoenix Biological Foundations The study of psychology emerged in the eighteenth century. Many psychologists, from the past and present have made arguments over the correct meaning of the word ‘psychology. One thing is certain, and that is they agree to disagree. The term psychology derives from the Greek words psyche meaning ‘mind’, and logos meaning ‘reason’. Therefore, the true meaning of psychology is reasoning of the mind. Biological psychology is the branch of science that attempts to explain behavior in terms of biology. This is basically the study of the brain and how it causes or relates to behavior (Wickens 2005). The first people to realize that the brain was an organ of the mind were the Ancient Greeks. Plato (429-348 BC) said that the brain was the organ of reasoning. Aristotle believed that the heart served this particular function and the brain was there only to cool the blood. Galen believed that the heart was the crucial organ of the body, because it contained the vital spirit that gave the spark of life to the person (Wickens, 2005). These are just a few of the grates in history that contributed their thoughts on the human mind. Comparative Psychology focusing on the development of the human mind through the life span,...
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...To what extent does biological psychology contribute to our understanding of human emotion? This essay will briefly consider some definitions and early theories of emotion. It will evaluate evidence from studies which suggests that biological psychology makes a major contribution to our understanding of human emotion. It will, however, acknowledge that there are limitations to the biological aspect of emotion, and that interaction with other areas of psychology including evolutionary, developmental, cognitive and social must also be considered. Finally, it will include ways in which this knowledge can be applied. Watson (1924, cited in Plutchik 1994, p 3) suggests ‘An emotion is a hereditary pattern-reaction involving profound changes of the bodily mechanisms….’ McLean (1963, cited in Plutchik 1994, p3) suggests ‘Emotional feelings guide our behaviour with respect to the two basic life principles of self-preservation and the preservation of the species.’ Arguably, these definitions allude to evolutionary nature and innateness of emotion, but the former refers also to physiological changes. Plutchik (1994) highlights some confusion over what qualifies as an emotion, and suggests that emotions are goal orientated: - emotion fear – goal escape. Lewis, Sullivan, Stanger and Weiss (1989, cited in Slater & Muir, 1999) distinguish between the primary emotions of joy, fear, anger, sadness, disgust and surprise, found in babies, and the secondary emotions of embarrassment...
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...Psychology is the science of behavior and mental processes. The field of psychology is so diverse and always evolving. Due to its expanding nature, there is not on theory that can truly explain or answer all questions that are associated with psychology. Psychology is and has always been defined by its diversity. The unique diversity of psychology allows psychologists to elaborate and expand on the areas of diagnosis, explanation and assessment of the discipline. The diverse nature of psychology is evident in its 54 divisions of the American Psychological Association (APA), each addressing a different perspective of psychology and a unique aspect of human interaction (Plante, 2011). Psychology permeates and has a broad implication for human interaction as well as for the sciences and other disciplines. The psychological science, through its diverse distinctions and studies a variety of perceptions and perspectives, serving and honoring the individuality of the human experience (Shiraev & Levy, 2010). Psychological diversity influences the major concepts and contributes to a unique perspective of human behavior. Behavioral genetics is the field of study that examines the role of genetics in human and animal behavior. It is often associated with the “nature versus nurture” debate. “Nature versus nurture” concerns the relative importance of an individual’s innate qualities, versus personal experiences in determining differences in physical and behavioral traits. Behavioral...
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...Biological and Humanistic Approaches to Personality Paper By: LaTreena Alexander PSY/250 December 5, 2014 John Muench The biological approaches to personality are important elements needed in order to analyze each part of the process effectively. The information being presented uses Maslow’s hierarchy of needs to discuss the extent to which growth needs influence personality formation. The biological factors that influence the formation of personality are being described while the relationship of biological factors to Maslow’s theory of personality is being examined. The basic aspects of humanistic theory that are incompatible with biological explanations of personality are thoroughly explained within this informative paper. Through analyzing and researching Maslow’s hierarchy of needs one can get the full basic knowledge and understanding of how growth needs influence personality. Maslow made a pyramid known as the Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs which was all based on two different groups made up of deficiency needs and growth needs. Within the deficiency needs there are lower needs that have to be attended to before moving on to higher needs, and once this happens a person can act to remove a deficiency in one is ever found in the future. The first four levels of needs are physiological such as hunger and thirst, safety and security, a sense of belongingness and love with others, and esteem to achieve specific goals or to gain approval for an achievement. According to...
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...Dispositional, Biological and Evolutionary Theory Augustine Conteh Bridget Seeley PSY 405 Date: 10/20/2014 Introduction There are many theories which are used to explain personality. Dispositional theories explain the relationship between personality and attributes. The most well known dispositional theories are factor, tract and Allport’s Psychology of individual theory (Paul, 2009). This chapter will discuss the differences between dispositional and evolutionary or biological personality theories, the strengths or both and how the Big Five personality test is used in the study of personality. The differences between dispositional and biological theories The assumptions of dispositional theories vary from those of other theorists because they provide the basis of study for personality. On the other hand, biological or evolutionary theories believe that personality development is mainly governed by biological maturation in an individual. Environmental factors which may also influence an individual personality are viewed as part of evolutionary theories (Peterson, 2013). Biological oriented personality theories argue that specific environmental factors are not necessary for a species development but the factors are viewed as a provider of opportunities for biological development. Environmental factors in biological theories are required for an individual personality functional and adaptive development. Dispositional theories bring together several thoughts...
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...The field of clinical psychology focuses on diagnosing mental disorders and determining the proper method for properly treating the particular illness. Clinical psychologists access their patients by interviewing and observing them as well as administering psychological tests. They further utilize applicable research findings in order to ultimately make a proper diagnose and develop the proper treatment plan. Clinical psychology also aides psychologists “to better understand, predict, and alleviate the intellectual, emotional, biological, psychological, social, and behavioral aspects of human functioning” (APA, 2010). The clinical field of psychology helps many individuals to cope with difficulties in their life that affect them in significant ways such as a life changing experience like a divorce or loss of a loved one. According to Plante, (2011), “clinical psychologists are consulted for situations such as divorce, death, learning disorders, etc. Studies in the clinical psychology field are aimed at enhancing personal adjustment and effectiveness" (p. 1). History and Evolution of Clinical Psychology The world and how we, as humans, know and understand it today, was not always what was believed by individuals in history. Before psychology and all of its branches and sub-categories were established, many individuals had their own way in answering questions about illness and mental stability. For example, the Greeks began using holistic approaches in 470 B.C, which focused on...
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...1. Nature and Scope of Social Psychology Today, the sciences of man are no less than the sciences of things. Government administrators, heads of labour and industry, cultural and religious leaders, military leaders etc. are ready to seek the help of the social psychologists in an attempt to deal with problems of human relations, group effectiveness, and conflicts among people. Still many of them are skeptical about the possibilities inherent in a social psychology or even about the need for a ‘science’ of social psychology. This skeptical attitude is party responsible for the fact that the money spent by the government on social-psychological research is a minuscule sum, compared with the money spent on ‘hardware’ research. Many people believe that they have already known the essential facts and principles of social behaviour. They feel that they do not need any ‘theoretical’ knowledge. The Need for Scientific Principles of Social Behaviour: The recent boom in social psychology has resulted in the amassing of impressive useful facts in many different areas of the field. Among the sciences of society it is only social psychology that deals primarily with the behaviour of the individual. Social disciplines such as economics, political science, sociology, anthropology etc mainly study the behaviour of larger groupings and classifications of people and analyze various behavioural indices such as buying and selling, voting, churchgoing etc. which describe regularities in the...
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...Dispositional, Biological, and Evolutionary Psychology University of Phoenix Dispositional, Biological, and Evolutionary Psychology Personality theory has come a long way since its beginning in psychology. Many theorists have based their work on theorists before them, but made changes that indicate that the characteristics of the individual affects the ideas behind their work (Feist, Feist, & Roberts, 2013). Comparing dispositional, biological, and evolutionary theories indicates the similarities and differences between the theories; as well as their strengths and weaknesses. The use of these theories has led to research and tests, such as the big five test, that help indicate personality characteristics of individuals (Feist, et al. 2013). Comparison Dispositional personality theory identifies types and traits of characteristics to help determine personality (Feist, Feist, & Roberts, 2010). It then attributes behavior to these characteristics (Westmont.edu, 2002). Many previous theorists had looked at subconscious thoughts as motivation for human personality and behavior. Dispositional theory does not dismiss the sub-conscious, but focuses on the individual and conscious thought as the center of personality (Westmont.edu, 2002). It centers on humans having free will to determine their future (Fesit et al, 2013). Biological psychology theories are based on what many others theorists denied, that is, that personality and behavior are affected by biology (Feist...
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...personality is unique to each individual and no two are ever the same. Defining personality The term personality is thought to have derived from the Latin word persona which was a theatrical mask worn by Roman actors during Greek dramas (Feist & Feist, 2009, p. 3). This simple definition of the word does not hold much weight in comparison to the detail of definition personality has in the field of psychology. Personality is an intricate pattern of traits and characteristics that make up one’s overall behavior (Feist & Feist, 2009). Traits are more inherent, consistent and stable qualities as opposed to characteristics which can grow or change with time and influence such as one’s intelligence and temperament (Feist & Feist, 2009). Personality is the unique and individual way one thinks, feels, acts and deals with life. Theoretical approaches to study personality There are various approaches and theories when it comes to studying personality. So many individuals have attempted to define and explain personality and behavior, the field of psychology has benefited in that there are multiple ideas on where personality comes from. A few of the main theories that aim to explain personality are the psychoanalytical theory, the humanistic theory, the behaviorist theory...
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...Personalities | Conscious | Unconscious | Biological | Social Influences | Similarities | Uniqueness | Freud: Psychoanalysis | Even though we are aware of our daily actions, we are still motivated with the actions of our unconscious and still be guided with the dream analysis. | He believed that everything from slips of the tongue to religious experiences is the result of a deep-rooted desire to satisfy sexual or aggressive desire and drives. | As Physician, he viewed the human personality from the heredity concept as he trained medical outputs. He believed that infantile fantasies and anxieties are also rooted in biology. | Even if he frequently speculated about the consequences of prehistoric social units of life and about the consequences of an individual’s early social experience. | Humanity’s evolutionary past gives to a great many similarities among people and individual. | Individual experiences also, especially those of early childhood, shaped people in a somewhat unique manner and account for many of the differences among personalities. | Adler: Individual Psychology | Adler explains that those thoughts are understood and regarded by the individual as helpful in striving for success. | He explained that it is a part of the goal in which is neither clearly formulated nor completely understood by the individual and he added that unconscious thoughts are those that are not helpful. | He regarded Self-centeredness with biological aspects as pathological health as standard of...
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