...Evolution of Cognitive Psychology General psychology studies behaviors and mental processes. Cognitive psychology focuses on scientifically studying mental processes (Robinson-Riegler & Robinson-Riegler, 2008). Cognitive psychologists do look at behaviors but they focus on how those behaviors relate to the mental processes an individual is experiencing. As individuals always have thoughts, mental processes have been in abundance, but did not come under scrutiny until the last several decades. Recently, mental processes and thinking have begun to be examined to learn how those processes or thoughts can affect an individual’s behaviors (Robinson-Riegler & Robinson-Riegler, 2008). As time has passed cognitive psychology has grown and evolved allowing a subdiscipline of psychology to be developed. Cognition Cognition is made up of several cognitive processes. The different processes can include memory, identifying, classifying, decision making, and attention (Robinson-Riegler & Robinson-Riegler, 2008). Individuals use several mental processes daily and rarely think about the process used because it is second nature. Individuals respond to their environment in ways that can seem reflex, but the reflex is in reaction to how the body sends the information to the mind, it is instantly processed, and an action is sent to be completed. The word “cognition” comes from the Latin word “cognosco,” meaning to discover, recognize, learn, study, investigate, or make decisions (Ruisel, 2010...
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...Cognitive Psychology Psych 560 May 20, 2013 Prof. Pitt Cognitive Psychology The brain is one of the major faculties that provide sense to human life. The numerous and various abilities of the human brain are truly amazing. However, although it is a common thought that man may think extraordinarily, human emotions have great influence to how human beings think, and use his brains. It is the reason why any activity facilitated or performed by the brain is called a mental processes or cognition. Cognition refers to the process that involves mental or cognitive ability such as in learning, comprehension, judging, thinking, problem-solving, remembering and recalling (Kendra, 2011). Neisser (2009) defined cognition as the “act of knowing, and cognitive psychology is the study of all human activities related to knowledge”. (Page 1) Cognitive psychology is a part of the larger field of cognitive science and is related to various disciplines in psychology such as neuroscience, linguistics, and philosophy. The main thrust of cognitive psychology is how the people acquire, store and process information. Compared with other dominant approaches in psychology for example, the behaviorism approach which is concerned with the observable behaviors, the cognitive approach focuses on internal mental states. Unlike psychoanalysis which is focused on subjective perceptions, the cognitive psychology approach...
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...Evolution of Cognitive Psychology as a Discipline PSYCH560/Cognitive Psychology December 3rd 2011 Evolution of Cognitive Psychology as a Discipline Cognition Cognition is typically referred to as the procedure of obtaining, retaining, using and applying information or knowledge. It can sometimes be defined as the science of knowing. Cognition “refers to all processes by which the sensory input is transformed, reduced, elaborated, stored, recovered, and used” (Neisser, 1967). When defined broadly, cognition includes the processing of emotions; however, if defined narrowly, it excludes emotion processing. Cognition includes all the mental processes. For example, attaining knowledge and understanding, thinking, remembering, assuming, perceiving, judging and even analytical problem-solving are all part of cognition. Given such a comprehensive definition, it is evident that cognition is concerned in everything a human being might probably do; every psychological experience is a cognitive experience. However, although cognitive psychology is related to all human activity rather than a few segments of it, the apprehension is that it is from a specific point of view yet other viewpoints are evenly justifiable and essential. The Interdisciplinary Perspective & Emergence of Cognitive Psychology As well as being part of psychology as a whole, cognitive psychology is also part of the more general interdisciplinary subject of cognitive...
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...Outline I. Introduction Thesis: In studying the underlying constructs of psychology – the origins of humanity, human nature, and human purpose – one sees the extensive influence of evolution. When contrasted with the biblical view of creationism, it becomes clear that modern psychology shares little in common with biblical principles. II. Basic Constructs of Human Psychology A. Human 1. What is a human being? 2. How do humans differ from animals? B. Human Behavior 1. Thought, feeling, action 2. Inner and outer worlds of human perception III. Human Origins A. Evolution 1. Life from non-life material/Big Bang Theory 2. Genetic mutation 3. Natural selection a. Competition as the foundation of behavior b. Law of the Jungle B. Creationism 1. God created the universe and all creatures 2. Each species was created separate and distinct 3. God created man special in God’s own image IV. Human Nature A. Evolution 1. Survival of the fittest a. Social behavior b. Mating c. Reproduction 2. Behaviorism a. Behavior is a combination of social learning and genetic influencces b. Effect on antisocial behavior on reproduction 3. Biological determinism a. No real basis for free will B. Creationism 1. Humans were made in God’s image a. God is love, justice, kindness, and joyful 2. The Fall of Man separated humans from God a. ‘War’ between good and evil b. Man’s nature is now sinful 3. Jesus the Son of God redeemed human...
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...Psychology Perspective Darla Houston AIU Online Abstract In this paper I will be discussing the similarities and differences between the three different Psychology Perspectives or specific theories of early Psychology. One theory used will be Structuralism. Another theory used in this paper will be the Functionalism. And lastly the Evolutionary theory will be used. This paper will explain three to four differences between each of the three theories listed and reviewed facts and see how one of these theories is superior to the others or that all three are comparable or equal. The thesis for this essay is “No matter how careful evolution, structuralism, and functionalism are examined, there is no evidence that these will not change in the future” Psychology Perspectives Structuralism, Functionalism, and Evolutionary theories each have similarities and differences among them. Both Structuralism and functionalism reflect the fact that consciousness is the subject matter, but both differ in how each should be studied. Evolutionary theory has potential to integrate conceptual approaches to study behavioral development for human adaption in both humans and animals which Structuralism and Functionalism stem form. Structuralism has many mental processes that are broken down into basic components. Functionalism forms a reaction to Structuralism which focuses on the purpose of both consciousness and behavior and emphasizes individual differences. Influenced by Darwin’s...
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...A History of Modern Psychology Why is the understanding the history of psychology important? A psychologist and historian (E.G. Boring, 1963) once said, “The seats on the train of progress all face backwards: You can see the past but only guess about the future. Yet a knowledge of history, although it can never be complete and fails miserably to foretell the future, has a huge capacity for adding significance to the understanding of the present” (see chapter 1). Every course that you have taken on history has shown that we never learn anything from our past mistakes, and that looking back cannot guarantee our future in setting stone. But psychology is important to learn because it teaches us a few things: one, it would help psychologist become more critical thinker and be able to help people better, and can help measure those “evolutionary breakthroughs” because of the initial excitement that usually comes with the beginning of anything. Two, it could bring every psychologist closer together because of so many diverse field, we share a common ground. Psychology history does not date back far; in fact many would claim to say that it is in childhood stage for it is no older than 125 years (see Chapter 1). Robert I. Watson was a clinical psychologist with a passion for history, created an organization by calling psychologist from an article he wrote,” History of Psychology: A Neglected Area” (Watson, 1960). Watson found people with similar goal from the American Psychological...
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...This chapter is an introduction to the ideas, people, and events that have guided scientific activity in developmental psychology over the past century. Its preparation has been facilitated by several recent publications on the history of developmental psychology. The views of the past held by active researchers are reflected in chapters of the edited volume, A Century of Developmental Psychology (Parke, Ornstein, Rieser, & Zahn-Waxler, 1994). The contributors are, with few exceptions, currently involved in contemporary research. Secondary commentaries can provide useful guides and interpretations, but there is no substitute for consulting original sources. To that end, a reprint series containing historically significant original articles and volumes has been prepared by Wozniak (e.g., 1993, 1997). Other recent volumes include the contributions of professional historians and others who are not enmeshed in current empirical debates of the discipline (e.g., Broughton & Freeman-Moir, 1982; Elder, Modell, & Parke, 1993). In addition, the social relevance and the making of the discipline in American society have been told expertly by Sears (1975) and White (1995). Any single overview—including this one—can tell only part of the story.1 Adopting the convention used in the previous Handbook of Child Psychology, 20 years must lapse before a contribution or event qualifies as historical. Two decades constitute approximately one generation in the life of our science; therefore, 1976...
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...Historical Perspectives of Abnormal Psychology Abnormal psychology focuses on abnormal behavior, its definition, classifications, explanations, and treatment (Hansell & Damour, 2008). Although its history is merely 100 years old, its story is richly textured. During its evolution, decisions regarding areas of focus evolved into six core concepts that enabled a more accurate definition of the field. To fully understand the scope and significance of contemporary abnormal psychology one must consider psychopathology and its origins, its distinct evolution, and the theoretical models of abnormality, which, in their diversity, attempt to treat those suffering from various disorders. Origins of Abnormal Psychology The relatively young science of abnormal psychology has existed for approximately one hundred years although many forms of mental illness have been recorded throughout history. Stories from biblical times describe suffering similar to contemporary illnesses such as depression and schizophrenia (Bark, 1988; Kahn, 1975, as cited by Hansell & Damour, 2008). One of the earliest known explanations for mental illness in primitive cultures was animism, predicated on belief in the power of the spirit world (Hansell & Damour, 2008). According to this view, mental affliction was associated with possession by an evil or hateful spirit. Archeologists have documented evidence of a treatment called trephination as early as 3000 BCE. This medical procedure consisted...
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...Industrial/Organizational Psychology Pamela Groves PSY/435 January 7, 2012 Frank Del Grosso Jr. Industrial/Organizational Psychology The paper will examine the evolution of the field of industrial/organizational psychology, and how industrial/organizational psychology is different from other disciplines in psychology. Industrial/organization psychology can be used in organizations and it focuses on the employees performance and how to make it better. The report will include the role of research and statistics in I/O psychology. The evolution of I/O psychology started in the twentieth century. Industrial and organizational psychology states; “I/O psychology is a twentieth century invention, with roots in the late 1800s and early 1900s. It has existed almost from the beginning of the psychology field.” Experimental psychologists were interested in applying I/O work to organizations. The problems that were associated with I/O were job performance and efficiency in the work place. Hugo M’unsterburg and Water Dill Scott were the two psychologists that were the founders of the field (Spector, 2008). The first text book about I/O psychology was published in 1913 (Spector, 2008). I/O psychologists focus on more of the way tasks are done on a job, and give certain types of test to each person to find out which person is better for the job. I/O psychologist seems to be interested in picking what tasks can be improved on the job. There was a group of Psychologist who help boost...
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...Industrial Organizational Psychology Paper Edward Oliver, Jr. 435/ Industrial Organizational Psychology May 23, 2012 Dr. Keisha Pou Industrial Organizational Psychology Paper In the 21st century various companies in the United States and internationally have used Industrial Organizational Psychology (I/O) in the workplace. For example, AT&T use extrinsic rewards programs to motivate their sales representative to increase sell volumes at each mobility center. Kaiser Permanente also has extrinsic rewards if the departments in the faculties have a high score in customer service they receive an expenses paid vacation to an exotic island in the Bahamas or Caribbean. In this paper the author will identify the evolution of Industrial/Organizational psychology, the difference of Industrial/Organizational psychology and other disciples of psychology, the use of Industrial/Organizational psychology in companies, and the role of Industrial/Organizational psychology in research and statistics. The evolution of Industrial/Organizational Psychology According to Spector (2008), the evolution of I/O psychology begins in the twentieth century, which started in the late 1800s. The two psychologists responsible for I/O psychology is Hugo Munsterberg and Walter Dill Scott both of these...
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...Foundations of Psychology This paper will identify the major schools of thought in psychology and examine their major assumptions. The two beginning schools of thought were structuralism and functionalism. The major schools of thought in psychology are the psychodynamic, behaviorist, cognitive, and evolutionary perspective. This paper will also identify the primary biological foundation of psychology linked to behavior. These primary biological foundations are the central nervous system and the behavioral genetics. Psychodynamic Perspective The Psychodynamic perspective is a school of thought that was initially developed by Sigmund Freud. This perspective focuses on three main points. The first point is that an individual’s actions are determined by the way thoughts and emotions are connected in the individuals mind. The second point is that most of the mental events happen outside of conscious awareness. The third point is that the mental events that happen tend to conflict with each other. Many psychologists disagree with this theory because there is nothing that relates scientifically. The psychologists that agree with this theory are working on incorporating the concepts into scientific psychology (Kowalski & Weston, 2011). Behaviorist Perspective The behaviorist perspective focuses on what is common between the environmental events and the actual observable behaviors. “According to behaviorist, scientific knowledge comes from using experimental methods to study...
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...Foundations of Psychology Dorothy Forrest June 8, 2012 Sarah Bihms Foundations of Psychology The miscellaneous condition of psychology is a scientific investigation of humankind mind, body, and behavior. Psychology includes different departments of psychology to apprehend and supervise observations on the mental technique of a person mind and behavior. Psychology is regularly used to establish the secrecy of the human behavior. Observation was the way to study a person mind to become aware of the mental conscious and unconscious states. As time went by psychology was established, alone with some major schools of thoughts. The paper below will examine the foundation of psychology, identify the major schools of thought in psychology, and examine their major underlying assumptions such as, behaviorism, psychoanalytic/psychodynamic, humanistic, and cognitive. In addition, it will identify the primary biological foundations of psychology linked to behavior such as, brain, central nervous system, peripheral nervous System, and genetics/evolution. Behavioral Theory Behavioral psychology, also known as behaviorism, is a learning theory established on the notion that behaviors are gathered by conditioning. Conditioning develops from influenced of the environment. There are two major types of conditioning classical and operant. Classical conditioning is a procedure used in behavioral training where a naturally stimulus is paired with a response. Operant conditioning...
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...required readings for this essay, cited on the reference page, I was able to explore several views that help support my position on human nature. I believe that human nature is derived from a complex combination of genetic, or physiopsychology, behavioral, or cognitive psychology, and environmental, or social psychology. Simply put, human nature is a combination of both trait and state psychology. There are certainly practical advantages for considering even the simplest understanding of human nature as it relates to business, culture and productivity all of which I intend to prove throughout this reaction paper. Let’s examine physical psychology in more depth. Research has provided us with information suggesting that a person is born with certain abilities as it relates to the make-up of the brain, nerves, hormones and other physical factors. These items collectively create our psychological core of which sets limits as to how much information we can process. In other words, when we are born we’re “hard-wired” with a certain capacity to process and interpret information at some level. According to Nicolson (1998), humans are hard-wired due our drive for survival which stems from Darwin’s theory of evolution. This theory suggests that human nature, or life for that matter, all stems from the human ability to naturally evolve for survival and efficiency over the span of our existence. Aligned is the theory of natural selection which specifies that nature will automatically...
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...Journal for session 2 Evolutionary psychology think, human psychology (Mind) is a set of information processing device, the device is a natural selection and formation, its purpose is to deal with our ancestors in the hunting and survival were encountered in the course of adjustment problems. It is a comprehensive the biological, psychological and social science research ideas. Evolutionary psychology produced in the 1980 s, the main representative figures have David Buss, Jerome H Barkow, Ledaosmides and John Tooby, etc. Evolutionary psychology think, human psychology (Mind) is a set of information processing device, the device is a natural selection and formation, its purpose is to deal with our ancestors in the hunting and survival were encountered in the course of adjustment problems. It is a comprehensive the biological, psychological and social science research ideas. Evolutionary psychology is the modern psychology principles and evolutionary biology union; it tried to evolutionary point of view on people's psychological origin and essence and some social phenomenon in-depth discussion and research. Evolutionary psychology responded with a win in such as "evolutionary psychology: about psychological new scientist", "psychology integration of the new paradigm", "psychology development new orientation" and so on praising. Said to evolutionary psychology, how many people understand? These in the 1980 s to appear in psychological science noun for most people are a little...
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...What Is Organizational Psychology? What is Organizational Psychology? Organizational psychology has become a prominent necessity within companies all over the world, regardless of size. With the growing number of competitors providing similar services and stressful expectations of continued success, this position proves time and again to be one of crucial significance. Organizational Psychologists offer a corporation unbiased, fresh ideas in the area of improvement and advancement using various methods of analysis and research. The following paper will examine the field of organization psychology by defining, explaining the evolution, comparing and contrasting organizational psychology with related disciplines and analyzing the role of research and statistics. Defining Organizational Psychology Organizational psychology as defined by Jex & Brit(2008) is a “field that utilizes scientific methodology to better understand the behavior of individuals working in organizational settings” (p. 1). In the most basic terms, organizational psychology uses the scientific psychological principles and research methodology to study numerous topics that are vital to comprehending human behavior in different organizations. An applied field, organizational psychology is relevant to numerous work settings and applies research in the effort to increase productivity in the workplace. Organizational psychology focuses on specific conduct and behaviors employees exhibit on the job; particularly...
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