Module 1:: Describe the Problems Psychology Must Face as a Young Science
There is a lot of controversy that deals with the science of psychology. My first example to prove this I was sitting in my Child Development class the other day when my teacher states that people have an easier time understanding Algebra or Physics because there is always one exact answer. When it comes to classes that deal with the human mind like psychology or sociology there isn't one correct answer. Every human is different; we all have different personalities and styles of thinking so we have to adjust our style of teaching or helping humans with certain situations. I think this scares people and makes people not want to study more about psychology fields. Another reason why Psychology is hard to get your head wrapped around is because, in the study of psychology you discover that there are multiple theories. This goes back to what I was talking about earlier; its hard to comprehend which theory is correct. With Psychology you have to accept that there are multiple ways of looking at a situation.
The second artifact that proves why Psychology is facing problems is found on this website http://www.simplypsychology.org/science-psychology.html . The section labeled Psychological Approaches and Science debates weather Psychology is a science or not. You can tell that the idea that Psychology is a science can go both ways. It also states that humans have a hard time understanding predictions and hypotheses.
Artifacts: Amanda Conway: Child Development Speech
http://www.simplypsychology.org/science-psychology.html
The second artifact that proves why Psychology is facing problems is found on this website http://www.simplypsychology.org/science-psychology.html . The section labeled Psychological Approaches and Science debates weather Psychology is a science or not. You can tell that the idea that Psychology is a science can go both ways. It also states that humans have a hard time understanding predictions and hypotheses.
Artifacts: Amanda Conway: Child Development Speech
http://www.simplypsychology.org/science-psychology.html
Module 2:: Identify the Major Theoretical and Professional Perspectives in Psychology and Their Basic Assumptions
One major theoretical perspectives in psychology is behaviorism; this is the study of effects on the environment on the overt behavior of humans and also animals. A rule of this study is that only observable events can be studied scientifically. One major assumption of behaviorism is that our personalities are based on the environment. For example I talk to my teachers differently than I talk to my friends, because society has taught me to talk to adults with a respective tone. Another assumption of behaviorism is that we learn from watching. For example if I see that a student in my class got a better grade on her report because she looked it over two more times than I did then I am going to do the same next time.
The cognitive perspective was developed by Jean Piaget; this is all about thoughts and the human mental processes. A major assumption of cognitive perspective is that it acknowledges the existence of internal states like belief. So I know what my beliefs are. Another assumption is that memory is determined on how information is perceived. So I will be able to remember something longer if I understand it when it first is introduced.
Another perspective is the developmental perspective; this studies the psychological growth of humans. An assumption is that a person changes in phases. For example I look and act differently than I did five years ago because of a great thing called puberty. Another assumption is that we change because of the experiences that we go through. For example I might act different now because of a huge life crisis. This is the debate of Nature vs. Nurture.
Another perspective is constructive psychology. Constructive psychology focuses on internal and external systems of meaning-making. They believe that reality is constructed by human activity. Another assumption is that knowledge is a human product.
The last perspective that I found is Social Cognitive; this is about watching people and observing how they think and respond to stimuli. A few assumptions of social cognitive psychology are people learn by watching others, another is that learning is an internal process that may or may not cause a behavioral change.
This video is really interesting and explains a lot about the different theories of psychology
http://education-portal.com/academy/lesson/behavioral-cognitive-developmental-social-cognitive-constructivist-perspectives.html.
Artifacts:
http://education-portal.com/academy/lesson/behavioral-cognitive-developmental-social-cognitive-constructivist-perspectives.html
http://www.revisionworld.com/a2-level-level-revision/psychology/approaches-psychology/developmental-psychology/developmental-approach
http://epltt.coe.uga.edu/index.php?title=Social_Constructivism
The cognitive perspective was developed by Jean Piaget; this is all about thoughts and the human mental processes. A major assumption of cognitive perspective is that it acknowledges the existence of internal states like belief. So I know what my beliefs are. Another assumption is that memory is determined on how information is perceived. So I will be able to remember something longer if I understand it when it first is introduced.
Another perspective is the developmental perspective; this studies the psychological growth of humans. An assumption is that a person changes in phases. For example I look and act differently than I did five years ago because of a great thing called puberty. Another assumption is that we change because of the experiences that we go through. For example I might act different now because of a huge life crisis. This is the debate of Nature vs. Nurture.
Another perspective is constructive psychology. Constructive psychology focuses on internal and external systems of meaning-making. They believe that reality is constructed by human activity. Another assumption is that knowledge is a human product.
The last perspective that I found is Social Cognitive; this is about watching people and observing how they think and respond to stimuli. A few assumptions of social cognitive psychology are people learn by watching others, another is that learning is an internal process that may or may not cause a behavioral change.
This video is really interesting and explains a lot about the different theories of psychology
http://education-portal.com/academy/lesson/behavioral-cognitive-developmental-social-cognitive-constructivist-perspectives.html.
Artifacts:
http://education-portal.com/academy/lesson/behavioral-cognitive-developmental-social-cognitive-constructivist-perspectives.html
http://www.revisionworld.com/a2-level-level-revision/psychology/approaches-psychology/developmental-psychology/developmental-approach
http://epltt.coe.uga.edu/index.php?title=Social_Constructivism
Module 3:: Describe the Characteristics of a Good Theory
Some characteristics of a good theory are explaining any observations of an experiment; be understanding to the interested person; Be reasonable so that the theory is testable; be economical or parsimonious; Be predictive or leading to new observations or hypotheses. For example John Watson's Behaviorism is a theory of psychology, it explains its meaning; and it is interesting to a lot of people, because it is still studied today; his theory is definitely testable; the theory is parsimonious; and it leads to new observations.
Artifacts:
http://www.tectonicsdrivenbyclimvariation.com/-the-characteristics-of-a-good-theory-hypothesis.html
In the my psychology book on page 26 it talks about the Scientific Method. It says a good theory should have facts that support your theory. It has a testable prediction, it should have a check on its biases, it should be able to be replicated, it should be useful, and imply prediction.
Psychology Tenth Edition In Modules ©2013, 2010, 2077, 2004 by Worth Publishers
Artifacts:
http://www.tectonicsdrivenbyclimvariation.com/-the-characteristics-of-a-good-theory-hypothesis.html
In the my psychology book on page 26 it talks about the Scientific Method. It says a good theory should have facts that support your theory. It has a testable prediction, it should have a check on its biases, it should be able to be replicated, it should be useful, and imply prediction.
Psychology Tenth Edition In Modules ©2013, 2010, 2077, 2004 by Worth Publishers
Module 4:: Describe What Constitutes Valid and Reliable Observation Especially With Regards to Operationalizing Variables, Experimenter Bias, Demand Characteristics, and Unobtrusive Measures
Reliable observation- The results in the observation are consistent. Able to replicate study.
Operationalizing variables- The process of strictly defining variables into measurable factors.
Experimenter Bias- A subjective bias towards a result expected by the human experimenter.
Demand characteristics- An experimental artifact were participants from an interpretation of the experiment's purpose and subconsciously change their behavior to fit that interpretation.
Unobtrusive measures- Measure that don't require the researcher to intrude in the research context. Reseacher doesn't have to be present.
If I was observing a child at a school for an experiment, then I would want to eliminate all other biases. If my cousin was in that class then the experiment would fail because he might change the observation because I know too much about him. If I wanted to have a reliable observation I would have to eliminate any experimenter biases, and anything else that would interfere with the experiment. Another good idea that I got from a video is to have two experimenters then you are able two have two opinions.
This video has some great ideas on how to make your observations more reliable https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x2fpLd66yr4
Resources: http://psychology.ucdavis.edu/faculty_sites/sommerb/sommerdemo/observation/reliability.htm
https://explorable.com/operationalization
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Experimenter's_bias
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Demand_characteristics
http://www.socialresearchmethods.net/kb/unobtrus.php
Used these websites for the definitions.
Operationalizing variables- The process of strictly defining variables into measurable factors.
Experimenter Bias- A subjective bias towards a result expected by the human experimenter.
Demand characteristics- An experimental artifact were participants from an interpretation of the experiment's purpose and subconsciously change their behavior to fit that interpretation.
Unobtrusive measures- Measure that don't require the researcher to intrude in the research context. Reseacher doesn't have to be present.
If I was observing a child at a school for an experiment, then I would want to eliminate all other biases. If my cousin was in that class then the experiment would fail because he might change the observation because I know too much about him. If I wanted to have a reliable observation I would have to eliminate any experimenter biases, and anything else that would interfere with the experiment. Another good idea that I got from a video is to have two experimenters then you are able two have two opinions.
This video has some great ideas on how to make your observations more reliable https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x2fpLd66yr4
Resources: http://psychology.ucdavis.edu/faculty_sites/sommerb/sommerdemo/observation/reliability.htm
https://explorable.com/operationalization
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Experimenter's_bias
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Demand_characteristics
http://www.socialresearchmethods.net/kb/unobtrus.php
Used these websites for the definitions.
Module 5:: Describe the Differences Between Correlation and Experimental Research Especially With Respect to Issues of Causality and Prediction
On page 31 in Psychology Tenth Edition in Modules in the paragraph labeled Correlation it says that correlation is a measure of the extent to which two factors vary together, and thus of how well either factor predicts the other. We can measure this with the correlation coefficient. Correlations can range from +1.00(scores measure increase in direct proportion or positive correlation) to -1.00 (they decrease as other scores rise on the other or perfectly negative). *See picture*
On page 33 in the paragraph called Correlation and Causation it says correlation helps us predict. An example shows that self-esteem correlates negatively with depression. So, the lower people's self-esteem, the more they are at risk for depression. But, it doesn't mean that low self-esteem causes depression.
Experimental Research is normally used in sciences like Chemistry, Biology and Physics. The experimental method is the scientific approach to research and manipulate one or more variables, and control and measure any changes in other variables. These experiments are aimed to predict phenomenons and typically they are able to explain some kind of causation.
References: Psychology Tenth Edition In Modules ©2013, 2010, 2077, 2004 by Worth Publishers
https://explorable.com/experimental-research
On page 33 in the paragraph called Correlation and Causation it says correlation helps us predict. An example shows that self-esteem correlates negatively with depression. So, the lower people's self-esteem, the more they are at risk for depression. But, it doesn't mean that low self-esteem causes depression.
Experimental Research is normally used in sciences like Chemistry, Biology and Physics. The experimental method is the scientific approach to research and manipulate one or more variables, and control and measure any changes in other variables. These experiments are aimed to predict phenomenons and typically they are able to explain some kind of causation.
References: Psychology Tenth Edition In Modules ©2013, 2010, 2077, 2004 by Worth Publishers
https://explorable.com/experimental-research
Module 6:: Define What a Positive, Negative and Zero Correlation is
Correlation- A measure of the extent to which two factors vary together, and thus of how well either factor predicts the other.
Positive Correlation- A relationship between two variables in which both variables move in sync. Both variables increase or vise versa.
Ex: The more you study your notes the higher your test score will be.
Negative Correlation- A relationship between two variables where the value of one variable increase while the other decreases.
Ex: The more time you spend in the gym the less time you will spend getting in shape for track season.
Zero Correlation- no relationship what so ever.
Ex: There is no relationship between the number of cats I have and how much I weigh.
Here is an article about the correlation of heart and health. http://www.usnews.com/news/newsgram/articles/2015/01/12/study-suggests-correlation-between-heart-health-and-optimism
References: http://www.investopedia.com/terms/p/positive-correlation.asp
Psychology Tenth Edition In Modules ©2013, 2010, 2077, 2004 by Worth Publishers
http://whatis.techtarget.com/definition/negative-correlation
http://media.lanecc.edu/users/kime/Sept30A02Psy201.pdf
Used these for the definitions
Positive Correlation- A relationship between two variables in which both variables move in sync. Both variables increase or vise versa.
Ex: The more you study your notes the higher your test score will be.
Negative Correlation- A relationship between two variables where the value of one variable increase while the other decreases.
Ex: The more time you spend in the gym the less time you will spend getting in shape for track season.
Zero Correlation- no relationship what so ever.
Ex: There is no relationship between the number of cats I have and how much I weigh.
Here is an article about the correlation of heart and health. http://www.usnews.com/news/newsgram/articles/2015/01/12/study-suggests-correlation-between-heart-health-and-optimism
References: http://www.investopedia.com/terms/p/positive-correlation.asp
Psychology Tenth Edition In Modules ©2013, 2010, 2077, 2004 by Worth Publishers
http://whatis.techtarget.com/definition/negative-correlation
http://media.lanecc.edu/users/kime/Sept30A02Psy201.pdf
Used these for the definitions
Module 7:: Construct an Experiment From a Given Hypothesis and Identify the Independent and Dependent Variables
Independent Variable- A variable that does not depend on the other
Dependent Variable- A variable that does depend on the other
My experiment that I preformed was about the stroop effect. The stroop effect is the infrence in the reaction time it takes to do a task. My hypothesis is that it takes a while the brain to differ between the color of the word and the actual word, and vise versa. The independent variable in this experiment is the word chart of with different colors, and the word chart with the coordinating colors. The dependent variable is the time it takes to complete the task.
I told my subjects to read the words and state the colors horizontally and timed them for each chart. My data can be seen below the color charts.
I discovered that it is easier for the human brain to read words that are printed in the same color like Chart 2. It is more difficult to read words with different colors like Chart 1, and vise versa with stating the colors. See for yourself it is not as easy as it looks. Try it while pronouncing the color of the word it is even harder.
Chart 1. This is the word chart with different colors Chart 2. Corresponding colors
Dependent Variable- A variable that does depend on the other
My experiment that I preformed was about the stroop effect. The stroop effect is the infrence in the reaction time it takes to do a task. My hypothesis is that it takes a while the brain to differ between the color of the word and the actual word, and vise versa. The independent variable in this experiment is the word chart of with different colors, and the word chart with the coordinating colors. The dependent variable is the time it takes to complete the task.
I told my subjects to read the words and state the colors horizontally and timed them for each chart. My data can be seen below the color charts.
I discovered that it is easier for the human brain to read words that are printed in the same color like Chart 2. It is more difficult to read words with different colors like Chart 1, and vise versa with stating the colors. See for yourself it is not as easy as it looks. Try it while pronouncing the color of the word it is even harder.
Chart 1. This is the word chart with different colors Chart 2. Corresponding colors
Here are my sources: http://psychology.about.com/library/bl-stroopeffect.htm
Look here for more explanation on the Stroop Effect: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tpge6c3Ic4g
Look here for more explanation on the Stroop Effect: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tpge6c3Ic4g
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Module 8:: Describe The Process of Neural Transmission
Neural transmission is basically the communication of the nervous system. The communication happens when ¨excited¨ cells transfer information. There are unlimited reasons for communication throughout the nervous system. For example if I'm sitting around a warm campfire while roasting a golden marshmallow and I pop that sucker in my mouth a little too early it would burn my mouth. The neurons in my tongue would send a message to my brain that this is not okay and it is hurting me. The brain would then send a message back to my mouth and I would spit out the marshmallow. It is amazing how fast this process happens.
The neuron is made up of the soma, dendrites, and the axon. The soma is the main part of the neuron. The dendrites are like branches that retrieve messages. Finally the axon is sends the message away to other neurons.
Fun Fact: There are 100 billion neurons in the average human body!!
Artifact: https://explorable.com/neural-transmission
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cUGuWh2UeMk This video explains neural transmission well!
The neuron is made up of the soma, dendrites, and the axon. The soma is the main part of the neuron. The dendrites are like branches that retrieve messages. Finally the axon is sends the message away to other neurons.
Fun Fact: There are 100 billion neurons in the average human body!!
Artifact: https://explorable.com/neural-transmission
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cUGuWh2UeMk This video explains neural transmission well!
Module 9:: Describe the Structure of the Human Nervous System
The basic building blocks of the human nervous system are the neurons. I talked a lot about neurons in the module above. A neuron possesses all the building blocks of a normal cell but it also has, an axon, dendrites, and a synopsis. The axon is covered with a myelin sheath for protection. I learned in psychology class that the sheath acts like the protective plastic around wires. Some neurons can be up to three feet long! These are the neurons that run from your spinal cored all the way down to you piggies on your feet.
When a certain stimuli comes in contact with a neuron it causes sodium channels to open and sodium ions will rush into the cell. This causes the cell to be positive on the inside and negative on the outside. This process is called depolarization. Soon the channels open and potassium ions rush out causing the cell to become negative this is called repolarization.
The human nervous system is divided into two main parts the central nervous system and peripheral nervous system. The central nervous is the brain and spinal cord. The peripheral nervous systems are all other nerves in the body. The central nervous system is protected by our skull, cerebrospinal fluid and strong back bones. The spinal cord and brain are the most important part of the nervous system. The spinal cord is the main highway for all messages. The spinal cord is responsible for almost all reflexes. Reflexes are developed through repetition.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4M82WwFACLg- This video is really informative (once you get by the stuttering)
When a certain stimuli comes in contact with a neuron it causes sodium channels to open and sodium ions will rush into the cell. This causes the cell to be positive on the inside and negative on the outside. This process is called depolarization. Soon the channels open and potassium ions rush out causing the cell to become negative this is called repolarization.
The human nervous system is divided into two main parts the central nervous system and peripheral nervous system. The central nervous is the brain and spinal cord. The peripheral nervous systems are all other nerves in the body. The central nervous system is protected by our skull, cerebrospinal fluid and strong back bones. The spinal cord and brain are the most important part of the nervous system. The spinal cord is the main highway for all messages. The spinal cord is responsible for almost all reflexes. Reflexes are developed through repetition.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4M82WwFACLg- This video is really informative (once you get by the stuttering)
http://www.pennmedicine.org/health_info/body_guide/reftext/html/nerv_sys_fin.html For Picture
Psychology Tenth Edition In Modules ©2013, 2010, 2077, 2004 by Worth Publishers: definition
Psychology Tenth Edition In Modules ©2013, 2010, 2077, 2004 by Worth Publishers: definition
Module 10:: Describe Research on the Split Brain
What is a split brain? A split brain is a condition resulting from surgery that isolates the brain's two hemispheres by cutting the corpus callosum. Split brain aka Corpus Callosotomy is a treatment for epilempsy. The purpose of Corpus Callosotmy is to stop the spreading of seizures. Like I have mentioned before the surgery severs the corpus callosum which connects the two hemispheres. This procedure is made with the idea that if a seizure occurs in one hemisphere of the brain then it is highly unlikely that it will spread the the other. It has occured that they leave part of the corpus callosum intact.
Patients will undergo may tests before having this surgery done. The patient will remain in the hospital for a week but time may vary. About 5,000 people a year have this surgery preformed. It is most widely preformed in children.
The procedure starts by being put under, next your head is shaved and incisions are made at the top of the skull to show brain. The two hemispheres are pulled slightly so that the corpus callosum is exposed. Then the corpus callosum is cut. After bleeding is controlled the patient is stitched back up. After the surgery the patient must follow strict guidelines and stay true to a fiber filled diet.
When the primary cable is severed a word or object present to one hemisphere goes unnoticed. As you can see everyday life can be difficult for people that have had this surgery.
This video show a man who is living with split brain. Please pay close attention when he is drawing what he sees on the screen. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZMLzP1VCANo
This article tells the story of another lady that had this surgery. http://www.nature.com/news/the-split-brain-a-tale-of-two-halves-1.10213
Patients will undergo may tests before having this surgery done. The patient will remain in the hospital for a week but time may vary. About 5,000 people a year have this surgery preformed. It is most widely preformed in children.
The procedure starts by being put under, next your head is shaved and incisions are made at the top of the skull to show brain. The two hemispheres are pulled slightly so that the corpus callosum is exposed. Then the corpus callosum is cut. After bleeding is controlled the patient is stitched back up. After the surgery the patient must follow strict guidelines and stay true to a fiber filled diet.
When the primary cable is severed a word or object present to one hemisphere goes unnoticed. As you can see everyday life can be difficult for people that have had this surgery.
This video show a man who is living with split brain. Please pay close attention when he is drawing what he sees on the screen. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZMLzP1VCANo
This article tells the story of another lady that had this surgery. http://www.nature.com/news/the-split-brain-a-tale-of-two-halves-1.10213
What is explained in the third box is very interesting to me and you can watch man preform this on the youtube link above.