Introduction to Psychology - Essay Example

?Introduction to Psychology Discuss any of your actions and/or thought processes since taking this that demonstrate your understanding and tolerance of the behavior of other people, allowing greater acceptance of what is labeled different, deviant, abnormal, pathological, or crazy. When I reflect on my intellectual growth and development throughout the semester I recognize that there are a number of areas in which I have changed my thought process regarding individuals with abnormal or deviant behavior. Admittedly, my understanding of psychology was somewhat naive. While I recognized that there were individuals with different personality structures, to me it was not clear what exactly constituted crazy or sane, and what demonstrated normal or abnormal psychology. After researching these elements throughout the course I have come to a greater understanding and appreciation of psychology and its elements within the lives of others. Considering sanity and insanity, while I had previously believed that there was a clear and distinct divide between these two elements, I now believe that the distinguishing features are much more nebulous. It’s my understanding that oftentimes individuals can demonstrate abnormal or deviant views on the nature of existence or life, while at the same time demonstrate functional lifestyles in other aspects of their life. I also recognize that oftentimes these individuals, with proper care and counseling, can come to develop more sane or functional modes of existence. In terms of abnormal or different behavior, while I recognize that there are individuals whose behavior is so entirely deviant that they are a threat to themselves and society that it must be curbed, there are also a number of positive elements of anormal psychology. In these regards, the course has demonstrated to me that while there is abnormal psychology that must be dealt with, in many contexts it’s necessary to consider the positive benefits of a society that values neurological diversity (Zimbardo 2010). This is perhaps the most intellectual development I made throughout my study in this course. Namely, that while psychology and doctors are quick to label individuals as bio-polar, autistic, or schizophrenic, in many instances these individuals simply demonstrate psychological perspectives that are deviant of mainstream norms. In labeling these people as such, I’ve come to believe that society is actually doing them a disservice, as in many instances that are simply unique individuals facing oppressive mechanisms from a social order not open to neurological diversity. 2. Identify and discuss the forces acting on you to limit or prevent your freedom of choice, both those rooted in your past (such as guilt, traumatic memories, obligations, bad contracts, unrewarding experiences, punishment, low self-esteem, or shyness), those rooted in the present (including social pressures to conform, comply, obey, and do what others reward you for; personal pressure to be recognized, approved of, accepted, and loved), and those based in the future (such as unrealistic expectations, aspirations, concern for liabilities and responsibilities, desire for security, or fear of death). ?? While one of the predominant thematic elements of American society is the claim of freedom for all citizens, when one examines the issue on a personal level it’s evident that freedom is more complex that right granted by the government. When one considers freedom in terms of their personal lives, it’s clear there are a number of past, present, and future elements that factor into the ability of one to truly exercise elements of personal choice. When I consider freedom in terms of my own life, I recognize that I am constricted by these elements. Personal choice in my life surfaces perhaps most strikingly in terms of my artistic and social desires. In terms of my artistic desires, I have somewhat idealistic notions of myself as being a successful singer, but recognize that such a desire is highly unlikely to come to fruition. As such, I realize that I must continue my college education; in these regards, my desire to pursue a career as a singer or artist is limited by my rational understanding that college constitutes a much more realistic pursuit. Another aspect of my life where I face personal choice and freedom restrictions is through social relations. My study of psychology throughout this course has in some regards helps elucidate my understanding of these choice issues. For instance, when meeting new friends I am often shy and very reserved. While I do not entirely understand these elements of my psychology, I recognize that some of the personality types maybe linked to earlier childhood development issues. In terms of past experiences, some of these elements might involve shyness or bad experiences that have confounded into issues that have carried over into my current life. In terms of present issues, while I oftentimes feel like I would like to be a more outgoing person, I recognize that in many instances I am restricted by social pressure to conform to particular situations. 3. Compare and contrast any differences between how you explained why people (including you) behaved as they did before you took this class and how you explain these behaviors now. ?? In considering my interpretation of why people behave before this class to my interpretation of how they perform now, it’s clear that understanding of human behavior has changed significantly. While I am not willing to state that I understand human behavior more, or can relate to my friends or people better, the way I interpret human actions and motivations now is greatly influenced by some of the psychological theories I have been exposed to in this class. Before this class I didn’t have any scientific lenses to view human behavior, but now I recognize that there are various elements that contribute to human actions and motivation. For instance, one such theoretical paradigm through which I view human behavior is the cognitive-behavioral understanding. In this perspective I view human behavior as a complex interaction between behavioral and cognitive elements. In terms of behavioral understandings, humans are conditioned by past actions through society and other individuals that results in structured personality elements. This theory, as popularized by B.F. Skinner constitutes one of the major factors that contribute to human motivation and action (Jalomb 2000). In considering cognitive actions, these are differentiated from behavioral elements as cognitive elements of behavior are more related to human thought processes. In these regards, this course had led me to understand that humans are greatly influenced by the thought patterns that they have learned to adopt. While I am not entirely aware of where these thoughts emerge, I do recognize that it’s possible for some people to cognitively have adopted optimistic attitudes, while others have adopted more pessimistic approaches to reality. 4. Discuss how you develop and express intelligent skepticism about accepting unwarranted claims—those made in the mass media as well as those made by credentialed authorities. ?? In expressing skepticism towards claims made by the mass media, as well as those made by credentialed sources, there are a number of means by which I challenge these claims. One of the primary modes of investigation I utilize is to attempt challenge not simply the source, but the news outlet through which the source emerged. For instance, news sources that emerge from National Public Radio (NPR) generally can be interpreted as having a liberal slant. Similarly, news sources from Fox News can be understood as generally supporting the conservative angle. Another element that must be considered is the implementation of statistics. When considering statistics it’s important to examine their implementation from both a quantitative perspective; that is, oftentimes statistics may be presented as valid, when in actuality their sample or means of being carried out are biased. Another way of analyzing statistics is to ensure that the news story presents by sides. For instance, it’s possible that in presenting statistical evidence of one aspect of the story, the news outlet fails to presents similar statistical evidence that could refute this element. I recognize that news stories oftentimes attempt to present a unified narrative that is engaging to readers and as a result, they many neglect to include information that is necessary to presenting the whole story. While not all news outlets have as pronounced a cultural bias as these has been indicated, it’s nonetheless clear that generally news pieces have some personal slant through which they can be understood and interpreted. In these regards, I attempt to remain cognizant of the fact that while generally the news attempts to appear fair and balanced and unbiased, in-reality they have intentions, be it conscious or unconscious, to bend perception in their favor. 5. Summarize your experience this semester by identifying the psychology of and in everyday life that you were unaware of before taking this course. There are a great number of elements of the psychology of everyday life that I became aware of through this semester. While previously articulated one of the primary elements I became aware of was in terms of the psychology of everyday actions. In these regards my discovery of the psychodynamic and cognitive-behavioral perspectives on human nature were primary elements. While I recognize that the Freudian psychodynamic school of thought has been largely left behind by contemporary psychology, my study of this approach opened my mind towards the complexity of psychology. For instance, Freud’s theories made me consider the nature of human actions as being potentially motivated by childhood development and experiences, as well as understanding that in great part human actions can be motivated by unconscious experiences (Geldard 1998). Other aspects that I became familiar with through this course were the nature of abnormal psychology that afflicts many individuals. While previously I had a naive and unscientific understanding of issues such as bi-polar disorder, through this course I’ve come to realize various aspects of them in more depth and come to recognize that they are not as fantastically described as the media often makes them out (Kovel 1987). Other aspects of daily life psychology I have learned about through this course are aspects related to psychological counseling. While I had a general understanding of counseling before this course and the means it can be implemented to aid people in solving life problems, the course demonstrated the various theoretical perspectives individual therapists use to aid clients. For instance, the implementation of cognitive-behavioral therapy is such that individuals can visit psychologists that then work to restructure the ways that they think and behave so that they can achieve more functional modes of living and existence (Keebler 1999). Ultimately, the course, in many small but significant ways, has altered my understanding of psychology and human nature. References Corey, G. (1991), Theory and Practice of Counseling and Psychotherapy 4th edn, Brooks/Cole USA. Geldard, D. (1998), Basic Personal Counseling: A Training Manual for Counselors 3rd edn, Prentice Hall Australia. Jalomb, P. (2000). The Psychologizing of Mind Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. Keebler, D. (1999). Dynamics in psychology. New York: Liveright. Kovel, J. (1987), A Complete Guide to Therapy: From Psychoanalysis to Behavior Modification, Penguin Australia Zimbardo, P & Gerrig, R.J., (2010) Psychology and Life, 19th ed., Allyn and Bacon, Boston, MA Read More