Students Understanding of Course - Admission/Application Essay Example

? Final Exam: Understanding of al Affiliation Final Exam: Understanding of What are the basic ideasthat Professor O’Brien has been trying to get the students to understand in this course? Professor David O’Brien’s course Evolution of Modern Psychology proffered pertinent issues relative to the evolution of psychology starting from philosophical antecedents during the time of the Greeks; during the time of Bacon, Hobbes, DesCartes, among others, considered as modern times; the philosophical discourses proposed by Kuhn, Popper, Lakatos in times considered as the birth of philosophy and psychology as fields of sciences; and the evolutionary theories during the 18th and 19th centuries. Likewise, other basic ideas included the theories of the founders of psychology from American and European scholars including concepts such as behaviorism; and the cognitive psychology theories pioneered by Piaget and Miller, to name a few. More importantly, it was aimed to present the rationale for studying psychology as a scientific endeavor and the relevance its applications in contemporary times. One of the applications is cognitive and analytical thinking where relevant issues need to be broken in details to be clearly understood. The concepts of reductionism versus holism were discussed by Prof. O’Brien in his November 13 lecture, which stemmed from the need to analyze things by breaking down elements into smaller parts to enhance understanding. This is much appreciated given that most of the sciences he noted: physics, chemistry, biology, were predominantly significantly using the reductionist theories to assist in comprehending theoretical frameworks. As noted, the whole could be greatly understood through the sum of its parts. Eventually, Prof. O’Brien disclosed that much of psychology uses the reductionist approach by looking into complex behavior and breaking them down into smaller parts to enhance one’s understanding of these complexities. Another concept that stemmed from the discussion was the concepts developed under the great debate in philosophy from Heroclides and Parminides, the Greek philosophers, who presented diversities about concepts of change (Heroclides) and concept of stability (Parminides). Prof. O’Brien expounded that Heroclides argued that even though the universe appears to have a great deal of stability, it was contented that this stability is an illusion; and what is apparently real is constant change. He expounded applications of this concept in psychology through the question of identity and the personality theory. As such, it could be deduced that despite maintaining or enduring identity, this personhood is actually not stable, but is constantly evolving. Another set of basic ideas that Prof. O’Brien inculcated to the students were the concepts of sensation and perception. In his December 11 lecture, Prof. O’Brien distinguished between perception and sensation by noting that sensation is a peripheral stimuli parallel to the level of sensory organs and separate from one another; while sensation is the integrated or combined experience caused by different modalities. He then proceeded to expound the discussion to understanding the nature of the universe from the perspectives of Hobbes and Leibner who presented contradictory theories. Hobbes was noted to have concurred that the world is made of physical stuff; while Leibner asserted that the universe is made up of units of perceptions, known as monads. Aside from the theoretical discourses, Prof. O’Brien shares most interesting insights during the course including: his more than 20 years of teaching experience, how music was the most important part of the course, how his batteries for the microphone were thrown when the trash was collected; how he was confined in the hospital for heart surgery (because of significantly low 30 beats per minute in heart beat); the useful pep talks like raising hands for questions that need to be addressed so that one does not need to go through a whole semester of math class when one does not understand a whole lot thing about what the professor is talking about; and that by the time this final exam is to be submitted, Prof. O’Brien would be enjoying himself in a tropical beach. All of these seem to be relevant to the course because as psychology students, we must actually be committed in understanding the behavior of people and the cognitive abilities that lead people to manifest the behavior that are exhibited. What is the extent to which you have succeeded in understanding what he has been trying to get you to understand? One was truly enriched by the theories that were relayed; as well as sharing the personal and professional experiences when we was just about to start his lectures. For instance, his discussion on Hobbes and modern psychology was instrumental in valuing modern science in terms of appreciating the concept of seeing the nature of the universe as composed of physical units; as contrasted to Leibner’s anti-thetical concept that saw the nature of the universe as units of perceptions. In so doing, one appreciated that fact that from presenting and understanding various points of views and perspectives of scholars, philosophers, and psychologists, one’s understanding of the theories that were presented could be clearly applied in one’s future profession. For instance, when one would try to analyze a complex situation, one would not merely try to grasp it holistically, but try to break down the elements into smaller components to assist in understanding the root cause of the dilemma. The lesson on perception and sensation was also instrumental in attaining a greater in-depth understanding of taking a holistic view of the scenario to determine one’s impression of things; but at the same token, try to be analytical, objective, and discerning in analyzing how units of perception would contribute to understanding a particular situation. The course was therefore contributory to understanding that as psychologists there are different approaches, methods and perspectives of looking at complex problems, and these different techniques could in fact generate varied alternative courses of action which would assist in making a conclusive and effective decision or intervention. For example, the integration of ethical and moral standards in various facets of decision-making processes is deemed part of the evolution of psychological theoretical frameworks, which must be incorporated during the process. Another lecture focused on addressing the theories on the evolution of psychology as a scientific discipline. And since science is the study of life, then, the course provided an enriching experience, not only in terms of additional knowledge gained through the lectures; but more so, from putting time and effort, commitment and determination understanding these theories through collaborative academic experiences (including participating as part of the recitation groups). These lectures and recitation groups aimed to achieve understanding of frameworks in psychology, as well as in other scientific disciplines; and in determining how these concepts are applicable in real life settings. For instance, it was not enough to understand the contributions or pioneering works of famous psychologists, per se; but more so, how their works have enriched psychology as a discipline of finding out how behavior and the mind works through looking at a particular situation or problem from different perspectives. As emphasized, the only constant element in this world is change. As such, since everything else, including identity, continues to evolve, one must maintain a proactive stance, not only in learning from these theories and concepts, but in using them as guiding principles to discover new things or interventions that would assist in improving the lives of others. Through initiation of these theoretical frameworks, one aims to further explore advanced issues and concerns about behavior and cognition as these concepts ultimately delve in current dilemmas where psychological interventions could appropriately address. One was therefore deeply appreciative and grateful to Prof. David Paul O’Brien, whose years of experience in teaching psychology, enabled students like me to be enriched and inspired to continue delving into psychological theories so that one’s learning could be positively applied in future endeavors. Read More