...Theoretical Perspectives of Social Psychology Romerle Johnson ITT Technical Institution Abstract Psychological studies vary in design. In correlational studies a researcher looks for associations among naturally occurring variables, whereas in experimental studies the researcher introduces a change and then monitors its effects. It is important to be able to distinguish between correlational and experimental designs, because only well-controlled experimental designs allow conclusions about cause and effect. This paper will attempt to define the two research methods coinciding with examples and counterpoints toward each design. Theoretical Perspectives of Social Psychology Correlational Versus Experimental Research Correlational research is an important form of educational and psychological research. Some knowledge of correlational methods is important for both the consumption and conduct of research. A correlation is simply defined as a relationship between two variables. The whole purpose of using correlations in research is to figure out which variables are connected. Prime example of the research can be found in most of our childhood experiences, the harmonious sound of the ice cream truck bell. This particular was the universal sound in most American neighborhoods that it was time for a delicious cold treat. Second example of this research comes from academia. The efficient student who studies is more likely to achieve a higher grade on their test...
Words: 486 - Pages: 2
...of social psychology can be summarized into three basic concepts that originate from well-known psychologists, such as Freud, Kohler, Skinner, and others, in the early 1900s. These theories are as follows: Psychoanalytic Theory focuses on the powerful inner drives, impulses, and motivations of the individual mind and how those motivations are formed by sexuality and aggression. A second challenger called Behaviorism offered that motivations are subject to environmental factors and that learning shapes and determines future responses. To conclude, the perspective of Gestalt psychology regarded itself as a democratic and humanistic view of motivation. The theory says that individuals form coherent and meaningful perceptions and determine their responses based on the “whole”, not individual parts. While social psychology has its roots in psychology, the following major contemporary theories are used to understand and study the behaviors and problems of today. Motivational Theories (influenced by psychoanalytic theory) general approach concentrates on the individual’s own needs or motives that influence perceptions, attitudes, and behavior. In short, when an individual is presented with adversity, these conditions create or provoke needs that trigger behaviors in the individual to satisfy those needs. For example, the experience of moving away from home to Europe with my husband created feelings of loneliness. Cognitive Theories (influenced by Gestalt psychology) emphasizes...
Words: 521 - Pages: 3
...Nature of Psychology Micdalia Roman PSY/490 December 24, 2003 Christine Henderson Rose The Diverse Nature of Psychology Diversity is psychology adds distinct outlooks of human behavior in the different branches of psychology. Diversity continues hence the amount of branches and subtopics of psychology. Subtopics develop from adaption to constant changes. Diversity is the reason for second opinions and different perspectives. People adapt so do the methods of treatment. Social and counseling psychology covers large areas in psychology and benefits from the behavioral and humanistic perspective. The want to deal common repression and knowing one’s biases is diversity; no one will understand completely another person pending if that person trusts enough to share experiences. Major Concepts in Psychology Under an exact perspective or viewpoint of psychology, the major concepts describe human behavior. Psychology reaps the benefits from a diverse disposition but does not have the union. Diverse thinking creates an extensive variety of thought but may reduce the focal point on a specific idea or fused theories. No two people will distinguish an occurrence the same sense. For example, a death of a family member may be hard for one person to make sense of but to another person the death may not be negative. The same goes for a psychologist or any clinician; a patient may receive a different diagnosis from a psychologist, especially with the overlapping in psychology. Diversity...
Words: 908 - Pages: 4
...Environmental Psychology The study of psychology is complex, unique, diverse, and ever-changing. Psychology is defined as “the scientific investigation of mental processes and behavior” (Kowalski & Weston, 2009, p. 4). One of the many disciplines in the dynamic field of psychology is environmental psychology. As with all disciplines of psychology, environmental psychology has a variety of theoretical perspectives. Two such perspectives are evolutionary and behavioral. The following is an introduction to environmental psychology, a description of evolutionary and behavioral perspectives and their application in environmental psychology, as well as an examination of the importance of research in environmental psychology. Environmental psychology is a psychological discipline that examines the relationship between human behavior and the environment. Historically, environmental psychology developed into a discipline in the 1960s, with intent to understand the impact of physical environment on human behavior (Environmental Psychology, 2004). Alfred Adler was one of many theorists who had an elemental role in the developing discipline. Adler observed that an individual’s interpretation of the interaction of organismic and environmental variables significantly affected the personality (Stewart, 2007). His observations had an influential role in the emergence of environmental psychology. Present-day environmental psychology has expanded beyond personality development. Modern environmental...
Words: 907 - Pages: 4
...History and Overview of Abnormal Psychology Gary D. Neer PSY/410 March 9th, 2012 Analu Sing History and Overview of Abnormal Psychology The science of abnormal psychology or known as psychopathology tends to be a controversial science. Within this science, there is no simple or direct answer, nor any precise definitions. As with the origin and still today, identifying normal from abnormal behavior is still challenging. However, to understand this science of mystery, one should look into the origin of abnormal psychology; including the challenges in defining what is abnormal psychology and categorizing normal and abnormal behavior, how abnormal psychology evolved, and analyze the psychosocial, biological, and socio-cultural theoretical models related to the development of abnormal psychology to come to a better understanding of abnormal psychology as a discipline. Origin of Abnormal Psychology Abnormal psychology has been a continuous debate throughout history. Psychologists have development many theories trying to explain psychological instability. Generally, history has place abnormal psychology (psychopathology) into three diverse explanations (Barlow & Durand, 2004).The mystical view regards abnormal behavior as a direct result of supernatural possession. Between 1800 B.C. and 1700 B.C, the Hammurabi’s, in the Mesopotamian region, viewed abnormal behavior as the self-possession of gods, ghosts, and spirits, which caused disease in a person’s body or mind (Hornstein...
Words: 1127 - Pages: 5
...The cognitive approach to human and comparative psychology rests on two main assumptions: 1) there are cognitive representations and processes that act on those representations 2) we can discover these representations and processes, albeit indirectly (Willingham, 2007). This approach offers a middle ground between B.F. Skinner’s cut-and-dry input—output relations and C.L. Hull’s hypothetical constructs and intervening variables. In the first case, there is no room for intermediary cognitive processes between stimulus and response, outside the realm of simple associative learning. In the second case, there is lacking an explicit scientific means by which to objectively observe the theoretical cognitive mechanisms in question. However, E. C. Tolman was one of the first psychologists to suggest that intermediary cognitive processes could be deduced through the results of scientifically rigorous experimentation (Zentall, 2002). It is on this very basic proposition, that theoretical cognitive processes can be inferred by observing behavior, which most informs the developmental milestones in the formation of the cognitive perspective as a branch of psychology. Development of Cognitive Psychology The development of the cognitive approach as a mainstream psychological perspective is marked by four major milestones: 1) the shortfalls of the behaviorist perspective of psychology 2) the ability for abstract constructs to account for the aforementioned shortfalls 3) the bridging of abstract...
Words: 893 - Pages: 4
...239 September 2012 Value congruence in organizations: Literature review, theoretical perspectives, and future directions Yuanjie Bao Simon Dolan Shay S. Tzafrir ESADE Working Papers Series Available from ESADE Knowledge Web: www.esadeknowledge.com © ESADE Avda. Pedralbes, 60-62 E-08034 Barcelona Tel.: +34 93 280 61 62 ISSN 2014-8135 Depósito Legal: B-3449-2012 Value congruence in organizations: Literature review, theoretical perspectives, and future directions Yuanjie Bao* ESADE Business School, Future of Work Chair, Ramon Llull University Av. Torreblanca 59, 08172, Sant Cugat del Vallès, Barcelona, Spain yuanjie.bao@esade.edu Simon L. Dolan ESADE Business School, Future of Work Chair, Ramon Llull University Av. Torreblanca 59, 08172, Sant Cugat del Vallès, Barcelona, Spain simon.dolan@esade.edu Shay S. Tzafrir Department of Human Services, University of Haifa Mount Carmel, Haifa, 31905, Israel stzafrir@research.haifa.ac.il September 2012 Abstract Extant literature on value congruence is fragmented due to different methodological treatments and theoretical perspectives. Proposing a typology of the value congruence concept, this paper reviews several key themes in value congruence research including staffing, socialization, leadership, job attitudes, performance, among others. By reviewing related antecedents and outcomes, discussing underlying theoretical perspectives, and highlighting future directions, this paper integrates value congruence research...
Words: 12319 - Pages: 50
...The Theoretical Perspective of the Cognitive Personality Approach Brett Abstract What I as an author am trying to do in this essay is to grab my audiences attention and explain and appeal to them about the theoretical perspective of the Cognitive Personality approach. I provided historical statements, theories, and research to make each individual aspect of the perspective as clear as possible. This essay will consist of the Theoretical perspective of the approach, Theorists who have contributed to this approach, Compare and contrast two theorists perspectives within this approach, Identify and describe measurement and assessment instruments, and Clinical application of the approach. If you believe the saying 'Perception is everything,' then you may well be a cognitivist. Cognitive theory is focused on the individual's thoughts as the determinate of his or her emotions and behaviors and therefore personality (Dasen). Many cognitive theorists believe that without these thought processes, we could have no emotions and no behavior and would therefore not function. In other words, thoughts always come before any feeling and before any action. The theoretical perspective of the Cognitive approach of personality can be simply described as what personality does, but is much more complex than that. Cognitive Psychology revolves around the notion that if we want to know what makes people tick then we need to understand the internal processes of their mind (Dasen). Cognition...
Words: 1907 - Pages: 8
...Cognitive Psychology Definition Paper PSY 360 Cognitive Psychology Definition The cognitive approach to human and comparative psychology supports two major projections: 1) there are cognitive representations and processes that act on those representations (Willingham, 2007). 2) we can discover these representations and processes, albeit indirectly (Willingham, 2007). This approach proposes a consensus amongst B.F. Skinner’s cut-and-dry input²output relations and C.L. Hull’s hypothetical constructs and intervening variables. In the first case, there is limited access for intermediary cognitive processes among stimulus and response, independent from the domain of effortless associative learning. In the second case, there is lacking a definite scientific means by which to impartially observe the theoretical cognitive mechanisms at hand. Nonetheless, E. C. Tolman was one of the first psychologists to insinuate that intermediary cognitive processes could be determined through the results of scientifically meticulous experimentation. It is on this extremely complex proposal, that theoretical cognitive processes can be inferred by observing behavior, which most informs the developmental milestones in the formation of the cognitive perspective as a branch of psychology. Cognitive Psychology relates to developments, both past and present, in the investigation of the memory process, verbal communication, discernment, the ability to...
Words: 1065 - Pages: 5
...Historical Perspectives of Abnormal Psychology Sandra Hall PSY 410 - Abnormal Psychology May 6, 2013 Dr. Kristi Husk Historical Perspectives of Abnormal Psychology Psychology is a diverse discipline with many facets. Throughout the years, scientists have developed a variety of disciplines to understand and explain human behavior from their respective fields. One such development is the discipline of abnormal psychology. It is a relatively young discipline and consists of six core concepts. These concepts aid in the diagnosis of abnormal behavior, and includes various theoretical models to help understand psychopathology. The Origins of Abnormal Psychology and Its Evolution into a Scientific Discipline Andrew Colman defines abnormal psychology as “a branch of psychology devoted to the study of the classification, etiology, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental disorders and disabilities” (Colman, 2009, p. 2). The desire to understand human behavior and (mental) illness dates back to the Ancient Greeks. In 460 BCE, Hippocrates documented his first attempts to understand mental illness. He believed illnesses are the result of an imbalance of various bodily fluids. Hippocrates’ observations led to the development of the very first biological theory of mental illness and emphasized the importance of the observation of the patient’s symptoms rather than relying on religious beliefs (Hansell & Damour, 2008). Hippocrates’ findings began the progress of...
Words: 1388 - Pages: 6
...Definition of Sociology The subject has been looked from various points of view and now it is an opportune time to define the subject properly. According to P.A. Sorokin “sociology is a generalizing science of socio-cuitural phenomena viewed in their generic forms, types, and manifold interconnections. ” (Bierstedt, 1970. 3-28) Sociology is the scientific study of human society and social behaviour. The subject matter of sociology is huge and complex, and the knowledge produced by sociological research is still imperfect in many ways. However, it has taught us a great deal about ourselves. (RotarTson, 1977 :3) No formal definition of sociology is very satisfactory. Short definitions don’t really define; long definitions are clumsy. Yet a definition of some sort is needed, and sociology is often defined as the scientific study of human social life.. Human beings behave differently from other animals. They have unique forms of group life; they pursue customs, develop institutions, and create values. Sociology applies scientific methods to the study of these phenomena in the research for scientific knowledge. Sociology concentrates its study upon the group life of human beings and the product of their group living. (HurTon and Chester 1984: 25-27) The sociologist is especially interested in the customs, traditions, and values which emerge from group living, and in the way group living is, in turn, affected by these customs, traditions, and values. Sociology is interested in the...
Words: 2153 - Pages: 9
...Abnormal Psychology Roshaun Hatchett PSY/410 April 25, 2012 Dr. Christopher Daub Abnormal Psychology Abnormal psychology has been in existence for more than a century. Mental illness was approached from a spiritual point of view. Individuals of certain beliefs would misdiagnose others from the spiritual perspective and would assume that evil spirits controlled his or her’s physical, mental, and observable world (Tyrer, 2010). The following will be covered in this document: the origins of abnormal psychology, classification of normal and abnormal behaviors, how abnormal psychology evolved into a scientific discipline, and the theoretical models related to the development of abnormal psychology. The practice of trephination, a procedure that bore holes in a individuals skull to release evil spirits, was taken place in 3000 B.C. in Peru and Bolivia (Tyrer, 2010). Hippocrates was the first to approach abnormal behaviors from a biological perspective. He believed, “When the fluids were out of balance, this was the cause of mental illness” (Tyrer, 2010, para. 6). His theory was considered and almost close to the truth, in time his theory was proven to be inaccurate. Years later, Freud suggested the idea of conscious and subconscious processes to be the explanation of odd behaviors. He continued to suggest ideas from a psychodynamic perspective, but in the end lacked evidence in his theory. Freud’s theory inspired Wilhelm Wundt to elaborate on his theory. He...
Words: 979 - Pages: 4
...Historical Perspectives of Abnormal Psychology Your Name PSY 410: Abnormal Psychology Teacher Date Historical Perspectives of Abnormal Psychology Introduction Human behavior has always been an interest to scientists, researchers, and humans. The reason for why one behaves the way the do is a topic sought after to better understand our species. Understanding what is normal and abnormal can enable researchers the ability to aid individuals in reaching or maintain healthy behavior. Abnormal psychology is a branch of psychology that includes a broad range of factors from depression and obsession-compulsion to bipolar and schizophrenic. Understanding abnormal behavior begins with understanding what is normal. Each individual can have different normal and abnormal behavior but society has an overall standard for abnormal behavior. Abnormal psychology is represented by theoretical models including the psychosocial, biological/medical, and sociocultural theory. The overall study of abnormal psychology has evolved from a curious mind to a scientific discipline. Origins of Abnormal Psychology “Abnormal psychology has experienced tremendous change, progress, and controversy over the roughly 100 years it has existed as a field of study” (Hansell & Damour, 2008, p. 3). The earliest known studying of abnormal psychology included mental illness with the amistic/spiritual approach. With this view the practice of boring holes in the skull was used to release evil spirits...
Words: 1035 - Pages: 5
...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...
Words: 1012 - Pages: 5
...Abnormal Psychology Psychology is the study of the mind and behavior. It seeks to comprehend people by understanding mental functions and social behavior. It also explores neurobiological and physiological processes that can drive cognitive functions and behaviors. It is this drive to understand mental processes that pushes psychologists to want to learn about what is normal and abnormal behavior. People have tried for thousands of years to understand and define abnormal behavior. In the past 100 years it has undergone “tremendous change, progress, and controversy”(Hansell, J & Damour, L., 2009, p.3). Throughout the modifications certain principles have remained which are known as the core concepts. These core concepts are what define abnormal behavior. There is no clear precise definition for abnormal, which gives rise to challenges in classifying abnormal and normal behavior. Abnormal psychology is a scientific discipline, in which a person acquires information on a person’s behavior and then measures the behavior to hypothesize a cause and treatment. There is a core concept that says that there are multiple causes to abnormal behavior, understanding this can lead to learning about and treating abnormal behavior. These multiple causes can be comprehended by learning about the psychosocial, biological, and sociocultural theoretical models related to the development of abnormal behavior. Abnormal The study of abnormal behavior began early in time when people tried to explain...
Words: 1597 - Pages: 7
