Historical Foundations in the Field of Psychology free essay sample

Abstract This final assignment is a reflective paper in which the historical, philosophical, and empirical foundations of the field of learning in psychology and its applications will be discussed. Additionally, there will be a discussion of the ways that history has helped to shape important contemporary learning theories and issues. Lastly, the paper will provide an explanation of how specific topics and information such as instrumental conditioning techniques and the usefulness of different learning styles may impact my personal and professional life and how the different aspects of the ield of learning have added value to my body of knowledge as a student and future professional in the field of psychology. Historical Foundations Of the Field of Learning Shaping Important Contemporary Issues It is a natural course of action for the field of learning to fall under the umbrella of the field of psychology. A branch of philosophy and science, the field of learning, Just as the field of psychology, was created through the movements of empiricism and rationalism, along with the development of evolution theory (Terry, 2009). We will write a custom essay sample on Historical Foundations in the Field of Psychology or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page These movements fostered interest in scientific investigation thus giving way to pistemology, which means, theory of knowledge. Questions concerning nature and nurture sparked interest in how we came to have knowledge, which is the main tenet of the field of learning (Terry, 2009). In the field of psychology, the learning theories provide a way to explain how we learn and attain knowledge; how we think. While philosophers agreed with the basic definition of knowledge and learning, which is defined as the acquisition of knowledge, their opinions varied in how acquisition occurs (Terry, 2009). Descartes suggested that although we learn, other sources of knowledge exist. He introduced the ideas of nativism and rationalism. He proposed that we have innate knowledge of our ideas of God, infinity, and perfecton (Terry, 2009). Also, that other knowledge is derived by a reasoning, logical, and intuiting mind (Terry, 2009). Additioally, this knowledge is present and independent of particular experiences with the world (Terry, 2009). Therefore, he believed in the process of learning, but he didnt believe that all knowledge had to be learned. However, John Locke introduced the idea that knowledge is actually learned through our experiences, and through use of our senses, which is the idea of empiricism (Terry, 2009). This phenomenon is later known as cause and effect. The ideas of Descartes and Locke influenced researchers toward an empirical view of learning through seeking out how knowledge is acquired through what is experienced in the environment. This gave way to the scientific methods of association learning, conditioning, and verbal learning (Terry, 2009). Each of the historical thoughts on learning is continuous and useful in some way today. There are modern theories that have built upon the ideas of conditioning and behavior modifications, etc. One (2006), provide a modern approach to treating phobias, as well as other anxiety isorders. Their research starts with the traditional premise that what can be learned can be unlearned, and possibly prevented (Mineka Zinbarg, 2006). However, they support modern criticism that traditional learning approaches do not adequately account for the diverse factors involved in the origins of peoples anxieties. To support this claim they provide an example of two clients with phobias of dogs. The phobias were developed due to experiencing attacks by dogs. The first client actually was out walking her pet dog when she was attacked and later developed an infection due to the bite. However, the second client only experienced her clothes being torn before the owner was able to grab the dog before any serious injury occurred, although both clients developed phobias (Mineka Zinbarg). They argue that traditional learning approaches do not adeqatly explain why the client that was not bitten developed the phobia as well. Additionally, they provide another concern that traditional views do not explain why many individuals that have had traumatic experiences do not develop phobias. Furthermore, they go on to say that contemporary learning approaches are better grounded in the theories and ethods of experimental psychology, and they provide more comprehensive formulations of the etiology of anxiety disorders. Also, that they provide a more explicit analysis of factors promoting or inhibiting the deeopment of different anziety disorders (Mineka Zinbarg). With that being said, there have indeed been great advancements in the field of learning and psychology, along with growing technological advances. Learning involves observable changes in behavior; objective evidence, and traditional researchers such as Pavlov, Watson and Skinner have paved the way for providing a scientific foundation for psychology and learning. Psychology is a science because it is objective and quantifiable. Learning and memory themselves are not observed directly; they are processes that occur in the nervous system (Terry, pg. 5, 2009). Therefore, contemporary research has taken advantage of the use of PET scans and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to look at brain functions to explain behaviors ( Raichle, 1994). These modern avenues of research have allowed researchers to become a step closer to relating psychological theory to brain functions and research. For example, todays research may include brain scans and case studies of brain damaged soldiers. Even mor e so, recent research on post traumatic stress disorder examines the use of exposure therapy on preventing the reoccurenc of PTSD (Massad et. l, 2006). This research is most interesting because the researchers examine the understanding of reducing fear responses because associations with the stimuli are not unlearned. Their research concludes that unless exposure treatment regimens are maximized the risk of renewal of PTSD is high (Massad et. al, 2006). Such advances are very important to the quality of life that our existence depends upon. Knowledge is necessary for our daily lives even more so now than ever. This very research can be instrumental in a military soldiers life as we are currently in war time. The topics in the field of learning that have had the most impact on me personally include learned taste aversions and the development of specific phobias For probably will not cause the child to cry. However, through the pairing of the needle with the unpleasant sensation of having a vaccination the sight of the nurser may come to elicit symptoms of fear and anxiety, even if the child is not receiving a vaccination. I personally found this interesting Just because I am a mom and it is interesting to use such information while rearing children. The second type of learning that I found interesting in the behaviorist tradition is instrumental or operant, conditioning. This type of learning requires that an organism operate on the environment to achieve a goal (Terry, 2009). So then, behaviors are learned as a function of the consequences of those behaviors. Of course, this type of reinforcement is useful in the classroom as well as rearing children. Additionally, social learning theory focuses on observational learning, and modeling. Social learning researchers are concerned with how expectations, memory, and awareness influence the learning process (Berk, 2008).

Biography of Emily Dickinson essays

Biography of Emily Dickinson essays Emily Dickinson, one of America's most famous poets, was born in Amherst on December 10, 1830, to a very prominent family. Her parents were Edward Dickinson and Emily Norcross Dickinson. The family included three children: Austin, Emily, and Lavinia. Emily was educated at Amherst Academy, the institution her grandfather helped found. She spent a year at the Mt. Holyoke Female Seminary, but left because she did not like the religious environment and because her parents asked her to come home. In her twenties, Emily led a busy social life, but she became more reclusive with each passing year. By her thirties, she stayed at home and withdrew when visitors arrived. She developed a reputation as a myth, because almost never seen and when people did catch the sight of her she was always wearing white. Emily cared for her parents in their later years and was a companion to her sister Lavinia, who also lived at home for her entire life. While Emily withdrew from physical contact with people she did not withdraw from them mentally. Emily kept in touch with her friends by writing them letters. Emily often included poetry with her letters to her friends. Her friends encouraged her to publish them but after an attempt to do so Emily did not try again. The eight poems that were published in her lifetime were primarily poems submitted by her friends without her permission. The idea of finding out who inspired Emily to write so prolifically has intrigued literary researchers for decades. For a while the most popular assumption was that she had a male mentor encouraging her, some have also speculated that she was in love with, and others speculate that she had a relationship with a judge. She may have been in love with both or either of these men; its hard to confirm or deny the nature of her involvement's with them. But the evidence that is available seems to show that the person who mos ...

Usability Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Usability - Essay Example There are many similar websites on the web for example Interseller (2010), but this one seems more organized in terms of its content and layout. There is a very useful option to increase the font size on the website so that older people or weak sighted people face no difficulty. There are few templates available on the website that are equipped with tools and features for enhancing usability. These templates can be downloaded for free and be used as a basis for further development. ‘Search Input Box’ is placed on the website to help the user find the required information on the website instead of browsing through the entire content. Information is grouped in a comprehensive manner for example; all the guidelines can be found in one section while templates can be found in the other. There is a print option that can facilitate the printing of the content on the website. The main aim of the site is communicated at the homepage in a clear and comprehensible manner. The whole website can be shared with someone via email, facebook, twitter etc. The sharing of this website will highlight the importance of usability and make people aware about the measures that have been taken by the government to enforce usability standards. A step-by-step visual map is present on the site to help the web designer understand the design process. There is a blogging area present on this site. It is very informative since it has articles and discussions related to the latest and emerging technologies. People can share their opinions and discuss the most effective measures that can be taken to enhance usability. I found many interesting articles there and aim to follow the discussions regarding my field of interest. It is a very useful site for the web developers and designers since they can follow a comprehensive step-by-step guideline to produce usable websites. Web designers are aware of the