Abstract This paper compares and contrasts the theories of moral development that were promoted by Lawrence Kohlberg and Jean Piaget. These scholars are often studied in tandem due to the remarkable similarities found in their work, but as is demonstrated in this paper, their views have several striking differences. Through investigating the works of these two scholars, a better comprehension of the moral development of children is achieved.
Abstract This paper outlines some possible connections between adolescent eating disorders and body image in relation to the portrayal of bodies in the media, including magazines, the press/media and films.
Abstract This paper will compare and contrast the theories of William James and Konrad Lorenz that determine the role of instinct in determining behavior. By understanding the inner nature of instinct within the human being, we can see how these two men agreed and disagreed on the nature of mankind to create a source of behavior. By revealing these theories, we can see the real part that instinct plays within the complex notions of behavior as determined by these men.
Abstract The concept of mens rea will first be elaborated in this paper, followed by an analysis of when the defense of insanity can be applied and concluded by a brief discussion on the credibility of criminal insanity.
Abstract This paper will discuss the influence of attitude on behavior in the scope of psychological studies. By showing how the attitude of a person can directly create a social influence on the behavior of the person, we can see how this may be achieved. This study will reveal four general factors that influence when people are or are not likely to behave in ways that are consistent with their attitudes. By understanding this relationship, the idea of social influence can be revealed in this form of psychological association.
Abstract This paper will seek to understand traditional and non-traditional gender role development. By seeking the norms in boy-girl roles in society, we can see how Erickson helps us understand how society forms gender roles on a child.
Abstract This seven-page undergraduate paper discusses sports psychology. Sports psychology uses science to study the psychological factors that involve the training and performance of athletes and the various techniques that can be used to enhance their performances. It helps athletes to set effective and easily achievable short-term goals at the right level. It also teaches athletes to build self-confidence through goal setting. Sports psychology uses imaging and simulation to enhance technique building in athletes. Flow and Focus are other sports psychology techniques used to bring about exemplary athletes.
Abstract In this paper, the film, "American History X", is analyzed to provide a clear perspective on the formation of biased ideas. Covering different manifestations of political socialization, the concept of resocialization and the behavior associated with these characters, one can see how people can be driven to these beliefs. Comparisons with several sociological texts on indoctrination and resocialization are provided.
From the Paper "Cameron Alexander could be considered the major persuasive element in American History X. He does a good job of being a "credible communicator", which according to Myers "is someone the audience perceives as credible and trustworthy" (Myers 2004, pg. 164). Cameron is a middle-aged propagandist who seeks to recruit Caucasians disillusioned by how other races are supposedly taking over America and adopts them into his "family", which makes it easy for Derek and Danny to look upon him as a father figure."
Abstract This paper looks at stress and how it often is the cause of depression. It explores some of the techniques that can be used to either prevent stress or eliminate it entirely. Progressive relaxation and visualization are two techniques discussed for relieving stress.
From the Paper "Depression involves feeling lonely, bored, helpless, alienated, or hopeless, and depression can interfere with daily living and in its extreme form may be seen as a form of mental illness. Depression is also a naturally occurring mental state that need not signal any deeper problem. Treatment depends on the type of depression, its origins, and its severity, but antidepressant drugs, psychotherapy, and shock therapy are among the treatments used for extreme cases. Exercise can be a powerful antidote, and relaxation therapies have been shown to be effective in improving self-esteem while regulating and toning the body. Stress is often a cause of depression, and treatments for stress can alleviate the depression as well. Anyone experiencing bouts of depression can change certain behaviors in order to reduce stress and alleviate depression."
Abstract This paper looks at the use of Rorschach Tests in diagnosing mental illnesses. It discusses the population for which these tests are most appropriate, and the reasons the tests are effective on that population group. The paper also explains how the test is administered, and how it is scored. Finally, some of the criticisms raised regarding the effectiveness of the tests are discussed.
From the Paper "In an experiment on the Rorschach Test's effectiveness, researchers administered the inkblot test to a group of 42 children, aged 8 to 18, who had been admitted to a psychiatric hospital for diagnosis and treatment. This study found that the test, when measured through a new and more accurate index, was effective in diagnosing thought disorder in children. There were fewer false positive results, reducing the potential harm of wrongly-diagnosing a child."
Abstract This report examines the place that Piaget's theories should have in the modern classroom, particularly during the stage of middle childhood, the potential practical applications of his work at this educational stage, and the potential educational pitfalls of ignoring his groundbreaking ideas during this time.
From the Paper "Piaget's theories have two major components: the process of "coming to know" and the stages that humans pass through in order to acquire this ability (Huitt & Hummel, 1998, para. 3). Because of his initial training as a biologist, Piaget continually related his psychological theories back to biological bases. Indeed, he stated in an interview in 1969 that "I am convinced that there is no sort of boundary between the living and the mental or between the biological and the psychological. From the moment an organism takes account of a previous experience and adapts to a new situation, that very much resembles psychology" (Pyche, 2). His theories about the process of learning clearly reflect this bias. Thus, intelligence is reflected through adaptation to the environment and is controlled through mental processes called schemas. Schemas can be either congenital, such as reflexes, or constructed. Through schemas, a person builds a mental representation of the world, and uses them to assimilate with or accommodate to the environment around them (Huitt & Hummel, 1998, para. 5-8)."
Abstract This paper examines how the incidence of substance abuse among the elderly will continue to grow as the medical community continues to improve the length and quality of life. It looks at how, as the elderly age and begin to lose friends and develop their own health issues, it is important that they have plenty of resources available to them for the purpose of support. Doctors need to be careful about the number and type of prescriptions they are prescribing, and family members who suspect their elderly loved one is developing a substance abuse problem should seek help from professionals.
From the Paper "The senior wants to be numbed to the fact that they are losing their friends, getting closer to death and their quality of life may be reduced because of these factors. Those who drink to eliminate loneliness isolate themselves even further which causes the cycle to continue. Those who live in chronic pain can become addicted to the pain medications they are given and even when the pain subsides they have a craving to feel the numbness or the euphoria that the pills provide."
Abstract This paper examines how workplace psychology is a relatively new dimension within the industry of psychology, and within this new field is a list of important motivational reasons for the administration of psychological testing to both existing employees and potential employees. It shows how the motivation for the application of psychological testing within the workplace can range anywhere from the desire to apply psychological science to work style varieties and, therefore, job descriptions, to assessing the psychological health of workers in potentially stressful roles. It also looks at how other reasons why psychological testing may occur within the workplace may include use as a tool for the recruitment of new employees or as a tool to assess productivity or workplace problems some associated with social issues and some associated with nonsocial problems.
From the Paper "It must be made clear to the employee that the responses and results of the testing are not conditional to their continued employment and that changes made to benefit them and the workplace are the intended results of any assessment. An employee must understand that it is his or her work that will determine continued employment and not his or her answers on any survey. Whether problems are associated with a social situation or a logistic situation may be assessed through the tools of workplace psychology. It is important with this type of psych testing to make clear to all employees through a wide distribution of the assessments that everyone will have an interest in the results. Employees must not feel singled out as if the results of the test that only they take will determine his or her continued employment."
Abstract This paper offers an explanation of Erik Erikson's work, titled "Identity and the Life Cycle". The paper outlines the ways in which the human ego develops in the context of social and cultural realities and is divided into three major sections. "Identity and the Life Cycle" explains ego development and historical change as a function of the specific space and time in which an individual is born.
From the Paper "At the outset of "Identity and the Life Cycle", Erikson distances himself from Sigmund Freud. On page 18, the author criticizes specifically the "artificial differentiation" between the individual within the family and the individual within the mass of society. While Freud overly focused on familial issues and influences on the budding child ego, Erikson takes this one step further and claims that the individual's perception of socio-cultural realities are equally as significant. It is impossible, according to Erikson, to differentiate between familial and cultural or historical influences; individuals and families do not exist in isolation from the group in which they are formed."
Abstract Discusses the increase in number of grandparents taking on the roles of primary caregivers for grandchildren. Examines the reasons for this trend and the physical, emotional, mental, and economic affects on grandparents.
From the Paper "Grandparents resuming the role of parents of young children is a growing phenomenon today, with grandparents raising their grandchildren in the absence of the biological parents. Although many grandparents have always informally cared for their grandchild..."
