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| Term Paper # 65402 |
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History of Psychology, 2002.
An overview of some of the major theories and schools of thought that have come out during the history of psychology.
1,650 words (approx. 6.6 pages), 1 source, $ 62.95
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Abstract
This paper addresses topics in the history of psychology, specifically tensions between behaviorism and cognitive psychology. It describes a number of schools of psychological thought, including behaviorism, gestalt theory, cognitivism, and observational learning theory. These components all play a part in the development of the modern psychologist's outlook on the human mind and human behavior.
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Functionalism and Structuralism, 2002.
A history of psychology and different schools of thought.
557 words (approx. 2.2 pages), 3 sources, APA, $ 19.95
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Abstract
This paper looks at the growth of the science of psychology over time and the development of different concepts such as functionalism and structuralism. It discusses how psychology has its roots in philosophy and each school of psychology was formed largely as a reaction to the previous school, e.g., functionalism grew out of structuralism and humanism and cognitive psychology grew out of Gestalt psychology.
From the Paper
"Ancient Greek philosophers? exploration of psychological topics such as epistemology, ethics and mental illness; the 17th century French Philosopher Rene Descartes and his theory of dualism; Thomas Hobbes and John Locke?s theories which later became known as monism, and the field of physiology have all contributed significantly to the emergence of psychology as a separate science. The ?birth? of psychology, however, is often traced to 1879 when Wilhelm Wundt began the first psychological laboratory in Leipzig, Germany, which also signaled the start of the school of psychology known as structuralism. Compared to earlier philosophers, Wundt?s approach to the study of mind was much more scientific."
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Psychology and Philosophy, 2005.
The relationship between the history of philosophical thought and the history of psychology.
1,125 words (approx. 4.5 pages), 5 sources, $ 44.95
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Abstract
This essay investigates the significance of philosophy within the history of psychology. It argues that philosophy and psychology, for most of their histories, handled the very same subjects. Accordingly, the very same divisions within the field of philosophy can be seen within the field of psychology. The conclusion of the paper is that overall psychology and philosophy must be very similar and important with reference to one another.
From the Paper
"The history of psychology goes hand in hand with the history of philosophy. In fact, if a timeline of the most famous psychologists through the history of civilization were constructed, it would be nearly indistinguishable from a chronological timeline detailing the most famous philosophers. Plato, Aristotle, Augustine, Descartes, Kant, and Heidegger all contributed to the fundamentals of psychology, while at the same time they unfolded complex and lasting philosophical theories. It has often been argued that, "By the end of the Greek era the critical themes and issues of psychology as well as the methodological approaches were well identified and structured." (Brennan, 32). It is reasonable to wonder precisely why this should be so; certainly, it is not at all apparent that the two fields of psychology and philosophy -- so seemingly distinct today -- should be related in such an intimate manner."
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Psychology Is Not a Science, 2002.
A paper which discusses Descartes' philosophy and why he thought psychology cannot be considered a science.
1,058 words (approx. 4.2 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 37.95
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Abstract
This paper considers why psychology can never be a science like physics by looking at Descartes' philosophy in detail. Descartes' thinking related to this issue is discussed - it begins with a discussion of the nature of the body and the mind and the link between them. The nature of ideas are then described including why Descartes believed that science could only be studied on the basis of observations and experiments.
From the Paper
"The first important part of Descartes' philosophy relating to the study of psychology is his consideration of the difference between the body and the mind. Descartes saw the body and mind as having different features. He saw the body as an object, based on his definition of an object as something that occupies space, is flexible and is movable. These same features are not true of the mind. The mind does not occupy space. It is important to note here, that the brain occupies space. However, when Descartes refers to the mind he refers to its thinking capacity, and this does not occupy space. The mind is also not flexible or movable. Therefore, according to Descartes the body is an object and the mind is not. This explains one reason why psychology cannot be a science like physics. According to Descartes, only an object can be dealt with scientifically. Since the mind is not an object, it cannot be treated scientifically."
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Wolfgang Kohler and Gestalt Psychology, 2008.
An overview of Gestalt psychology and a discussion of the importance of creative and speculative thought in the initiation of new paradigms and concepts.
733 words (approx. 2.9 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 26.95
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Abstract
This paper analyzes Wolfgang Kohler's views on Gestalt psychology. It specifically focuses on Wolfgang Kohler's 1959 address entitled "Gestalt Psychology Today." The paper shows the importance of creative and speculative thought in the initiation of new paradigms and concepts, as well as in new views about reality and psychology. It briefly overviews Gestalt theory to stress the underlying importance and the motivational roots of experimental and adventurous thinking that lay beneath the discovery of Gestalt, as well as in other innovative scientific and psychological discoveries.
From the Paper
"Following from this, Kohler is critical of some aspects and tendencies in modern psychology. Central to his critique is the fact that too much attention is being given to formal and scientific caution and an over-emphasis on verification instead of innovation. He states that, "First, I doubt whether it is advisable to regard caution and a critical spirit as the virtues of a scientist, as though little else counted." While critical caution has its place, Kohler point is that it should not supersede or retard the type of creative and innovative thought that led to the discovery of Gestalt psychology. This criticism is aimed mainly at contemporary psychology which Kohler states is at times overly concerned with formal procedure and "scorns" new ideas. This attitude, he says, has the disadvantage of creating skepticism and reducing the possibility of innovative thought. In summation, the author argues on the basis of the history of Gestalt psychology for a return to a more open, innovative and creative approach to psychology that should not be hampered by too great an emphasis on formal scientific caution."
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Behaviorist Perspective in Psychology, 2002.
An examination into the beginning of the behaviorist perspective psychology and a definition of this school of thought.
1,095 words (approx. 4.4 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 38.95
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Abstract
This paper provides a history of behaviorism and focuses on the contributions of Edward Thorndike, John Watson, Bandura, and especially Pavlov and Skinner. The paper discusses the main concepts of behaviorism and looks at key experiments in the field.
From the Paper
"At the beginning of the twentieth century, psychology tended to focus on the experimental study of physiological processes and the use of introspection to analyze experiences. Physiological research was limited due to the technology available at the time. Introspection was controversial because it was extremely subjective. Many psychologists believed that if psychology was to be respected as a science, then it must focus on observable events and behaviors, not introspection. Behaviorism, a dominant force in psychology from the early 1900s until the mid-1950s, developed largely as a reaction to the psychoanalytic perspective and the use of introspection. Behaviorists were opposed to introspection, believing it was too subjective, especially regarding mental processes. Behaviorist experiments used an observable stimulus on an organism which caused an observable response, without reference to the mental processes involved. Behaviorism, which developed as a reaction to introspection, contributed much to the understanding of learning principles, but is heavily criticized for underestimating the importance of cognition and biological predispostions on an organism?s learning ability."
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Frege and Anti-Psychologism, 2008.
This paper examines Friedrich Ludwig Gottlob Frege's anti-psychologism argument that it is not feasible to mix logic with subjective elements.
1,455 words (approx. 5.8 pages), 8 sources, APA, $ 48.95
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Abstract
This paper relates that F. L. G. Frege's rejection of psychologism states that, to understand logic one, must be strictly objective and deny subjective personal ideas to grasp fully the truth in logic. The author points out that Frege believed that one can grasp a thought but not create it because logical thoughts resided in the 'third realm' where everything is objective and is there to be discovered, independent of being grasped by anyone. The paper relates that, although Frege suggests language as the medium between thoughts and senses, he does not tell how they are connected. The author underscores that M. A. E. Dummett explains that a weakness of Frege is that he used a very rigid dichotomy of the concepts of objective or subjective. The paper concludes that Dummett's idea that one can reject both Platonism and psychologism by the notion of inter-subjectivity and language limits Frege's anti-psychologism argument.
From the Paper
"According to Frege, if thought were "in the mind," it, like ideas, could not be communicated to one another; thus sliding into a relativistic notion of "truth". Frege understood 'thought'--"as an abstract structured entity constituted by senses which can be semantically assessed as true or as false, and it can be grasped- all which are objective elements not associated with psychological elements" (Cohen, 1998). Frege's central argument was that mathematics and logic are not a part of psychology, and that the objects and laws of mathematics are not explained by psychological observations or results. His examples of objective, non-psychological entities are numbers, for instance 2 + 3 = 5. Numbers are not ideas since they are the same for all people thus this leads Frege to conclude that a content of a sentence cannot be a mental image."
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Teen Thought and Pop Music, 2002.
A look at the psychological themes of human behavior and mental processes of music in a teenager.
650 words (approx. 2.6 pages), 3 sources, $ 26.95
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Abstract
This paper will seek to understand teenage thought in popular music. By seeking the psychological mind process of a teenage girl, we can see how psychology plays into her reaction to the music of Britney Spears and Madonna.
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Buddhist Psychology, 2005.
A comparison of the Western psychology approach and the Buddhist psychology approach to the mind.
2,746 words (approx. 11.0 pages), 19 sources, MLA, $ 82.95
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Abstract
This paper explains the fundamental differences and significant distinction between the the Western psychology approach to the mind and the Buddhist philosophy of the mind and looks at whether these two vastly different schools of thought can be integrated.
From the Paper
"Goleman makes a clear distinction between scientific thought and the idea of objectivity and Buddhist practice. This in effect means that the Western model of mind and reality is based on the fundamental tenets of science. Western scientific thought is essentially dualistic and is constructed on the assumption and belief in the reality and existence outside of the mind of the ego or self as a separate entity. Buddhism is essentially non-dualistic and has for centuries maintained that self and mind are illusions and obstacles to the true knowledge of reality of enlightenment. This is of course a radical simplification of the Buddhist stance, which also varies from school to school."
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Existential Psychology, 2002.
An examination of the influences of R.D. Laing, Rollo May and Viktor Frankl on existential psychology.
1,400 words (approx. 5.6 pages), 2 sources, $ 53.95
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Abstract
This paper will discuss the contributions to existential psychology, which has been a motivating force in the merging of philosophy and psychological theory. By showing the influence of R.D. Laing, Rollo May, and Viktor Frankl, we can see how this style of psychology was made, and why it was slowly becoming a 'school' of thought. Some of the theories of these men will be sited to show their influences, and how they came into the idea of existential psychology.
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Abnormal Psychology, 2006.
This paper discusses the characteristics, treatments and potential outcomes of three abnormal psychological conditions: Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, anorexia nervosa and schizophrenia.
1,305 words (approx. 5.2 pages), 7 sources, APA, $ 44.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that abnormal psychology is generally concerned with undesirable behaviors, which, since the early 1900s, have been classified and updated yearly in the DSM-IV that is used by professionals to help identify mental illnesses. The author explains that attention-deficit disorder and disruptive behavior (ADHD), which runs in the family, was once thought to be only a childhood disorder but research shows that it continues into adulthood. The paper relates that the treatment for schizophrenia demands medication, such as Risperdal, Zyprexa, and Clozaril, along with psychotherapy; however, sometimes hospitalization is necessary during an active phase of the illness.
From the Paper
"Unfortunately with behavioral disorders, relapses are triggered by stressful events and the majority of people in this world go through many stressful events in their lifetime. As for people with schizophrenia, they will never return to a fully normal and healthy life. The disorders symptoms can be controlled with medications and therapy. One problem they are left with is permanent side effects from the medications they have to take over their life times, which can be undesirable in social and occupational settings. Treatments are constantly changing and hopefully someday the outlook for all disorders will be bright. But we need to understand what the outcome can be so we can pass on to our patients what they can achieve."
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Language, Thought and Perception, 2008.
An analysis of the influence of language upon thought and perception, and the influence of thought and perception upon language.
1,968 words (approx. 7.9 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 62.95
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Abstract
How much does our language influence what we can think and perceive? Indeed, does our language control what we can think and perceive? Conversely, do our thoughts and perceptions influence or even control our language? This paper explores these questions, and shows that - while it is difficult to say which comes first, as the process is clearly somewhat circular - it does seem that culture influences language more than language influences culture.
From the Paper
"Theories such as the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis, which combine linguistic relativity and linguistic determinism, are useful in that they remind us of the relationships between culture and language. For example, in Canada the many aboriginal languages have died - and in terms of this hypothesis, this is one of the important reasons why aboriginal cultures are under threat. On the other hand, in South Africa, despite decades of colonial rule and then apartheid, the indigenous languages, such as Zulu and Xhosa, remained very strong. This was reflected in the fact that the indigenous cultures remained very strong - so it is certainly possible that the survival of the languages enabled the survival of the cultures. "
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Action versus Thought, 2004.
An analysis of action versus thought in modern American law.
1,068 words (approx. 4.3 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 37.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the option of penalizing criminal thought. The paper explains the fundamental concept in modern American law of the distinction between mere criminal thought and actual criminal conduct. The paper contends that, whereas criminal thoughts alone are usually not punishable as crimes, modern American law does generally authorize public safety authorities, law enforcement, and mental health agencies to confine citizens against their will anytime mere thoughts meet certain statutory criteria and are considered to represent a legitimate threat of harm to themselves or to the general public.
From the Paper
"Even after criminal convictions for actual criminal conduct, elements of criminal punishment still require a ?guilty mind,? and sentencing guidelines recognizing varying degrees of malice, even for the same specific act. Typically, criminal statutes distinguish between criminal conduct in several different degrees, such as first or second degree murder, based largely on the specific state of mind, or specific intent of the criminal. In many instances, criminal conduct is punishable by life in prison, or even by the death penalty, such as in the case of first degree murder, which requires a guilty mind, or malice (Taylor, 1982). Conversely, even deadly conduct, is, in certain circumstance, prosecuted and punished much more leniently, such as in the case of second degree murder, involuntary manslaughter, and negligent homicide."
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Social Psychology, 2007.
This paper discuses social psychology theories and reported experiments.
2,345 words (approx. 9.4 pages), 7 sources, APA, $ 72.95
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Abstract
This paper begins by discussing the author's experiences at a party, where alcoholic beverages were served, when he was in highschool. The author relates his thoughts at that time about whether to consume the alcoholic beverages and examines them from a social psychology perspective. The author continues to discuss why he decided not to drink at the party and then points out that the primary goal of fear-arousing communications is persuasion, which may result in a change in attitude, intentions or actions. Additionally, the paper explains that impression management is the defensive, protective and preventive measures which individuals use to attempt to control the perception of themselves by other people in order to attain an overall favorable result or what is called "saving-face".
From the Paper
"The hypothesis in Festinger and Carlsmith's (1959) classic study explained one perspective on cognitive dissonance. It stated that the magnitude of cognitive dissonance in an individual is a ratio of his total dissonance (D) to the sum of his dissonance (D) and consonance (C), and that opinion change is most effective (i.e. overt behavior is exhibited) when the pressure applied was just enough to achieve that change while the magnitude of the resulting dissonance was kept to a minimum. In their experiment, this was made functionally operant by using reward (consonance) in measured amounts to alter the individuals' opinions."
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