Notes, summaries, assignments, exams, and problems for Psychology and Sociology

Key Studies in the Biological Approach to Psychology

Brain Structure, Localization, and Neuroplasticity

Milner (HM) Study: Hippocampus and Memory Consolidation

• Procedure: HM had his hippocampus surgically removed to treat severe epilepsy.
• Findings: After surgery, he could not form new long-term memories (anterograde amnesia) but retained his short-term and procedural memory.
• Conclusion: This demonstrates that the hippocampus is essential for *memory consolidation* and strongly supports the concept of *localization of function* in the brain.

Draganski et al. (2004): Neuroplasticity and Juggling

• Procedure: Participants learned to juggle and were scanned using MRI before practice, after three months of practice, and again after three months of stopping.

Job Satisfaction Scale (JSS) Report

Test Name: Job Satisfaction Scale
Tester Name: Palash
Testee Name: Rohan
Testee Education: B.Com
Testee Age: 25
Testee Gender: Male
Mental Status: Normal

Purpose

To assess the job satisfaction of an individual.

Introduction to Job Satisfaction

Job satisfaction is a pleasurable or positive emotional state resulting from the appraisal of one's job or job experience. It can be referred to as the general attitude of the employee toward their job. When the attitude of an employee is positive toward their job, job satisfaction exists. Dissatisfaction occurs when the attitude is negative.

Job satisfaction is important for management as it impacts turnover, productivity, absenteeism, and other job-related concepts. The... Continue reading "Psychological Assessment Reports: Insights into Well-being and Performance" »

Themes in The Outsiders

Class Conflict: The rivalry between the Greasers and Socs emphasizes the socioeconomic divide and its impact on identity and relationships.

Identity and Belonging: Characters grapple with their place in society and within their groups, highlighting the search for self amidst stereotypes.

Violence and Its Consequences: The physical and emotional toll of gang rivalry demonstrates the destructiveness of unchecked aggression.

Loyalty and Brotherhood: The Greasers' strong bonds showcase the importance of chosen family in adversity.

Loss of Innocence: Ponyboy and Johnny, especially, confront moral dilemmas and death, leading to a poignant coming-of-age journey.

Conflicts in The Outsiders

• Man vs. Society: Both groups face judgment

Negotiation Strategies: A Comprehensive Overview

Understanding Your Interests

• Your Interests: List them. What would be a great deal for you? Why do you want these things? What is the relative value of the different issues for you?
• Options: What are the range of options you have on each interest?

Alternatives and Communication

• Your Alternatives: What happens for you if there is no deal? What is your BATNA (Best Alternative To a Negotiated Agreement)? What is the worst possible deal you would still accept?
• Your Communication: What will you ask/what will you convey? What information do you need to get? What questions should you ask to test them? What facts can you use to convince? How to best frame them? What tough questions are they likely to ask?

Cellular and Genetic Foundations

• Cells: The fundamental unit of life.
• Prokaryotes: Lack a nucleus; typically single-celled organisms.
• Eukaryotes: Possess a nucleus and organelles; can be multi- or single-celled.

Genetics is the study of heredity. DNA structure was revealed in 1953, based on the work of Rosalind Franklin.

• DNA: A double helix structure composed of four bases (Adenine–Thymine, Cytosine–Guanine).
• DNA organizes sequentially into histones, forming chromatin, which condenses into chromosomes (humans have 23 pairs).

DNA Replication and Mutational Forces

• Replication Process: Involves initiation (using helicase), elongation (using polymerase), and termination.
• Mutations: Errors during replication are the only source of new genetic variation.

Understanding Hybristophilia: Attraction to Criminals

Key Terminology Related to Hybristophilia

• Heinous: Horrible, extremely evil (atroz).
• Assault: A violent physical attack (agresión).
• Paraphilia: A condition characterized by abnormal sexual desire or activities (parafilia).
• Notoriety: The state of being famous or well-known, especially for something bad (mala fama).
• Hostage: A prisoner taken (rehén).
• Oppressor: One who treats people cruelly.
• Reciprocity: A mutual exchange of benefits, help, and support in a relationship.
• Susceptible: Easily influenced.
• Obscure: Not clear.
• Deed: An act (acción o hecho).
• Captor: One who takes a hostage.
• Allure: Attraction, charm (atraer).

Defining Hybristophilia

The term Hybristophilia is derived from the Greek roots:... Continue reading "Defining Hybristophilia, Sharenting, and Health Concepts" »

The Importance of Seeing a Psychologist

Seeing a psychologist is crucial for well-being. Many people face issues like stress, anxiety, or depression but struggle to manage them. Professional help significantly improves mental health and quality of life.

Benefits of Professional Psychological Support

• Emotional Understanding: Psychologists help individuals understand their emotions. Talking with a professional can reduce anxiety and increase confidence.
• Coping Strategies: They teach effective coping strategies, such as relaxation or mindfulness techniques, helping people feel happier and less stressed.
• Reducing Stigma: Professional support helps reduce the stigma associated with mental health, normalizing the act of asking for help.

In summary, psychologists... Continue reading "Practical Psychology: Boosting Mental Health and Life Skills" »

Understanding Stress: Beyond Harmful Effects

Stress is a universal and multifaceted experience that has long intrigued scientists, clinicians, and educators. Traditionally viewed as a harmful force, stress has been linked to a broad range of negative health outcomes, including cardiovascular disease, mental illness, and impaired immune function (Schneiderman et al., 2005; Sapolsky, 1996). However, emerging research has begun to challenge this view, proposing a more nuanced understanding of stress that recognizes not only its potential costs but also its benefits. Central to this evolving perspective is the concept of “stress mindset”—the beliefs individuals hold about the nature and effects of stress (Crum, Salovey, & Achor, 2013).... Continue reading "Stress Mindset: Shaping Well-being and Performance" »

Flashbulb Memories

Flashbulb Memories refer to a very detailed memory of the moment when someone learned about a shocking or emotionally significant event.

Long-Term Memory Functions

Long-Term Memory (LTM) allows for the storage and rapid access to relevant knowledge, which helps us interpret the present and act efficiently.

LTM supports the interpretation and understanding of new situations by drawing on past experiences. It also enables us to make inferences, connect ideas, and derive new information. Additionally, LTM allows for prospective thinking, such as planning for the future and imagining future scenarios.

Finally, LTM provides a sense of self and continuity, connecting past experiences to current identity and giving structure to conscious... Continue reading "Long-Term Memory: Storage, Retrieval, and Processes" »

The Sociological Perspective and Core Concepts

The sociological perspective involves thinking about social life through key concepts:

• Society: A group of people living in a territory who share common cultural features such as language, values, and basic norms of behavior.
• Institutions: Major societal structures like government, educational systems, and the family.
• Social Structures: Enduring patterns formed by relationships among people, groups, and institutions.

Sociology studies two reciprocal processes:

• What society makes of us: Seeing that events affecting the individual often reflect larger social issues.
• What we make of society and ourselves: Recognizing that our individual acts also shape society.

We are all influenced by social context (which... Continue reading "Durkheim's Social Cohesion: Solidarity, Anomie, and Society Types" »