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

Critical Thinking

Curiosity, Skepticism, Humility

Psychology is a science that studies the human mind and behavior. It is a field that is constantly evolving, as new research is constantly being conducted to better understand how we think, feel, and act.

Major Schools of Psychology

Psychoanalytic (Unconscious) - Freud

Humanistic (Free Will)

Behaviorism (Watson/B.F. Skinner) - Exploration of Behaviors

There are many different schools of psychology, each with its own unique perspective on the human mind and behavior. Some of the major schools of psychology include:

• Psychoanalytic psychology, which focuses on the unconscious mind and its influence on behavior.
• Humanistic psychology, which emphasizes the importance of free will and personal growth.
• Behaviorism,

... Continue reading "Psychology: A Comprehensive Guide to the Human Mind and Behavior" »

Half-Standardized Procedures

• Critical Incident Technique: With different methods, critical incidents are deduced, where the employee's reaction is decisional for success.
• Job Diary: The position holder is asked to report their work activities over a certain period. Instructions can be given in a more or less standardized way.
• Semi-Structured Interview: An interview guideline specifies the frame of course and content of the conversation. The interviewee is given room to use their own words to describe issues.
• Systematic Observation: The working person's behavior and/or the working conditions are assessed. A more precise observation plan specifies what to observe and how to record.

Standardized Procedures

• Questionnaires: Highly standardized. The interviewees

... Continue reading "Work Assessment Methods and Cultural Competence" »

Overview of Me

Background

• From Mississauga
• Completed first year of Networking & IT Security at UOIT
• Transferred from Humber College after completing my engineering diploma
• Currently in the GAAS program

Family

My family has played a crucial role in shaping who I am today. They instilled in me important values such as:

• Respect
• Courtesy
• Caring
• Honesty
• Understanding

My parents have always been my backbone, providing guidance and support throughout my life. They have encouraged me to pursue my academic goals and explore the world. I am grateful for their unwavering love and support.

Gym Bag

Staying active has always been an important part of my life. I enjoy various activities such as biking, swimming, and playing soccer. Recently, I have gotten into weight... Continue reading "My Suitcase: A Journey of Personal Growth" »

Definition of Gender Roles and Gender Relations

Gender roles are the social definitions of women and men. They vary among different societies, cultures, classes, ages, and historical periods.

Gender relations are the ways in which a culture or society defines the rights, responsibilities, and identities of men and women in relation to one another.

Key Aspects of Gender

• Traits of being male/female are biological.
• Gender is learned and cultural.
• Gender guides a child's socialization according to societal expectations.
• Many differences between men and women are socially constructed.

What Does Gender Mean?

Gender shapes societies and cultures. Most societies are hierarchical, with one or more dominant groups and other subordinate groups. The dominant group... Continue reading "Understanding Gender Roles, Relations, and Power Dynamics" »

Elaboration Likelihood Model

The Elaboration Likelihood Model (ELM) describes different possibilities of thinking and assumes that there are various ways of processing messages. The effects of the message depend on how it is processed, which varies for each individual and is characterized by the effort someone puts into processing.

Central Route: This route involves effortful cognitive activity through processing. It requires thinking about the message and is a mindful process. Individuals actively generate favorable or unfavorable thoughts in response to persuasive communication, examining information with their relevant experiences and knowledge. This route is only possible if the person has both the motivation and the ability to engage. The... Continue reading "Understanding the Elaboration Likelihood Model in Persuasion" »

Chapter 6: Consciousness

Consciousness: a person's awareness of him/herself and his/her environment.

Planning Function

Helps you to inhibit urges we have that are not moral, ethical, or practical. Evaluates our thoughts before we act.

Levels of Consciousness

• Altered State of Consciousness: Bizarre, disorganized, or dream-like patterns.
• Minimal Consciousness: Fragmented connection between self; we might respond without being aware of it at a more thoughtful level.
• Full Consciousness: The awareness of the environment and awareness of mental state, giving information.
• Self-Consciousness: Focus on us.

Sleep Stages

1. Doesn't last very long (10 min).
2. Lasts a bit longer (20 min).
3. The most vivid dreams.
4. One of the most important (walking, seems real...).
5. Almost waking

... Continue reading "Understanding Consciousness, Sleep, and Conditioning" »

Understanding Behaviors to Predict Performance and Enhance Effectiveness

Replacing Intuition with Systematic Study

Attribute causes and effects, draw conclusions based on scientific evidence: provide a means to predict behaviors.

Evidence-Based Management (EBM)

Managerial decisions based on scientific evidence.

Relevant Disciplines

Psychology (human behaviors)
Social Psychology (people's influence on one another in groups)
Sociology (social environment and culture/group behaviors)
Anthropology (study of societies)

Management Functions

Planning (goals, strategy)
Controlling (monitoring)
Organizing (what, who, how)
Leading (motivating, directing)

Mintzberg's Managerial Roles

1. Interpersonal

Figurehead, leader, liaison

2. Informational

Monitor, disseminator, spokesperson

3.

... Continue reading "Understanding Organizational Behavior" »

Motivation

Types of Motivation

There are two main types of motivation:

• Intrinsic Motivation: This stems from personal factors. Different approaches to intrinsic motivation include:

1. Humanistic approaches
2. Cognitive approaches
3. Social cognitive theories
4. Sociocultural conceptions

Extrinsic Motivation: This comes from environmental factors. Different approaches to extrinsic motivation include:

1. Behavioral approaches
2. Social cognitive theories

Strategies to Motivate Students

• Extrinsic: Leaderboards, gold stars, and punishments.
• Intrinsic: Self-knowledge, love, and passion.

Setting challenging yet realistic goals is crucial for student motivation. Strategies to increase motivation include:

• Building positive relationships with students
• Providing regular feedback on

... Continue reading "Motivating Students in Blended Learning Environments" »

The Spiral of Silence

The phrase "spiral of silence" describes how people tend to remain silent when they believe their views are in the minority. This silence stems from a fear of social isolation. People understand which behaviors might lead to isolation and are hesitant to express minority opinions to avoid it. The closer a person perceives their opinion to be to the prevailing public opinion, the more willing they are to express it publicly. Conversely, if public sentiment shifts away from their view, they become less likely to voice it.

Polls vs. Surveys

While both gather information, polls and surveys differ in scope. A poll typically poses a single multiple-choice question, with predefined answers. Participants may select one or multiple... Continue reading "The Spiral of Silence and Public Opinion" »

OBJECTIVES OF ADOLESCENCE 
    To develop emotional and cognitive abilities. Young humans have access to abstract thinking and reflexive knowledge. 
    To build a personal identity, integrating and accepting their body image, have expectations and future projects. This includes accepting puberty’s physical changes, redefining familiar relationships, achieve emotional independence and a sexual identity. 
    To acquire new social abilities (relations with other classmates and adults), an autonomous moral, new interpersonal relationships (couple relationships) and exercising a studying or working role. 

PSYCHOLOGICAL CHANGES:
   It reaffirms the Ego. Individuals take conscience of themselves and acquire more emotional control. This... Continue reading "Human performance " »