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

Molar Analysis

Molar analysis assesses behavior from a global or general perspective. This analysis does not specify individual details. Behavior can be classified according to its consequences or its contents:

• Based on consequences:
  • Suitable: If the consequences of the conduct are positive for the person and others.
  • Inadequate: If the consequences are negative for the person or others.
• Based on the contents of the conducts:
  • Assertive Behavior: Behaviors that allow a person to express themselves properly in accordance with their interests and goals, respecting the rights of others. This behavior shows the individual as they are, and not how they would like to be. It involves being able to maintain their own ideas, make and receive criticism, and

Profile Moderator

Essential Skills

• Strong speaking and body language skills
• Positive and constructive attitude
• Ability to develop personal relationships with group members
• Ability to manage interpersonal conflicts within the group
• Critical thinking skills
• Ability to motivate and encourage others
• Knowledge of game development and techniques
• Improvisation skills

Understanding Group Dynamics

Social Network Parameters

• Structure: Group size, frequency of interaction, social position within the group.
• Quality: Degree of group cohesion.
• Interaction: Characteristics of relationships.
• Function: The specific role of each individual.

Effective communication is crucial for successful profile moderation.

Dynamism Styles

Autocratic Control

• Constantly issues directives.
• Expects

Types of Research Studies

Exploratory Studies

• Objective: To examine an issue or research problem rarely studied or not yet addressed.
• Increase familiarity with little-known phenomena.
• Rarely an end in themselves.

Descriptive Studies

• Aim to specify the important qualities of any phenomenon to be tested.
• Select a range of issues and measure each independently to describe what is being researched.
• Require considerable knowledge of the area under investigation to formulate specific questions.
• Can offer rudimentary predictions.

Correlational Studies

• Aim to measure the degree of relationship between two or more variables.
• Measure two or more variables in the same subjects to determine if they are related, then analyze the correlation.
• Their usefulness lies in

Understanding Gender Indicators

Indicators of gender have developed in our culture, and perhaps in all cultures of the world, to meet the need to differentiate men from women. At birth, one could say that we are largely uniform; however, from a young age, we are constantly strengthening our behavior to align ourselves with established behavioral patterns. For example, a child might be encouraged to play soccer or engage in active play, while a girl might play with dolls.

Society, therefore, holds significant power and influence over the large mass of the population, encouraging behavior through convention. This includes dress and grooming requirements that successfully fulfill sex indicators. Furthermore, we possess secondary sexual characteristics... Continue reading "Societal Influences on Gender, Mate Selection, and Communication" »

Understanding Hypotheses and Variables

The word "hypothesis" has Greek roots: thesis, which means "what goes", combined with hypo, a particle meaning "under." So, a hypothesis is "what goes underneath."

Assumptions and Variables

Assumptions are theoretical statements, unverified, but likely references to variables or the relationship between variables. So, what is a variable? A variable is an observable characteristic of something. Variables are subject to change or variation, adopting different values. They can be categorized and are interrelated. Scientific research revolves around them.

The Role of Variables in Research

The purpose of scientific work is to discover the existence and magnitude of variables and to test the relationships that bind... Continue reading "Understanding Hypotheses and Variables in Research" »

Understanding Scientific Research

Scientific research is a systematic process that applies the scientific method to seek information relevant to understanding, verifying, correcting, or applying knowledge. It is the deliberate search for knowledge or solutions to scientific problems. The scientific method indicates the path to follow in this investigation and the techniques needed to traverse it. It is a process consisting of various steps, stages, or phases, interconnected in a logical, sequential, and dynamic manner to generate knowledge.

Key Types of Research

• Historical Research

  Describes what was. This method applies not only to history but also to natural sciences, law, medicine, or any other scientific discipline.

• Descriptive Research

  Interprets

Bureaucracy and Ideal Type Dysfunctions

Max Weber developed the first interpretation of the emergence of modern organizations. For him, organizations are a way of coordinating the activities of human groups or management of the goods they produce. Developing organizations depends on controlling information. Organizations have a strong hierarchy, where power tends to be concentrated at the top. According to Weber, all large organizations tend to be bureaucratic. Bureaucracy means "office desk to write," or "rule." Accordingly, bureaucracy means "government officials." Bureaucracy is often associated with paperwork and inefficiency. However, other authors have dealt with this reality from another point of view, as a model of care, precision, and... Continue reading "Max Weber's Bureaucracy: Ideal Type and Dysfunctions" »

A] Creative Imagination

The Imagination and Fantasy

Fantasy, as opposed to reality, is a fundamental element of our psyche. Freudian psychoanalysis emphasized the importance of the pleasure principle, and his disciple, Roheim, highlighted the role of fantasy in this principle, particularly the fantasy of magic. This magical thinking appears to be the earliest form of imagination in children and is crucial for development. Fantasy plays a significant role not only in the structure of imagination but also in personality development. Kant referred to fantasy as the imagination's unintentional production of images.

B] Definitions

• Evocation: The ability to reproduce past situations or states of consciousness without specific reference to past time.
• Eidetic

Understanding Identity and Emotions

Identity Statuses and Development

Identity formation is a crucial aspect of human development. While complex, certain patterns emerge in how individuals approach commitment and exploration regarding their identity. Here are some key identity statuses:

• Foreclosure: Individuals in this status commit to an identity without much exploration, often adopting values and goals set by others, such as parents. For example, a person might decide on a career path solely because their parents expect it.
• Identity Diffusion: Characterized by a lack of commitment and exploration. Individuals avoid making decisions about their identity, often feeling aimless or unconcerned about their future direction.
• Identity Moratorium: This