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

Notions of Psychology

Definition: Etymologically, the word psychology is of Greek origin, derived from the substantive psyche = soul, and logos = reason, science, pensamiento. Originally, the "object of study is the soul."

Conceptual Definition: Psychology is the science of the mind and its processes.

Importance of Psychology Today

Today, psychology has experienced a major development and expansion. As a science that studies man, applications can be found in any field of human activity.

Its history dates back to the era of ancient Greece. Aristotle wrote a philosophical treatise entitled "About the Soul," but it is from the nineteenth century, according to positivist principles, that it has experienced rapid development.

"Positivism is a philosophical... Continue reading "Understanding Psychology: Concepts and Fields" »

Memory: The ability to record, store, and recall experiences (information, ideas, images, feelings). It is a major human function resulting from complex connections between neurons. These connections allow humans to process past situations. Memories begin when an efficient neuronal circuit strengthens the synapse.

Basic Principles:
- Encoding: Converting information into a storable and retrievable form.
- Storage: The capacity to retain information over time.
- Retrieval: Accessing stored information.

Types of Memory:
* Sensory Memory: Retains information for 1-2 seconds until processed. For example, a flash of light allows us to be aware of visual sensory memory. We see things instantly, then study the image left behind. The two most important... Continue reading "Human Memory: Types, Functions & Processes" »

Durkheim's Suicide: A Sociological Theory

Introduction

Sociology aims to develop theories about social reality through a set of logically integrated, mutually causal propositions with a minimum degree of validity. These theories propose causal explanations for the phenomena they address. Durkheim's work on suicide, published in 1897, exemplifies a middle-range theory. He examined a limited phenomenon—suicide—and interpreted it sociologically.

Durkheim's Approach

For a sociological interpretation, Durkheim excluded individual psychological elements and extrasocial influences related to suicide. He also disregarded factors like "suggestibility" and "imitation." He argued that the causes of suicidal tendencies within a society reside in the... Continue reading "Durkheim's Suicide: A Sociological Perspective" »

Human Needs Hierarchy

The hierarchy of human needs dictates that once needs at one level are satisfied, new needs and desires at a higher level emerge. These levels are:

1. Physiological Needs: Essential for survival and health.
2. Safety and Security: Reinsurance, protection, love, and stability.
3. Emotional Relationships: Membership and belonging.
4. Esteem: Self-help and the pursuit of exceeding performance.

Psychology's Purpose and Ethics

Psychology has human purposes and objectives, such as social welfare and quality of life. The profession is governed by a code of ethics designed to serve as a pattern of professional conduct. Psychologists respect and promote integrity in science.

Criminology and Forensic Psychology

Gross Hans's criminology suggests that... Continue reading "Human Needs Hierarchy, Psychology, and Disaster Levels" »

Understanding Innate Behaviors

Innate behaviors are fixed patterns to complex vital actions, which appeared during the formation or genesis of a species. The distinctive characteristics of these behaviors are:

1. Specific to the species.
2. Highly stereotyped.
3. Once initiated, they proceed to completion.
4. Not significantly learned.
5. Resistant to change.
6. Triggered by a specific stimulus.

Habituation and Sensitization: Non-Associative Learning

Although innate reflexes are unconditioned, they can serve as a basis for learning new reflexes. Learned patterns, however, cannot be fixed or conditioned. Habituation and sensitization are mechanisms that allow organisms to change their structures and functions through interaction with the environment. Habituation (H) and... Continue reading "Understanding Innate Behaviors, Learning, and Memory" »

Consciousness is a central fact of human existence, because without it, all other aspects of our life (perception, thought, emotion, etc.) are meaningless.

Characteristics of Consciousness

• Involves short-term memory.
• Is independent of sensory inputs (e.g., fantasizing).
• Requires focused attention.
• Has the ability to process alternative interpretations of complex or ambiguous data.
• Disappears and reappears during sleep (deep sleep to dreaming), at least in a changed or disjointed way.

Methods to Investigate Consciousness

• Observing and measuring the actions of an experimental subject, collecting reports of internal experience (e.g., heart rate, breathing, overall brain electrical activity).
• Investigating patients with brain injuries.

Waking vs. Dreaming

Understanding Awareness and Consciousness

Awareness Defined

Awareness is the subjective experience of self-knowledge and reality. It is formed by experiences of the external world and internal mental and emotional experiences.

Altered States of Consciousness

Altered states of consciousness are natural and artificial events that modify our subjective experience. Consequences include:

• Abnormal thinking
• Loss of sense of time
• Loss of control
• Changes in the expression of emotions
• Perceptual disturbances and changes in body image
• Changes in meaning or significance
• Increased suggestibility

The Realm of Sleep and Dreams

The Nature of Dreams

A dream is a state of consciousness occurring during sleep. It is characterized by the individual typically adopting a particular... Continue reading "Consciousness, Sleep, and Learning Mechanisms Explained" »

What is Personality?

Personality is a combination of temperament and character in a single structure. It consists of a set of psychological characteristics that express themselves in all our actions.

• Temperament is our biological heritage, representing the influence of our encoded physical nature.
• Character refers to acquired characteristics developed through our growth and represents a degree of conformity with social norms.

Key Characteristics of Personality

1. It is not a physical entity.
2. It is the usual behavior of a person.
3. It is produced by the interaction of genetic inheritance, the environment, learning, and personal experience.
4. It develops and changes throughout life.
5. It is individual, social, and cultural.
6. Personal autonomy is the ability of individuals

Phillips 6/6

Obtain a group's ideas on a subject quickly. Understand group concerns. Survey group knowledge on a topic. Summarize, sort, and link ideas.

Whisperer

Review or consolidate previously supplied reports. Designate the topic at hand.

Seminary

Achieve findings and assess any type. Coordinate and actively participate. Cabinet: Concrete conclusions and immediate problem-solving. Make decisions based on facts. Organize groups. Oblige participants to research and document. Start studying a topic or delve into it. Designate a "president" of the table.

Risk

Reduce or eliminate collective fears or risks from certain situations. Guide the group to see the situation calmly.

Rumor

Demonstrate how information is distorted from particular interpretations.... Continue reading "Collaborative Techniques for Group Work" »

Autism in Kindergarten: Communicating Concerns

Role of the Educator/Guardian

Communicating concerns about a child potentially on the autism spectrum requires great sensitivity. It is often better to initially discuss observations in terms of a communication or developmental difference rather than using specific diagnostic labels like PDD (Pervasive Developmental Disorder), especially before a formal diagnosis. School psychologists or other psychological care professionals can significantly assist the educator or guardian in communicating these observations to parents. The school should be prepared to provide access to a professional team that can support the child immediately.

Developing Educational Programs for Autism

Developing an educational... Continue reading "Autism in Kindergarten: Identification & Support" »