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

Sexual Functioning and Dysfunction

Sexual functioning is a complex process involving biological, psychological, emotional, and social factors. Sexual dysfunction is characterized by a disturbance in the sexual response cycle desire, arousal, excitement, orgasm, and resolution or by pain with sexual intercourse. It is commonly associated with many diseases, such as diabetes and high blood pressure, and drugs, particularly blood pressure medications, anti-ulcer drugs, alcohol, sedative/hypnotics, mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, and antidepressants. Depression itself can cause decreased libido, diminished erectile function, and decreased sexual activity. All antidepressants can have sexual side effects.

Antidepressant-Induced Sexual Dysfunction

Reports... Continue reading "Understanding Antidepressant-Induced Sexual Dysfunction" »

Choosing My Path

I wasn't sure how I ended up here. Before applying to university, I had to choose my preferred degrees, but I was lost. I considered three options: studying abroad with a basketball scholarship, pursuing a double degree in sports science, or studying physiotherapy. One day, I put physiotherapy as my first choice, and suddenly, I was about to start university.

A New Beginning

These first few months have been a completely new adventure. I remember the first day vividly—a silent room filled with nervous faces. Fortunately, we're a small group and quickly got to know each other. However, I've also realized that everyone is different, and there will always be people with whom you don't see eye to eye. This is perfectly normal; you... Continue reading "My First Trimester in Physiotherapy: A New Adventure" »

Do Our Relationships with Family and Friends Influence Our Goals and Dreams?

While most individuals harbor significant goals and dreams, what truly influences their actions and motivations?

The Youngers' Dreams in "A Raisin in the Sun"

Lorraine Hansberry's play, A Raisin in the Sun, vividly portrays a few weeks in the life of the Youngers, an African-American family living on the South Side of Chicago in the 1950s. One can easily imagine the Younger family crowded together in their tiny, roach-infested apartment, struggling, striving, and dreaming. Their lives take a pivotal turn when the family receives a $10,000 life insurance check upon the death of Mama's husband. This money presents an opportunity to escape poverty but also introduces various... Continue reading "Family Influence on Dreams: A Raisin in the Sun's Enduring Message" »

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)

Key Terms and Concepts

ABA

Definition: Strives for accurate, reliable, and data-based interventions.

7 Dimensions of ABA

Applied: Focuses on socially significant behaviors.
Behavioral: Observes and measures the behavior of interest.
Analytic: Demonstrates a functional relationship between the intervention and behavior change.
Technological: Procedures are described clearly and precisely.
Conceptually Systematic: Interventions are based on behavioral principles.
Effective: Produces clinically significant behavior change.
Generalized: Behavior change occurs across different settings, people, and time.

Basic Concepts

Behavior: Any activity of a living organism.
Environment: Events or conditions that affect a person's behavior.... Continue reading "Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Key Terms & Concepts" »

Position Paper: Writer's Stand on an Issue

Intro: Define issue & discuss background, provide general statement

Body: Provide sufficient evidence, provide counter arguments

Conclusion: Suggest course of action, state paper's superiority, end w/strong statement

1. Choose issue, should be current & relevant
2. Perform in-depth research on the issue
3. Define unfamiliar terms
4. Be aware of different opinions on the issue
5. Reflect on your position & identify weaknesses
6. Cite valid & reliable sources
7. View issue from different perspectives
8. Limit paper to two pages

Where to put counter arguments:

• Part of intro, before proposing thesis
• As a section/paragraph after the intro
• As a section/paragraph before conclusion

Construct counter argument:

• Develop thesis &

Hate Crimes: Week 10

Hate Crime Statistics in Toronto

Three most frequently reported criminal offences motivated by hate in 2021 were mischief to property, assault, and uttering threats.

Most Frequently Victimized Groups

• Jewish → Black → East and Southeast Asian, and then the LGBTQ2S+ community.

Events That Affect Hate Crime Reporting

• International events

• Community educational programs and hate crime training

• Increased media coverage and public awareness

• Toronto 2021: there was a notable increase in hate crimes targeting East and Southeast Asian people in the month of March.

  • This coincides with the Atlanta spa shooting on March 16, 2021, where 6 of the 8 victims were Asian women.

Why Victims Are Reluctant to Report Hate Crimes

• May not recognize that

HR, Legal Standards, and Employment Tests

• Legal Defensibility: Ensure test content is legally defensible.
• Fair Procedures: Implement fair procedures to avoid discrimination.
• Successful Implementation: Focus on the successful implementation of the test.

Cognitive Ability Tests in Hiring

Advantages

• Efficiently obtains data.
• Has good validity, making it a strong predictor of job performance and training success.
• Less expensive than customized tests, with lower administration costs.

Problems and Solutions

• Problem: Potential issues with "racial norming."
• Solution: Combine with other assessments, such as interviews and non-cognitive tests, for a more holistic view.

Combining Applicant Information

• Judgmental Composite: Judgmental and statistical data are combined

Applications and Education

• Apply: To make an application or request.
• Applicant: The person or candidate eligible to apply or request something.
• Claim: To demand, require something.
• Drop out: To stop attending school or a course.
• Get promoted, get a promotion: To advance in rank, dignity, position, etc.
• Eventually: Finally, at some later time.
• Career: Having a career, professional.
• Degree: University studies.
• Vocational training: Relating to applied educational courses concerned with skills needed for an occupation, trade, or profession.
• Grades: Marks.
• To graduate: A person who has received a degree or diploma on completing a course of study at a university, college, or school.
• Wage: Salary.

Workplace and Personal Qualities

• To blame: To say someone is responsible

The Psychological Influence of Attractiveness and Surgery

Physical appearance, whether naturally given or altered by cosmetic surgery, significantly influences an individual's behavior and self-perception. Both conventionally attractive individuals and those who are not may develop personality disorders.

Appearance and Personality Disorders

Research by Panagiotis Milothridi and collaborators (2016) highlights specific psychological risks associated with attractiveness levels:

• Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD): Attractive individuals often arouse a societal need for admiration. This can lead to the development of NPD, frequently driving them to seek surgical procedures more often.
• Avoidant Personality Disorder (AvPD): Individuals who are not