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

Effective People Management Strategies

We do not perceive all of reality, only a portion of it. Understanding this is crucial for effective people management.

Understanding Perception: The Ladder of Inference

The Ladder of Inference is a powerful model that helps us understand how we form beliefs and take action based on our perceptions. It illustrates how we move from observable data to conclusions, often without realizing the steps in between.

The Ladder of Inference Model

This model describes the mental process by which we climb from observable data to conclusions, often leading to misunderstandings.

• Observable Data & Experiences: The Foundation

  This is the bottom rung, representing the raw, objective facts and experiences available to us.

• Selected

Conflict in Groups

Conflicts are inherent in human nature, a fundamental part of our reality and experiences. Without them, human growth would be impossible. When faced with conflict, three positions are possible: escape, escalating the conflict, or confronting it.

Paul Wehr outlines these steps in overcoming conflicts:

• Know and understand the origins and evolution of the conflict.
• Identify which individuals and groups are involved.
• Determine the motivations and needs of those involved.
• Understand what or who caused the conflict, the circumstances, and potential solutions.

Social Relations

Social relations develop between individuals within the same sociological context, encompassing both personal and professional relationships. These can generally... Continue reading "Social Dynamics: Conflict, Altruism, and Diversity" »

Theories on the Mechanisms of Perception

Associationism Theory

Wundt: Isolated sensations are perceived and then associated with others to form a global perception of the object.

Gestalt Theory

Studies the way in which perception is organized. Given a stimulus, individuals react differently.

Functionalist Theory

James: Stresses the subjective aspects of all perception.

Cognitive Theory

Neisser: Emphasizes the structural activity of the subject based on past experience.

Gestalt Principles and Laws of Perception

A) Figure-Ground Principle

We perceive a figure against a background, often denying the other. Both the figure and the background can be reversible.

Contour Law: The figure stands out against the background, marked by a clear boundary.

B) Law of Prägnanz

Unit IV: Group Dynamics and Social Research

Understanding Discussion Groups

The discussion group technique is presented as a social research method and observational tool, often associated with intervention-oriented group practices. It aims to clarify the scope and significance of using groups as a tool to understand the symbolic dimensions of social reality and group practices themselves.

The Significance of Group Behavior

Groups are not merely categories or aggregates of individuals that can be assembled regardless of their intent or purposes. Instead, they are a set of individuals related by some common bond that makes them interdependent, such as friends or colleagues. Research conducted on groups based solely on sociodemographic categories... Continue reading "Group Dynamics in Social Research: Primary and Secondary Groups" »

Types of Hypotheses

Research Hypothesis: Propositions, attempts on possible relationships between two or more variables.

• Descriptive Hypothesis Value: Sometimes used in descriptive studies to try to predict a datum or more variables to be measured.
• Correlational: Provides that two or more variables are linked.
• Group Difference: Aiming investigations were made to compare groups.
• Grounds: The relationship between variables is given by cause and effect, there is always an independent variable and a dependent one.
• Null Hypotheses: They are the reverse of the research hypothesis, it serves to refute or deny what the research hypothesis states.
• Alternative Hypotheses: They alternate between research hypothesis possibilities and the null hypothesis.

Types

Human Nature and Culture

Human Nature Coincides with the Genetic Heritage of Humanity

Human behavior would not be possible without the influence of culture. Human behavior has a genetic basis but is developed and made concrete in the company of others.

Human Behavior: The Relationship of an Animal's Activity with its Environment

Each animal responds appropriately to the demands of the environment where it lives and reacts to specific stimuli that promote or threaten its survival. Such behavior may be innate or acquired.

Innate Behavior

When behavior is innate, it is hereditary in origin, fixed, and programmed. Reflexes and instincts are the two most important forms of innate behavior.

• Reflexes: Innate motor responses caused by sensory stimulation.

The Behavioral Model of Learning

Definition of Learning (Kimble, 1971)

A more or less permanent change in behavior (or potential) produced by practice or experience.

• Note: Behavioral changes are not always due to practice or experience.
• Human learning tends to occur as a result of successful or adverse experiences.

Key Concepts in Behavioral Learning

• Law of Effect (Thorndike, 1874-1949)

  Behaviors that are followed by positive outcomes are strengthened, and those followed by negative consequences tend to weaken or disappear.

• Termination or Non-Reinforcement (Extinction)

  Responses that are not reinforced reduce the probability of being repeated (e.g., ignoring those who shout the answer without raising their hand).

• Molding (Shaping)

  Teaching a complex behavior

Memory Disorders

Amnesia

Amnesia is the inability to retain or retrieve information, a significant memory disorder. It can stem from organic or emotional causes and may be caused by a shock to the brain.

Chronological Classification of Memory

Anterograde Amnesia

Also called amnesia of fixation, this refers to the inability to learn new information after the onset of a disorder (usually organic) causing amnesia. The patient forgets at the same pace as events unfold. By definition, it concerns recent memory. It is usually reversible, except in some post-traumatic amnesia, Korsakoff syndrome, and irreversible cases of advanced dementia.

Retrograde Amnesia

This is the inability to recall previously learned information after the onset of a disorder (usually... Continue reading "Memory Disorders: Amnesia, Hypermnesia, and More" »

Social Structure and Stratification

• Social Structure: Individuals and organizations that make up society.
• Social Hierarchy: Groups of people ranked based on income, wealth, status, or power.
• Intergenerational Mobility: Changes in social status between generations within a family.
• Social Stratification: Division of society into classes based on power.
• Social Mobility: Movement of individuals or groups within the social hierarchy.
• Meritocracy: System where power is held by those with the most ability.
• Feminization of Poverty: Growing gap between women and men in economic deprivation.

Culture and Society

• Culture: Arts and intellectual achievements of a society.
• Ethnocentrism: Evaluating other cultures based on one's own cultural standards.
• Socialization:

Understanding Personal and Social Autonomy Skills

Adaptive Behavior and Adaptive Skills

This learning involves acquiring a set of habits, personal skills, and social autonomy that enable adaptation to one's environment, or in other words, demonstrate adaptive behavior.

When discussing intellectual disability, it refers to individuals who exhibit substantial limitations in current adaptive functioning. These limitations are typically observed in two or more of the ten recognized adaptive skill areas.

Categories of Adaptive Skills

These skills are crucial for functioning effectively in various aspects of life:

• Life at Home Skills

  Includes skills related to functioning within the home environment.

• Health and Safety Skills

  Skills related to maintaining