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

Introduction to the Frankfurt School

The Institute for Social Research, the birthplace of the German Frankfurt School, was founded by Max Horkheimer. He was subsequently joined by Erich Fromm and Herbert Marcuse (who contributed concepts from Freudian psychoanalysis) and Theodor Adorno.

Origins and Exile (1922–1945)

After the Nazi Party came to power in Germany, the School was forced to relocate to the United States, finding refuge at Columbia University. Once in the United States, contact with the capitalist power par excellence decisively influenced the members of the School. This experience emphasized their criticism of the capitalist system, particularly concerning the alienation of the individual. The American stage of the Frankfurt School... Continue reading "The Frankfurt School: History, Exile, and the Foundations of Critical Theory" »

Philosophical Theories in Social Work Practice

Functionalism: Objectivity and System Balance

Functionalism asserts the existence of objectivity and a natural balance within systems. Within a set of elements, each serves a specific function. When an element fails, it is considered a pathology and requires correction.

Within this framework, social work is largely dominated by empiricism. This demands an objective and consistent interpretation of data. Furthermore, context and subjectivity are often rejected. The social worker, in this view, is subject to a central authority, focusing directly on problems and resolving them one by one as they arise. Consequently, the perception of context and user needs are often not taken into account.

Marxism: Conflict,

Uniqueness and Giftedness: Bidirectional Concepts

Uniqueness is a term used to describe the characteristics of individuals who show high intellectual ability, as well as those with low capacity. Characteristics of uniqueness include:

• Low Frequency: It appears with low frequency. This includes a small number of defects in relation to the norm; similarly, the frequency of gifted and talented individuals is low within the normal population.
• Difference from the Norm: Exceptional individuals generally possess specific characteristics that differ from those of the normal population. These differences are of two types: quantitative (more or less frequent in their productions) and qualitative (distinct intellectual patterns, more or less elaborate products)

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" »

Understanding Human Perception

• Perception is an elementary form of psychic behavior, basic to the development of human personality. Perception is, therefore, not a simple mechanical reaction.
• The perception of man always expresses something of oneself (the same thing happens with sight or speech).

Subjectivity and Influences on Perception

• Perception depends not only on external stimuli but also on psycho-social circumstances. As the act of perception involves several subjective factors, the characteristics of perception also depend on social conditions.
• What we perceive is interpreted conceptually in logical or symbolic categories, or values. That is, between the perceived object and our perception, a system of thought emerges that, like a set of

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" »

Sociology: Key Concepts and Social Dynamics

Sociology is the science that studies, describes, and analyzes the processes of life in society. Its object of study is human beings and their social relations within human societies.

Objectives of Sociology

• To acquire an overview of all topics related to this discipline.
• To facilitate the student's analysis of the social dimensions of education.
• Understanding of society.
• Familiarization of students with the method of sociological social processes.
• Knowledge of how social influences operate in the classroom.
• Formation of a critical attitude towards the social influences of education.

Key Sociological Concepts

The Family as an Institution: Area of identity, sexuality area, economic area, and ego-strengthening... Continue reading "Understanding Sociology: Key Concepts and Social Dynamics" »

Human Behavior: Understanding Our Responses

The environment affects us, moving us inwardly. We not only react with sadness and joy but also participate by responding in directly palpable ways. *Behavior* is the manner in which we react to observable reality.

Inherited vs. Learned Behavior: A Core Distinction

We define behavior as the observable reactions an individual has to a stimulus, whether internal or external.

What differentiates *behavior* is that these reactions can be observed, tested, and analyzed by anyone. For example, everyone can see when I cover my eyes with glasses, but no one can know what I think. This highlights the main difference between observable behavior and internal thought processes.

Instinctive Behavior: Innate Responses

Instinctive... Continue reading "Human Behavior: Instincts, Learning, and Adaptive Responses" »

The Body, Performance, and Social Control in Athletics

Body Transformations and the Instrumental Relationship

The transformations considered by their relationship with the instrumental use of the body can be divided into three categories:

• Therapeutic
• Non-therapeutic
• Flattering (performance enhancement)

It is crucial to recognize the fine line between drug therapy used when an athlete is sick and assistance that merely flatters or enhances performance.

The Body as an Instrument of Social Action

The body, as an instrument of action on human society, utilizes various techniques. All techniques of the body may be subject to considerations that interpret them as repressive actions on the individual.

Techniques of the body that require adaptation, such as... Continue reading "Analyzing Body Techniques, Performance Enhancement, and Gender Barriers in Sports" »