Monday, January 27, 2020

Demonstrate an understanding of relevant theories

Demonstrate an understanding of relevant theories Psychology Portfolio Presentation One of the best ways of presenting work as a psychology student is through the completion of a personal portfolio as one progresses through the respective curriculum in psychology. Moreover, it enables easier assessment and evaluation of the success of the psychology curriculum in terms of objectives and goal fulfillment. This is represented in the following discussions: Demonstrate an understanding of relevant theories Application of scientific methodology Basic Knowledge in keys areas Upholding professionalism in psychology Understanding of relevant psychological theories is an important factor in the understanding of the psychological curriculum. It enables students to understand the application of scientific methodologies in carrying out research undertaken in the psychological field. For instance, the students will be able to become acquainted with how theoretical frameworks can be applied during the real study (Betz, 2008). Additionally, the study of core courses in different intermediate levels enables the learners to gain the basic knowledge necessary for grasping the course provisions. This enables students to understand the application of different theories as they progress from one level to the next. Not only will this enable them to understand the areas that are required of them in partial fulfillment of the course but also enables them to identify particular subfields of the discipline that fits their interests. Finally, psychology as a discipline ensures that learners as prepared to gain psy chological knowledge by not only studying it as a social science but also as a profession (Betz, 2008). This entails learners being taught how to write unmistakably and effectively by following the appropriate professional standards. Include examples to support major points Conceptualize current societal issues Conducting assessment and practice Citing relevant theories Theories are not always accurate because they are not only based on individual viewpoints but also are subject to stand the test of time. Therefore, it is advisable to support each theoretical assumptions with supportive evidence that can be verified when the need arises. This can be achieved by relating the current issues affecting the society with theoretical assumptions (Westefeld, 2009). Alternatively, assumptions are usually drawn from research that has been undertaken and therefore it easier to support theories by relating them to research findings that had been undertaken before. Finally, other related or relevant theories can be cited to boost the validity of oneà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s assumptions. Psychological theories and their importance. behavior theories cognitive theories Developmental theories The nature of human behavior and thoughts has led to the development of various psychological theories that try to explain them. Behavioral theories help to demonstrate ways in which new behaviors and information can be acquired though conditioning. Cognitive theories are centered on internal states of the human nature and therefore aid thinking, decision-making, and problem solving (Williams, et al (2008). Lastly, developmental theories do serve to provide a framework from which understanding of factors relating to human growth and development are covered. Psychological theories and their disadvantages Humanistic Theories Personality theories Social Psychology Theories Arguably, not all psychological theories are easy to understand and relate. For instance, humanist theories focus on the goodness of human behavior, a factor that is not practicable in society. On the other hand, personality theories concentrate in the study of personalities of people around us. These require that one invest a great deal of time in scrutinizing such behaviors, a fact that I do not like (Betz, 2008). Finally, social psychology theories are focused on the study of social behavior and require giving attention to particular aspects of social phenomena. Criteria of arriving at conclusions. -Understanding the Knowledge Base Identifying major concepts Using Technology Understanding of various psychological aspects requires deep understanding of the discipline. This factor enables learners to gain an insight of what is being proposed in the study. Alternatively, identification of key concepts and psychological models enables learners to arrive at conclusions (Westefeld, 2009). Finally, using technological applications to process data into information enables them to arrive at conclusions. Future influences of theories in psychology. Improve human counseling Competent professional relationships Integration of science and practice Psychological theories are certain to discover new ways of performing psychological related chores. In turn, this will improve the level of service delivery in many areas such as improvements in human counseling whereby excellent services will be delivered to patients (Williams, et al (2008). Additionally, psychological practitioners will try to outdo each other in the delivery of services thereby leading to increased completion amongst themselves and thusly, the formation of competent professional relationships. Lastly, the need for scientific researched to support proposed psychological theories would increase thereby increasing integration between science and practice (Williams, et al (2008). New Methods in Psychology Information and Technological literacy Ability to utilize the power of computers Technological Applications in Psychology With the advent of new technological innovations, each discipline will be backed by technological integration and psychology will not be left behind. This entails improving literacy in learners through the integration of information technology programs in the study of psychology, the use of computers by learners and lastly, development of technological applications specifically meant for psychology (Inman, and Ladany, 2008). Effects on the worldview Understand psychological concepts Improved self assessment Increased levels of applications and understanding The information contained in this presented is certainly going to impact heavily on how I view things from the psychological perspective. To begin with, it will enable me to fully understand the application of psychological concepts and their relationships to theory, enable me to improve ways of self-assessment and finally, enable me to apply diversified technological applications in the field of psychology (Betz, 2008). critical or creative thinking Ability to think critically Applying appropriate scientific approaches Decision making and problem solving Critical thinking enabled me to logically demonstrate the necessary applications of theory concepts, formulate the design and organized presentations when undertaking scientific approaches (Westefeld, 2009). Finally, critical thinking was useful in solving problems and making decisions. Psychological Language Right psychological terms Correct writing style Professionally written Understanding of psychological terms is very useful in this presentation to ensure that flow of information is not interrupted (Inman, and Ladany, 2008). Additionally, the paper ensures that it follows the correct writing style to ensure that it meets the standards of professionalism typical of this paper. Importance of theories Understanding theories Their scope and applications Relationships to research This curriculum requires that learners master the applications of different psychological theories in different scenarios. Specifically, their importance and how they are applied in different perspectives is very important. Finally, demonstrations on how they can be related to psychological research are also another important factor that these theories help to achieve. Applications Writing abilities Research skills Applied experience The study of this discipline enabled me to acquire practical skills that are applicable in real life situations. Throughout the study, we were equipped with writing skills that enabled us to produce accurate and well-written professional papers in addition to sharpening our research skills though carrying out studies on various topics. Finally, applied experience was acquired through participating in real life situations by assuming roles such as psychological counselors and practitioners.

Saturday, January 18, 2020

Handling Multicultural Environment Essay

Any single culture is multidimensional, and in this time of globalization, people belonging to various cultures are sharing common workplace where they are bound to interact with one another. This situation certainly calls for a thorough training on cultural competency for all members of any multicultural organization, and especially for the managers who have the job to unify all employees’ aims and aspirations with the goals of their company. Such a task is easier said than done; as there is plethora of instances where cultural difference has shattered the dreams of the company. However, there is no dearth of opposite instances too, where successful implementation of multicultural philosophy has brought in sustainable competitive advantage for the companies. In either way, this state of affairs substantiates the importance of seriously considering â€Å"organization as culture† and adopting right steps to achieve the status of a true-blue multicultural organization. With this point of view, this paper explores how the organizations can impart quality training to their managers, besides evaluating the efficacy of the established theories/ideas on this issue, before reaching its own conclusion. Multicultural Environment Any workplace comprising of employees from more than one culture can be called a multicultural organization. Here the word â€Å"culture† contains several interpretation, though in general, it speak about a package of perception, belief and acquired behavioral process, containing elements like â€Å"learned and shared values, beliefs and behaviors to a particular group of people† (Yamashita, 2004). On the other hand, multiculturalism is a â€Å"Doctrine asserting value of different cultures coexisting within single society; globally, vision of cultural diversity deliberately fostered and protected† (Globalization, 2000). In plain words, it is a concept of aligning various cultures to serve a common purpose. Common Problems in Multicultural Environment Problems occur when cultural difference and consequently, difference in perception about a particular issue/act/custom/or policy stands between the individuals or groups. Such situations can occur anytime at any multicultural set up, which can begin with little differences like meaning of a word, eating habits, or religious practice, whatever, and that can fuel a bigger set of difference, if not timely diffused. For example, the word, â€Å"monkey† contains hint of racism in some parts of the world, while it is only a simple definition of primate in the other. Now if someone from that special part of the world is called a monkey, s/he might react furiously, no matter how innocent the caller is. Understandably, such channel noises , are the outcome of one’s ignorance about others’ culture. Specific Problems in Multicultural Environment This takes place when cultural difference puts spanner in the process of work. This too, can emerge out of various situations like managers’ or employees’ biases about their culture, or from ignorance about â€Å"what means what†. It is not uncommon for a manager to find difficulty in catering a multicultural audience at one go, if some of the members do not understand managers’ spoken language, or their idioms sound idiotic to their ears. This again points towards the importance of grooming to the tune of multicultural philosophy. Theories for Help No matter how much humans developed their science and technology, they are yet to discover a device that would be able to interpret one’s thought for another. It is for this reason, the age-old art and science of effective communication still works wonders for every sphere of life and it is in fact the oxygen of any multicultural organization. Thus it would be pertinent to mention about two such theories out of many, to explain how theories can save the day for the managers of multicultural organizations. What these theories do is, they form the foundation of understanding among humans, which is the prime condition to rise above any cultural biases and to accept the fact that humans are all equal at their basements. ERG Theory This is an improvised version of Abraham Maslow’s (1908-1970) famous model of Hierarchy of Needs (Maslow’s, 2008), created by Clayton Alderfer after prolonged research, which adds more flexibility in determining the needs of an individual, which it does by reorienting the elements from Maslow’s model into three segments like Existence (E) – It involves physiological and safety needs. Relatedness (R) – It contains social and external esteem needs. Growth (G) – Self-actualization and internal esteem needs. (ERG, 2007). Clayton’s model allows to set the order of needs according to the existing need structure of an employee, besides providing the scope to pursue different needs simultaneously. Accordingly, company can motivate any individual on any of the E, R or G needs – while looking after an individual’s E need (say, where an employee needs a safety measure), the company can look after the same individual’s R needs (like awarding her for her achievement) and G needs (inducting the individual in the think tank of the department). Expectancy Value Theory Founded by Martin Fishbein in the 1970-s, suggesting that people â€Å"mould themselves to the world in accordance with their expectations/beliefs and evaluations† (Expectancy, 2004). This serves as a pointer to the fact that behavior or behavioral intentions or attitudes evolve out of expectancy and evaluation, where the expectancy is an idea about a situation or object and evaluation is one’s estimation about the impact of that idea/situation/object on any plane. Theories Groom Vision  If the entire team of a workplace can adopt a vision in the light of the Expectancy Value Theory, where they would ‘expect’ that they are devoted to the collective goal. Once armed with this vision, the following areas of communication would definitely take a new turn as the outcome of reorientation of one’s approach to the world: Intrapersonal communication: The vision would make the employee think like â€Å"I’m attached to an important organ of the society and thus I have more responsibility to meet its expectations†. Communication with clients: The vision will make the employees more patient and taking interest in communicating with clients belonging to another culture. Team Communication: There would be less conflict of ego or other minor areas of personal interests, as the greater cause will influence all members to align their approach towards the perceived goal (achieving high standards of service).

Friday, January 10, 2020

A FIgg For The Oh Death Essay

Edward Taylor was a pastor, physician and an American poet. He lived between 1642 and 1729; a time of devastating living conditions. At this time America was still a colony of Britain a fact that increased human problems (Jerrett, 384). Edward, as everyone else, lived in terror of his life and home being in danger. Yet, during these terrifying moments, he drafted poetry one of them being _A fig for thee oh! Death._ Being a strong believer of Christian faith, Edward was determined to ascertain his belief of life after death. Just like most of his poem, â€Å"_A fig for thee oh! Death†_ aimed at criticizing death. The analysis in the succeeding sections focuses on the poem in details paying special attention to his description and attitude towards death. In addition, an analysis is provided concerning Edward’s central message, which was firmly founded in his unending faith in God. The poem’s title insinuates that the main idea was basically focused on the death phenomenon. However, perhaps it is possible to derive a different meaning from the manner Taylor addresses the subject matter. In the poem, he vows vehemently his lack of confrontation to save his life, his body, from cruelty of passing away, for God protect his soul (Jerrett, 386). Accordingly, it can be concluded that Edward attempted to prove that there was notable disparity between soul and body. At the same time, he also shows his attempt to reconcile the huge gap between body and soul. From the start of the poem, the poet creates two edges that form a man, the human Saul and body, â€Å"_Kernel†¦..nut_† (Taylor 306). Death is embodied as a ghastly monster that is a man-eater, characterized by terrible â€Å"_Ghastly eyes†¦.bare bones_.† Its attempt to destroy human body does not scare Taylor. He adds that the  soul is safeguarded by the Almighty God â€Å"_its heavenly Kernel’s box abides most safe.†(Taylor_ 306). It can be noted that the speaker is eager to abandon the body and that is why he compares it to the body of a temptress, a hedonist. Thus the central idea of the poem swings from contemplation of natural death, to the mortal body which is portrayed as a liability to the speaker (Jerrett, 389). Moreover, the narrator looks at death as a savior, a weapon strong enough to conquer the evil. Indeed, he considered death the wiles and temptations of the body. Therefore, he suggests that it the monster should be welcomed as destroyer of human body and not the soul. In fact, he is fully confident that the only thing that prevents him from going to heaven and from realizing grace is the fresh (Jerrett, 391). The poet is also confident that disposal of the fresh through death will mark the beginning of the judgment day, † _Till she hath slept out quite her fatal sleep. When the last cock shall crow the last day in†¦_† (Taylor 307). Thereafter, the destroyed, imprisoned and ultimately faulty body will accompany the soul to heaven. Death changes from being a monster to a necessary element crucial in attaining grace of God. However, later on perspective of the speaker changes where he admonish death for killing the fresh so slowly thereby keeping the narrator from ascending to heaven. He says â€Å"_is this the worst thy terror then canst. Why then should this grimace at me terrify?†_(Taylor 307) The poem helped Taylor to resolve the scuffle of the soul and the body. He manages to illustrate how the human body can offer numerous temptations and still allow a person to go to heaven. The main message that Edward is putting across is that there is life after death. Therefore he feels that people should not fear death because the savior (Jesus Christ) also died, resurrected and ascended to heaven. Works Cited Taylor, Edward. â€Å"A Fig for Thee, Oh! Death.† _The Norton Anthology of American Literature_. Gen. ed. Nina Baym. 8th ed. Vol. A. New York: Norton, 2012. 306-307. Print. _Jerrett, M. â€Å"American Literature to 1900.† Years’ Work English Studies, (1978), 57(1): 382-397_

Thursday, January 2, 2020

Ken Kesey s One Flew Over The Cuckoo s Nest - 1629 Words

Written in 1962, Ken Kesey’s One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest is a timeless classic. This novel has been subject to analysis through many different literary lenses: feminist, Marxist, and of course, psychoanalytic. One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest provides a plethora of evidence when it comes to using the psychoanalytic lens. The lens in question deals with the teaching of Sigmund Freud. When reading this novel, the audience sees quite clearly that the world of psychology plays an impactful role in One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest. This is demonstrated by the author’s own experiences, the use of mental illnesses, and the protagonist’s return to sanity. The author of One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest, Ken Kesey, based this novel largely on his own experiences. As stated by David Wright in an article about Ken Kesey’s life, â€Å"Two of the clearest points of origin for the setting and events in One Flew Over the Cuckoo s Nest were Kesey s introduction to LSD in 1959 and the time that he spent working at the Veterans Administration (VA) hospital in Menlo Park, California, in 1961† (Wright 3). Kesey â€Å"worked in the psychiatric ward at the VA hospital as a night aide, a job similar perhaps to that of Mr. Turkle in the novel† (Wright 3). The job allowed him time to â€Å"observe the day-to-day operation of a mental facility and granted him the opportunity to get to know some of the patients† (Wright 3). After spending so much of his time in the ward, he found that he was â€Å"fascinated andShow MoreRelatedOne Flew Over The Cuckoo s Nest By Ken Kesey1534 Words   |  7 PagesThe portrayal of women and minorities in the novel One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest by Ken Kesey, shows readers the opinions of a majority of the population during the 1960s in which women in power were ridiculed. The book’s antagonist Nurse Ratched is presented as machine-like, and robotic. This shows how author Ken Kesey dehumanizes women who are in power, and decides to take away all their feminine qualities when they are in power because to Kesey it simply doesn t make sense that a female can beRead MoreOne Flew Over The Cuckoo s Nest By Ken Kesey1925 Words   |  8 PagesPatient: Bromden, Chief For many years in modern history, what occurred in mental institutions were not well known and discussed about widely. One book that actually brought the reality of what happens inside mental institutions to public attention was the book entitled â€Å"One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest† written by Ken Kesey. The book shows the lives of the people residing in an Oregon mental asylum through the perspective of the patient named Chief Bromden. In the book, it isn’t stated exactly whatRead MoreOne Flew Over The Cuckoo s Nest By Ken Kesey1860 Words   |  8 PagesThe book titled, â€Å"One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest† written by Ken Kesey is what I chose to read and evaluate. Before I go any further, it is important to share some of Kesey’s background in order to better understand why he wrote this book. After receiving his bachelor’s degree, Kesey ended up at Stanford University in a creative writing program. During his time at Stanford, he volunteered himself to be in an experimental drug program where he was used to test the different effects of the drugs atRead MoreOne Flew Over The Cuckoo s Nest By Ken Kesey1332 Words   |  6 Pagesboth a bully or that one individual that we simply didn t need to be around or even anybody they knew. Additionally, every person has had that one character they favored, for sticking up for themselves and declaring what they wanted, even though it intended sure punishment. In One Flew Over the Cuckoo s Nest by author Ken Kesey, these attributes stick out in the story. A dialogue of the setting, theme, and character situations into the story will help one capture how ones’ feelings fall into lineRead MoreOne Flew Over The Cuckoo s Nest By Ken Kesey1579 Words   |  7 PagesIn the book One Flew Over the Cuckoo s Nest by Ken Kesey we are taken into the mind of a mental hospital patient who does not seem to cope well with reality. The whole book itself, revolves around the issue of either being sane or not. We are met with the thought of whether the narrator themselves are sane. But when it comes to our world today, we must ask ourselves how can we define someone as insane or sane? If if we can, who should be in charge of saying that they are? The first character thatRead MoreOne Flew Over The Cuckoo s Nest By Ken Kesey1873 Words   |  8 PagesThe novel I chose to read was entitled â€Å"One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest† written by Ken Kesey. First off, It is important to provide some of Ken Kesey’s background in order to better understand why he wrote it. After receiving his bachelor’s degree, Kesey ended up at Stanford in a creative writing program. He ended up volunteering in an experimental drug program where he was used to test the different effects of the drugs at the Local Veterans Administration hospital. This was where he began toRead MoreKen Kesey s One Flew Over The Cuckoo s Nest1716 Words   |  7 PagesThe Geese in the Wolf’s Nest â€Å"The creatures outside looked from pig to man, and from man to pig, and from pig to man again; but already it was impossible to say which was which.† (Orwell). Although animals might only look like animals, they are symbols of deeper meanings. Throughout the fiction novel One Flew over the Cuckoo’s Nest, by Ken Kesey, many symbols/motifs are presented in the form of animals that represent characters. These animals give meaning to the story and illuminate the plot by givingRead MoreAnalysis Of One Flew Over The Cuckoo s Nest By Ken Kesey1622 Words   |  7 Pagesor someone. Leadership on the other hand, may be a tool used to overcome authority which is depicted when McMurphy is admitted into the ward and effectively changes the patient’s lives for the better. Throughout the novel, One Flew over the Cuckoo’s Nest, written by Ken Kesey, McMurphy’s leadership dominates Nurse Ratched’s authority due to his success in transforming the patie nts into better people from the second of his arrival and giving them the option to live a better life. McMurphy, a gamblerRead MoreAnalysis Of Ken Kesey s One Flew Over The Cuckoo s Nest2637 Words   |  11 Pages The Author and His/Her Times: Ken Kesey was born on September 17, 1935 and died on November 10, 2011 at age 66. Kesey was once arrested for possession of marijuana and a â€Å"faked suicide† and was put into prison for five years. He also had a lot of experimentation with psychoactive drugs, which could spark his interest in the human mind, which has a lot of influence on the novel, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest. The novel was put on The Times list of To honor Kesey after his death, there is a filmRead MoreOne Flew Over The Cuckoo s Nest By Ken Kesey1625 Words   |  7 PagesWorks of literature innately embody the author’s ideology and the historical context of the given time period. Within the novel, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, by Ken Kesey, the author furthers his ideals against the issue of oppression as he attempts to take stabs again st its deteriorating effects and support those who rebel. Set in the microcosm of a small mental hospital, he establishes man’s external struggle to overcome tyranny. At the head of the head of the ward is the corrupted character