Final ProjectBy Mackenzie Santiago

Psychology of The Earliest Form

Record studies of human psyche date back as far as 300 B.C. At the time of proposal most doubted the claims which now make up the base for psychology as a science. Over time philosophers thought to apply the scientific theory to philological studies. With the application of this new process phycology could be backed by solid results and experimental procedures establishing the concept as an undeniable science.

Some of the first philosophers to record observations of an individuals behavior and mental process were Plato, Socrates, and Aristotle. Theories of this particular science took more time to gain acceptance than others. This was because without the proper technologies we have today, it was near impossible to prove connections between mind, body, and psyche for even the most influential individuals.

Without the many theories existing to makeup the existing history of psychology modern scientists would not have the previously developed data to apply current technologies to. We could still be developing concepts which have been settled for hundred of years now. I personally use the historical data collected from years of intense research as a way to better understand the actions of myself, and others. Having a better understanding of psychology helps me to see what could be going on inside of someone’s head to make them act a certain way when I otherwise might have no clue as to what can make a person tic.

Personal Application

As Social Developments Occur

What a child experiences in his or her earliest years of life may contribute to the mold of psychological developments that an individual will form throughout an entire lifetime. The concept of social development includes the ability to identify emotions in one’s self and others, regulate emotional responses, and form meaningful relationships along the way. Unlearned responses such as preferring the mothers voice over others, and showing particular interest in human faces over inanimate objects suggest human beings may be born with an innate capacity for emotional connections. In other words observational studies show human beings having developed this hypothetical processing plant; taking form in healthy minds at the earliest stages of fetal development. Even without a single other being around to teach the skills of social development a human has the potential to teach himself social skills.

In Relation To My Life

Upon learning this information I took interest in which kinds of environmental situations a person is likely to have spent his earlier parts of life in. Taking ideas of previous situations and comparing them to what can be observed in children of the modern day helps me in understanding understanding my own mental process, as well as others. Knowing the way an experience in childhood might take an effect in ones adult life definitely helps me in making more conscious decisions in the presence of influential little ones. Understanding the concept of social developments seems to have helped me become a better babysitter.

Units of Mental Storage

Memory will exist in a short or long-term format inside a healthy mind. Short-term memories correspond with working-memories as your brain creates and plans to carry out behaviors. Long-term memories will also be used in the working plan, but commonly speaking short-term memory will be used more often because they require much less mental energy to gain access to.

On top of staying accessible for longer periods of time, the long-term memory portion of a functioning brain is much larger than the short term section. The neurons responsible for holding connections between memories strengthens over time as the separate neurons communicate with each other across the synapse. Habits will form as the connection is strengthened through repetitive use of a particular pathway.

Personally

Having an understanding of why, and how habits will form helps in keeping unhealthy habits from developing. In knowing which actions are more likely to bring me closer to getting into the habit of performing an action I do not so much agree with I can make the necessary adjustments to keep myself in control of the actions, rather than having a habit take control of me. Understanding the connection process also helps when I want to get into new habits. For example, If I wanted to become more active in a long-term sense, because of the information provided by this course I know consistent smaller acts of physical activity over multiple days, is more likely to get me stuck on better physical activity trends than picking one day a week to run for as long as I can.

Acquiring Every Language

Language acquisition by process develops differently in children of every culture. Nom Chomsky suggested language development in humans is completely in innate character due to the fact that children, regardless of their natural language, will achieve language milestones around the same time. Others believe an innate ability may exist, however environmental factors will definitely play a role in the way a child learns how to verbally communicate. Experience and practice appear to be essential in language development according to B.F. Skinner. Children are believed to develop the most natural language abilities up to the age of ten. At the same time, bilingual children learning both languages before the age of ten have tendencies to develop small vocabularies in both languages when compared to those mastering one language early on, then another after the age of ten.

What This Has To Do With Myself

I am only fluent in one language, that being English. Reading through this lesson has helped me in understanding the visible differences between bilingual and monolingual speakers. Each form of development comes with it’s pros and cons. Knowing the way a person is likely to perceive information helps me to make a more educated guess in the best way to communicate with someone of one or more languages based on their assumed understanding in language.

Abnormal

Individuals have tried to observe and classify abnormal behaviors for centuries, common citizens and psychological professionals alike. Many approaches over the years to examine physiological malfunctions have been classified as inhumane, and are no longer practiced by professionals. In the late 1800s Syphilis was discovered, and scientist began to link abnormal behaviors with the physical illness. Since then scientific developments and research have come to a point were behavior abnormalities can now help in diagnosing mental illnesses within patients. These illnesses are treatable in various ways such as medication and therapy. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) was developed to categorize standard symptoms of known philological disorders. This book of common knowledge helps professionals to successfully diagnose and treat patients from a scientific point, ensuring there is no personal bias in play.

To Me

As I mature I can not help but notice the way some individuals stand out in society. Some for wonderful reasons, others not so much. An abnormality in behavior is relatively easy to spot, the less common the action of one person might be the more likely they are to draw attention to themselves. This being said, seeing an abnormality and understanding one create two completely different circumstances. Onlookers noticing an abnormal behavior they have no previous knowledge on might result in negative actions by the commoner. Being aware of the concept of abnormalities being cause by psychological dysfunctions helps me to keep comfort for myself and others whenever I meet someone who seems to be different. Even if their psychological disorder causes a person to act rudely, I know that they are not acting to intentional offend or cause any sort of harm, it is just the way their brain functions. Sharing my information with others helps to keep most people at an understanding and helpful point of view.