Name
Chamberlain University
PSYC-110: Psychology
Prof. Name
Date
Over the course of the past eight weeks, I have gained a foundational understanding of psychology. This includes an improved grasp of behavioral patterns and mental health disorders, compared to my knowledge prior to starting this class. This presentation serves as a reflection of my learning journey, showcasing the key concepts and theories I found most impactful. I have highlighted significant insights from each topic, with a focus on what I learned and internalized through the course outcomes.
| Outcome #1 | Human Behavior in the 1900s |
|---|---|
| Theoretical Perspective | Analyze theoretical perspectives related to human behavior, focusing on physiological explanations for behavioral changes. |
| Key Psychologist | John B. Watson was a leading figure in the 1920s who utilized the behavioral approach to study human actions (Feldman, 2019). |
| Watson’s Belief | Watson asserted that human behavior could be understood through observation and was significantly influenced by the surrounding environment. |
| Human Behavior in the 2000s | |
|---|---|
| Nature vs. Nurture | The contemporary view of human behavior emphasizes the nature vs. nurture debate to explain the motivations behind individuals’ actions. |
| Developmental Influence | Modern perspectives suggest that behavior is shaped by early childhood experiences and familial environments. |
| Violence Study | Human behavior is also analyzed in cases of violence and mass shootings to seek explanations and preventive measures. |
| Outcome #2 | Consciousness in the 1900s |
|---|---|
| Sensation and Perception | Assess the processes of sensation and perception and explore factors influencing consciousness. |
| Freud’s Contribution | Sigmund Freud explored the unconscious mind through the analysis of dreams, contributing to our understanding of subconscious perceptions (Feldman, 2019). |
| Dream Interpretation | Freud’s book on dream analysis provided a method to study how unconscious thoughts shape our worldview (Freud, 1900). |
| Consciousness in the 2000s | |
|---|---|
| Subconscious Analysis | In contemporary times, dreams are used to delve into an individual’s subconscious, often revealing internal conflicts or unresolved issues. |
| Emotional Insight | The subconscious mind offers clues about our emotions, memories, and how we interpret the world around us. |
| Freud’s Influence | Freud’s work continues to be valuable in understanding the symbolic meanings behind dreams. |
| Outcome #3 | Stress in the 1900s |
|---|---|
| Stress Analysis | Examine the physiological and psychological impact of stress, as well as techniques for stress management. |
| Shell Shock | During World War I, shell shock became a common diagnosis for soldiers who returned from battle unable to cope with the trauma (Jones, 2012). |
| Stress in the 2000s | |
|---|---|
| Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) | Today, PTSD is recognized as the modern equivalent of shell shock, affecting 10-18% of soldiers returning home (Feldman, 2019). |
| Financial Burden | The United States allocates approximately $3 million annually to assist veterans in receiving PTSD treatment. |
| Outcome #4 | Learning and Memory in the 1900s |
|---|---|
| Learning Models | Illustrate models of learning and memory. |
| Pavlov’s Research | Ivan Pavlov’s experiment on conditioned responses in dogs demonstrated how animals and humans develop habits based on repetitive stimuli (Feldman, 2019). |
| Learning and Memory in the 2000s | |
|---|---|
| Habit Formation | Pavlov’s work continues to influence the understanding of how habits are formed, and psychologists use this knowledge to treat mental disorders. |
| Memory and Treatment | By examining memory, psychologists can explore the origins of behavioral patterns and address mental health issues. |
| Outcome #5 | Motivation and Personality in the 1900s |
|---|---|
| Theories of Motivation | Analyze key theories on motivation and personality. |
| Maslow’s Hierarchy | Maslow’s hierarchy of needs outlines the progression of human desires, starting with physiological needs and culminating in self-actualization (Feldman, 2019). |
| Freud’s Theory | Freud’s theory emphasized the unconscious mind as a significant factor in shaping personality (Feldman, 2019). |
| Motivation and Personality in the 2000s | |
|---|---|
| Economic Motivation | In contemporary society, motivation is often driven by economic factors rather than individual needs and desires. |
| Influence of Relationships | Today, personality is also shaped by the social circles an individual interacts with during adolescence and adulthood. |
| Outcome #6 | Development in the 1900s |
|---|---|
| Developmental Changes | Describe major physical, cognitive, and social developmental changes from infancy to adulthood. |
| Stages of Life | Psychologists began studying life stages to understand when key developmental milestones occur, from basic motor skills in infancy to identity formation during adolescence. |
| Development in the 2000s | |
|---|---|
| Identifying Issues | Modern doctors use earlier developmental research to identify when problems arise in the growth process. |
| Mental Disorders | Insights from developmental psychology help to understand the onset of mental disorders at various life stages. |
| Outcome #7 | Mental Disorders in the 1900s |
|---|---|
| Types of Disorders | Describe various psychological disorders, causes, and societal responses. |
| Early Beliefs | In earlier times, mental illnesses were attributed to demonic possession, and treatments were harsh, often involving electrotherapy (Feldman, 2019). |
| Mental Disorders in the 2000s | |
|---|---|
| Modern Research | In the present day, research has advanced to provide a deeper understanding of mental disorders and their causes. |
| Treatment Advances | Treatment is now tailored to the individual’s specific disorder, using various therapeutic perspectives, including medical and cognitive approaches. |
Feldman, R. S. (2019). Understanding psychology. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Education.
Freud, S., & Freud, S. (1995). The interpretation of dreams ; and On dreams: (1900-1901). London: Hogarth Press.
John B. Watson. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://hberglund210.weebly.com/john-b-watson.html
Jones, E. (2012, June). Shell Shocked. Retrieved from https://www.apa.org/monitor/2012/06/shell-shocked
Mental Health Diagnoses. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.naminycmetro.org/diagnoses-mental-health/?gclid=CjwKCAiAy9jyBRA6EiwAeclQhNQfZ0bXmKcNa6GqpJNwba4xE1Dzlg_0r5JBrxuS-EreF-rbQChRBoC1_4QAvD_Bw
