Monday, January 27, 2020

Early Psychology And Introspection Psychology Essay

Early Psychology And Introspection Psychology Essay The question of whether psychology is a science persists. John Broadus Watson ignited this topic, offering strong evidence in pursuits of establishing psychology as an empirical science. Today, some psychologists reject the idea that psychology is a science at all, while others who agree weigh heavily on the role of behavior. Historically, traditional views on psychology have been unscientific. Offering an alternative view, the central idea in behaviorism is the prediction and control of behavior. Although controversial, the evidence for behaviorism, its contribution to the field, research, and treatment of disorders is undeniable. This paper addresses a history of behaviorism, with focus on the viewpoint and contribution of John B. Watson. Additionally, behaviorisms application to the field of clinical psychology is discussed. Keywords: behaviorism, learning, classical conditioning Behaviorism: A History of John B. Watson and Contributions to Clinical Psychology The interest in knowing and understanding human behavior is deeply rooted within historical philosophies and persists today. The desire to obtain tangible evidence in order to measure ones actions, thoughts, and emotions paved many ideas, including John Broadus Watsons revolutionary theory of Behaviorism (Hart Kristonis, 2006). Before he established behaviorism, Watson considered learning as one of the most important factors of psychology and established it as a central topic for basic research and application of American psychology (Rilling, 2000). Dissatisfied with the view that psychology focused on the mind, he dedicated his career to establishing psychology as a valid science. His dedication to learning and establishment of behaviorism shed light on several important clinical issues such as mental health disorders, drug addiction and phobias. In regards to theory, Watson is credited for having brought validity to some of the psychoanalytic concepts such as the role of early chi ldhood experiences, relationships, and the effects of trauma. His interest and dedication to uncovering psychopathology led to the discovery of conditioned emotional responses and an explanation for learning of feared behaviors (Rilling, 2000). Today, the contribution of Watson is undeniable. Therapies with strong behavioral components are utilized and applicable to many disorders. The purpose of this paper is to provide a history of Watsons behaviorism emphasizing the foundations of his work through his viewpoint. In addition to history, behaviorist contribution within the field of psychology and modern clinical psychology utilization are discussed. Historical Roots of Behaviorism Science originally developed within, and eventually navigated away from philosophy. Before astronomy and physics understood phenomena through observation, philosophers used God as the means to reason and conclude about the universe (Baum, 1994). Philosophers weighed heavily on Gods contribution to living and nonliving organisms, referencing the soul as the force of life. The Enlightenment saw substantial contributions to science as philosophers such as Galileo and Newton uncovered scientific truth through observation (Baum, 1994). Emphasizing data, early physiologists such as William Harvey conceptualized the body as a machine, discovering in which the heart functioned like a pump, circulating blood through tissues, arteries and veins (Baum, 1994). In addition, Charles Darwins theory of evolution radically debunked the bibles accounts of the creation and offered a new explanation that left out God (Baum, 1994). As astronomy, physics, chemistry and biology began to break away from phi losophical thought, so did the field of psychology. Early Psychology and Introspection Late nineteenth century labeled psychology as the science of mind. The field of psychology emerged as a discipline through Wilhelm Wundts laboratory at the University of Leipzig in 1879 (Moore, 2011). In his work, Wundt assumed that the study of consciousness was the appropriate subject for psychology, conducting experiments within areas now known as sensation and perception. Following Wundt, Titcheners structuralism, focused on sensations, images, and feelings, researched by drawing inferences from participants introspective reports and reaction times, indicating which sensations were higher or lower in the structure of consciousness (Moore, 2011). An alternative functionalism employed similar methods as structuralists but emphasized the function of conscious mental phenomena. For example, functionalists might use reaction times to study how childrens conscious mental phenomena developed over time, in efforts to provide individual education services (Moore, 2011). Concerns manifeste d in practical applications of either theory, and a lack of reliability. Introspection as a method was particularly problematic. For instance, concerning the lack of reliability, research findings with the introspective method were not often replicated with other participants or in other laboratories (Moore, 2011). Problems with Psychology The major emphasis of contention for Watson within psychology was introspection, specifically within the theories of structuralism and functionalism. Structuralist and functionalist views incorporated introspection to understand the contents and function of consciousness, using it as data in forming conclusions about human behavior (Carr, 1930; Boring, 1954). Unlike scientific method, Watson believed that introspection was biased towards the individual, had unreliable methods and formed baseless speculations (Baum, 1994; Watson, 1913). Further, he discarded introspective methods due to their inapplicability to animals, believing that the fundamentals of human behavior may be better explained through animal experiments. He rejected both theories, due to his belief that they lacked the applicability, consistency and logic for the more pressing issues within the field (Mills, 1999; Watson; 1913). To Watson, the introspective aspects of consciousness (feeling, choice, judgment) had not d emonstrated functional use, were unreliable and impossible to verify in an experimental setting (Boring, 1954). Behaviorist Psychology Watson grew frustrated with psychology defined as science of consciousness, attributing to psychologys failure in becoming a true science (Watson, 1913). It was in his 1913 publication Psychology as the Behaviorist Views it, that he stated his intentions to change the subject of psychology from consciousness to behavior, replacing introspective methods with objective approaches. For him, the goal of behaviorist psychology was in the prediction and control of behavior (Goss, Watson, 1913; 1924; Rilling, 2000). From his point of view, behavior is a function of stimulating conditions within in the environment and characteristics (e.g., drive states, hereditary, habit, emotions) within the organism, later defining behaviorism as stimulus-response, or S-R (Wozniak, 1997; Watson, 1919). According to him, behavior consists of motor and glandular responses to sensory stimuli (sensorimotor) (Woodworth, 1959). A stimulus arouses activity in one or more receptors, exciting nerve impulses in the brain and spinal cord where outgoing nerve currents are excited in the motor and glandular nerves with resulting excitation of muscles and glands. Whatever organizational activity is taking place, it is present in the brain and spinal cord, and should not be attributed to higher processes (Woodworth, 1959). Watson formally ruled introspection out of psychology and urged for applicable undertakings within psychology, beneficial to the legal, educational, medical and business arenas (Boring, 1954; Watson, 1913; Mills, 1999). For the first time behaviorism was given definitive goals, methods and parameters.   The structure that Watson illustrated for the behaviorism was a discipline based heavily in rationalist thought, and on the precept that learning, and habit is the major influence on development (Rilling, 2000; King, Viney, Woody, 2009). Thinking and Language. Watson believed that the causes of behavior were within the environment rather than the mind (Markey, 1925). In his 1919 book Psychology From the Standpoint of a Behaviorist, Watson rejected the concept of mind completely, extending all of his behaviorist views to introspective activities, such as language and thinking (Markey, 1925). According to him, thinking a mental process, is actually an overt behavior nothing more than sub-vocal speaking, or silent talking (Watson, 1920). Thinking is a verbal process where expressive movements (gestures) serve as substitution of words. In the study of human behavior, Watsons views on language explained consciousness and awareness as an objective mechanistic process. Higher order processing (e.g., expression of the face, hands, shoulders), fulfill the symbolic character necessary in language. Our whole body comes to be part of the language mechanism providing a basis for imagery, reasoning, and thought (Watson, 1920). To Freud, Watson proposed a behavioristic translation of the unconscious, stating that situations where language is covert, or un-verbalized is the unconscious, where overt language, speaking is the state of conscious (Goss, 1961; Watson, 1928). In summary, thinking, where learning is involved, is a trial-and-error process dependent upon motor expression and language (Watson, 1920). As the 20th century sought to uncover the actual mechanisms of learning, Watson discovered the opportunity to extend learning experiments to psychologists (Rilling, 2000). Central to his theory was the concept of habits. Watson believed that personality, like language also developed through a system of habit and conditioning, beginning immediately after birth. Furthermore, he believed that pathology depended on the environment, normal personality is a function of healthy upbringing, while weaknesses in person were related to trauma, or punishment (King et al., 2009). Behaviorists avoid terms such as normal and abnormal, because t hese words imply an absolute distinction between health and sickness (Roberts, 2012). Watson argued in which mental illness was a product of environmental conditioning, and is best illustrated through his famous work on fear conditioning (King et al., 2009). Contributions of Classical Conditioning. Like Pavlov, Watson believed in observing and training physical responses to stimuli without referencing the mind, allowing animal and human behavior to be interpreted similarly (Markey, 1925). Based on the animal experiments of Ivan Pavlov, Watson applied classical conditioning experiments in efforts to study human behavior and create an objective science. Watsons interest in animal learning provided him a tool for controlling behavior, preempting his widely recognized conditioning experiment of Albert B. Cited within psychologys history, Watson demonstrated the impact of classical conditioning to human emotional behavior (Harris, 1979; Watson Rayner, 1920). The goal of conditioning A.B. to fear a white rat by paring it with the presentation of a noise led to the discovery of conditioned emotional responses. Initially, A.B. did not display fear, however once rat and noise were paired and repeatedly presented, fear developed. After several presentations of rat and noise, a new respo nse, crying, was noticed, generalizing his fear response to new stimuli that appeared similar to the rat (Watson Rayner, 1920). Watsons clarification of psychopathology to the detection of conditioned emotional responses is proclaimed as his major contribution to the field of psychology (Rilling, 2000). Literature cites A.Bs conditioning as a model of psychopathology (e.g., specific phobia) and is often implemented within discussion of systematic desensitization as treatment for phobia (Harris, 1979; Eysenck, 1960). Through his theory and research, Watsons behaviorism unquestionably provided major contributions to the field of applied psychology. Behaviorism generated behavior therapy, developing behavior management techniques for children with autism and token economies for the management of severe mental illness (Spiegler Guevremont, 2010). Due to Watsons work, the areas of legal forensic psychology blossomed and continues have utility in courtroom matters (e.g., reliability of eyewitness testimony, fitness to stand trial) (Rilling, 2000). Due to the behaviorists, personality and development were given credit as the result of interaction between genetics and experience, holding true for abnormal and normal development (Roberts, 2012). In conclusion, Psychology is defined as the science of behavior. Supported through the works of John B. Watson, his passion and contribution to the field of psychology, the relevance of behaviorism is a permanent in the field of applied psychology.

Sunday, January 19, 2020

Childhood Illnesses Essay

2.1 There are many childhood illnesses listed below are some examples†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ Croup – A child can get croup at any time of the year, although it’s more likely to occur during late autumn/ early winter. This may be because there is more are :- a sore throat, runny nose, high temp and a cough. Over a day or 2 specific symptoms of croup will develop these include a bark like cough, a horse or croaky voice, difficulty breathing ( a harsh grating nois;lk.e when they breathe in) and have difficulty swallowing. If a child shows signs of suffering with Croup seek medical advice / visit GP. Measles – The initial symptoms of measles appear around day 10 after you have had the measles infection and last for up to 14 days. The measles rash usually appears within a few days. The initial symptoms are :- cold-like symptoms ( runny nose, watery eyes etc) eyes will be red and light sensitive, a temp peaking at 40.6ËšC/105F for several days ( their temp will then start to fall but will increase again once the rash appears) small greyish-white spots in the mouth and throat, tiredness ,irritability, lack of energy, aches and pains, poor appetite and a red/brown rash. The Measles rash appears 2-4 days after thee initial symptoms and can last for up to 8 days. The rash usually starts behind the ear then spreads to the head, neck and the rest of the body. The spots will usually get bigger and join up together. If you suspect a child has Measles seek medical advise/ visit GP. Mumps – The symptoms of mumps usually develop 14-25 days after the child has become infected. This is known as â€Å" the incubation period†. Swelling of the glands being the most common symptom that a child has Mumps (they are just below each ear). Other symptoms may include headache, joint pain, feeling sick, dry mouth, belly pain, feeling very tired, loss of appetite and a high temp (38ËšC/100.4ËšF) or above. Seek medical advice/ visit GP if you suspect a child has Mumps. Chicken Pox – The most common sign that a child has Chicken pox is a red rash that can cover their entire body. However, ever before the rash appears the child may have shown flu- like symptoms. Soon after an itchy rash will appear. Some children may only get a few spots while other will be completely covered. The spots normally appear in clusters and tend to be behind their ears, on their face, in their scalp, under their arms and behind their knee’s. But the spots can appear anywhere including in their mouth and ears. The rash will start small but will develop quickly within 12-24 hours and the spots will develop into blisters and become increasingly itchy. If you suspect a child has Chicken pox seek medical advice/ visit GP. Whooping Cough – The symptoms of Whooping Cough can take between 6-20 days to develop. Whooping cough tends to develop in stages from mild symptoms at first followed by a period of more severe symptoms before improvement begins. The early symptoms of Whooping cough are often similar to those of the common cold. These early symptoms can last for up to 2 weeks before becoming more severe. The second stage is often characterised by intense bouts of coughing. This is often known as â€Å" the paroxysmal stage† and has the following symptoms :- intense coughing that brings up phlegm, a â€Å"whoop† sound with each intake of breathe after coughing, vomiting after coughing, tiredness and redness after coughing. Each bout of coughing usually lasts between 1-2 minutes, but several bouts may occur in quick session and last several minutes. Young children may also seems to choke or become blue in the face when they have a bout but they should return to normal once its finished. Seek medical advice/ visit GP if you suspect a child has Whooping cough. Rubella – The symptoms of Rubella take 2-3 weeks to develop. During this incubation period the child may have a slightly raised temperature and complain that they are getting a cold. The main Rubella symptoms are the rubella rash this is a distinctive red-pink colour. The rash appears as spots which may slightly itch usually starting behind the ear before spreading around the head and neck area. They may also have swollen lymph modes and a high temp. Ear infection – A pain in the ear is the number 1 symptom of an ear infection. The child may not be able to communicate their pain but they will be pulling at their ear and it will look red in colour. Other symptoms of an ear infection are a child complaining that it hurts to swallow. They may also have difficulty sleeping due to the pain. There may also be an unpleasant smell coming from the ear. They may also appear to be unsteady on their feet due to a lack of balance and have trouble hearing quieter noises ( may request things are turned up) If you suspect a child has an ear infection seek medical help/ visit GP has the child will require anti-biotics. Conjunctivitis – is a infection in the eye. It’s very common in the under 5 year olds. The signs to look out of ( as conjunctivitis is very contagious) are teary, red, itchy, painful eye. The eyelid may become swollen and my be weeping a yellow/green discharge which makes it difficult to open. Have a high temp and be sensitive to light. If you suspect a child is suffering from Conjunctivitis seek medical help/ visit GP has the child will require a course of anti- biotic cream. Impetigo – is one of the most common skin infections among children usually affecting pre-school and school age children. A child is more likely to develop impetigo if they have already been irritated by other skin problems such as eczema, poison ivy, insect bites and cuts/grazes from a recent injury. The symptoms that a child has impetigo are clusters of red bumps/blisters around an area of redness. There may be fluid oozing from the blister or look dry and crusty. The sores usually appear around the mouth and nose, or on skin not covered by clothing. Seek medical help/visit GP if you suspect a child has impetigo has its highly contagious and the child will need a course of anti- biotics.

Friday, January 10, 2020

Apple’s iphone – Not “made in America”

1) What is meant by globalization of human capital? Is this inevitable as firms increase their global operations? Globalization of human capital implies that people are moved out of their native country for employment in various fields. Since there are many companies around the globe and have branches in other countries, qualified people get an opportunity to move out and work. It is inevitable since globalization is established and the companies use the skills, labor, talent and knowledge as a part of globalization of human capital.2) How does this case illustrate the threats and opportunities facing global companies in developing their strategies? The main threat is when president Obama asked Steve job about reduction of job opportunities in United states and giving job in other countries, which made a feel of threat in their own country. And also many suicides at Foxconn lead a negative impression on Apple. The opportunities faced by them are high profit of $ 321 per i phone. It s hows the profit of a global company.3) Comment on Apple executives assertion that the company's only obligation is making the best product possible. â€Å"we do not have have any obligation o solve America's problems† I think it is really harsh to say these words. Everyone should have some obligation towards their country. But this is business and as an executive he is right he should always think about the growth and quality of the product. And should make maximum profit from low cost. So I think he is right.4) Who are the stakeholders in this situation and what, if any, obligations do they have? The main stakeholders are Apple company, Foxconn, and the government. All of these have obligations. Since Apple is a brand company and all expect best from them it is their obligation to be faithful and best quality provider to the consumers and also to the workers who work 24 hours for them. It is same for Foxconn too. They should be concern about the workers they should get the a dequate pay and rest. Also, government  should safe guard the people of each country from any type of pressure.5) How much extra are you prepared to pay for an iphone if assembled in the United states? I think I will not pay even a single penny extra to buy an iphone since they have a profit of $321 now itself. That is too much profit. I recommend they should decrease the rate of the phone. Some other product made in USA is not that expensive so the iphone should also be a little lower than now. After all, it is a phone although it has many application also it is not expensive enough to make it.6) How much extra are you prepared to pay for an iphone if assembled in China but under better conditions and pay? What kind of trade -off would you make? I have the same opinion as I said for United states. Better conditions and pay rights of workers and it does not mean the price should be increased since the already have a good profit. And it is the right thing to provide better conditio ns and better pay. We can also think about globalization of human capital to United states.7) To what extend do you think the negative media coverage has affected Apple's recent decision to ask the FLA to do an assessment and the subsequent decision by Foxconn to raise some salaries? What do you think will happen now?Since everyone knows about the case I think they will be more careful and take a favorable decision so as to protect the workers. It is sure that the negative media coverage has affected Apple's image very badly and so they asked for a FLA assessment. Foxconn on other hand was squeezing the workers to do more work with little pay and the suicide which occurred made made them into trouble and they increased the wages to save their face and I think they have to be very careful in future by providing good environment to work with a descent pay.

Thursday, January 2, 2020

Simone de Beauvoir Feminism and Existentialism - 806 Words

Simone de Beauvoir: Feminism and Existentialism Simone de Beauvoir talks about women through the eyes of an existentialist in her book The Second Sex. Specifically, de Beauvoir’s views on how woman is â€Å"man’s dependent† shows the Subject and the Other relationship, a solution she gives to abolishing the oppression of women is that we need to abandon the idea that women are born feminine, second, weaker and not made, and the responsibility that she puts on herself and women for accepting the roles given to them are all very existentialist ideas. Subjectivity as de Beauvoir uses it is created out of defining, or created roles for the people around you; it is a self given power. A man must be the ego, the subject, in order to do this and a†¦show more content†¦The rules of society were invented and they have no actual validity in anyone’s actions; which is an exact influence of existentialism. 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