Introduction to Psychology (Final Project)
- Discuss any of your actions and/or thought processes since taking this course that demonstrate your understanding and tolerance of the behavior of other people, allowing greater acceptance of what is labeled different, deviant, abnormal, pathological, or crazy.
- Identify and discuss the forces acting on you to limit or prevent your freedom of choice, both those rooted in your past (such as guilt, traumatic memories, obligations, bad contracts, unrewarding experiences, punishment, low self-esteem, or shyness), those rooted in the present (including social pressures to conform, comply, obey, and do what others reward you for; personal pressure to be recognized, approved of, accepted, and loved), and those based in the future (such as unrealistic expectations, aspirations, concern for liabilities and responsibilities, desire for security, or fear of death).
- Compare and contrast any differences between how you explained why people (including you) behaved as they did before you took this class and how you explain these behaviors now.
- Discuss how you develop and express intelligent skepticism about accepting unwarranted claims; those made in the mass media as well as those made by credentialed authorities.
- Summarize your experience this semester by identifying the psychology of and in everyday life that you were unaware of before taking this course.
Psychology, as a popular academic, scientific and applied discipline, refers to the study of the human mind and its functions. It also studies how human beings behave, feel and think. As a multifaceted discipline, it has many sub-fields in areas such as human development and clinical, cognitive and social processes. It discusses specific topics such as self-esteem, positive reinforcement, freewill, memory, belongingness, and so on . In this essay, I would like to identify, discuss, compare, contrast and summarize what I learned from the subject – Introduction to Psychology.
Prior to taking this course, some of my actions and/thought processes have changed some of my previous understanding and tolerance of other people’s behavior. I think, feel and act, but I do not have the rationale, various perspectives, and psychological bases about my behavior and that of other people. All I know is that I do what I believed in. Previously, for me, it does not matter if other people understand me or not (except for the idea that my friends and those near me understand and will tolerate my behavior). But some things have changed when I thought of understanding in depth specific points shared to me (/us) in this class.
As gleaned from my own fruitful experience, many of the psychology topics discussed to me strike and keep on reverberating inside my mind since taking the course. In addition, I “catch a reflection of myself in a mirror” that need more than self-informed knowledge; but more importantly, psychology theories and research findings concerning my attitude, disposition, styles, etc. . I may have viewed myself in the past as normal whereas in some instances, others may have viewed me differently. Whether they are correct or not, because of the lessons in the class, I learned to be more tolerant of what I think of as a normal. Thus, as I continue to write this essay, I want to back up my claims and statements with academic rigor, scholarly honesty, and scientific evidences.
Based on my understanding of the various topics and additional readings, individual differences, deviance, abnormality, pathology or craziness could be explained by various biological, psychological, bio-psycho-social, and diathesis-stress theories . Using myself as a hypothetical example, my genetic makeup or biological genes may account for defects in my genes and that I have a brain abnormality because of neurotransmitter imbalances. On the other hand, if I used psychological theories in explaining abnormality in the kind of behavior that I manifest, there is psychodynamics wherein conflicting forces within my mind are the causes of my erratic personality. Likewise, behaviorism might also account for my differences in behavior with other people because of the negative effects my prior learning and environment have on me. Cognitive views (such as that of Aaron Beck) could be used as an efficacious therapy in the treatment of my pathology (e.g., post-traumatic disorder, depression, social phobia, and so on).
In addition to the various theories just mentioned, humanistic views might claim that my disorder is due to my failure to meet parental and societal demands. In like manner, proponents of socio-cultural perspectives would consider failure on my part is a consequence of my lack of familial and communal support systems. Even bio-psycho-social perspectives might consider how the interacting effects of biological, psychological and social factors have upon my wellbeing. Furthermore, diathesis-thesis paradigms might explain how my individual vulnerability (sensibility) is the result of stressors in my surroundings. In my view, all the various theories give their own account of my supposedly psychopathology as genetically determined, biologically influenced, or socially morphed. I believe most, if not all the psychological theories, as stating one or similar things.
In relation to the above theories regarding abnormal behavior, I believe that much better explanations will be offered in the succeeding years. There will also be continuing research findings that would better explain and understanding of human behavior. Nonetheless, I believe that a greater acceptance of other people’s behavior equates to an understanding of the several contributory factors to abnormality. There is maladaptiveness (such as in extreme sports), unconventionality to social norms, or failure to consider diversity, irrationality, suffering, unpredictability, social discrimination, and so forth . In order to counter anything that might be prejudicial to my understanding and tolerance toward other people and myself, I should have regularly develop a positive mindset, have an accurate perception of reality, aspire for self-growth and self-actualization, and so forth. This will prevent me from labeling other people as different, deviant, abnormal, pathological, or crazy considering that they entail ethical issues and considering that I am not a professional psychologist, psychiatrist, etc.
In terms of the forces that act on me to limit or prevent my freedom of choice, there are those that are rooted in my past. Sometimes, I have guilt feelings, traumatic memories, obligations, bad contracts, unrewarding experiences, punishment, low esteem, and shyness. Whenever I have to do the same act all over again, I sometimes feel guilty because of my upbringing, religious affiliation, societal roles, and other socio-cultural influences where there are either right things to do or not. Most often, I cannot help myself but to yield to my beliefs because it is not just how my brain is wired, but everything that is me is what I had been in the process. The same holds true for a few of the traumatic experiences (e.g., violence, accident) that I had. I need to keep reminding myself that they will not happen again the way they would. Instead, I somehow manage to positively consider them as helpful for me to become extra-careful next time.
In view of my obligations, they helped me become a more responsible person because I try to avoid being penalized for my failure to comply, especially, if it is a requirement for the course. In the event I have had bad contracts with other people, I find immediate amendments. I know it is hard to undone what has already been done, but there is no other recourse. For the unrewarding experiences that befell me, I do not consider them as lost because I learned in the somehow, anyway. Moreover, I am an intrinsically motivated and mildly introvert person who looks after the welfare of other people as I would to myself. Thus, I do not blame myself for the unintended acts that I may have committed even if they resulted to unfavorable consequences.
Regarding punitive acts done to me, I hold the view that they were done to me because my parents love me. I did something wrong and it is only fitting to me to be chastised. My parents did it to me because they do not want me to go astray (that is, doing the same things all over again which would only harm other people or me). Now that I am morally mature to think what is good for me, I cannot help but be thankful to my loving parents . Because of the good relationship with my parents, I did not even develop low level of self-esteem. I am confident about my abilities and can easily make friends, build trust with other people, and so on. Having said so, I am not a shy person. I know what I am capable of, what my talents are, and I know how to appreciate genuinely other people.
In line with my present condition, I believe that, internal or external forces such as social pressures to conform, comply, obey, and do what others reward me for do not limit or prevent my freedom of choice. I learned from the course that there is a time not to conform or conform depending on a particular situation. When a behavior is to mine and other people’s wellbeing, as long as, I do not violate anyone’s right, then, it depends whether I should comply or not. Because I have a positive perception of my past and present life, I do have unrealistic expectations, which I believe will come true someday. The reason is that I base my aspirations with what I have regularly visualize myself of doing and then act upon them. Even if I have my personal liabilities and responsibilities for my family and myself, I always aim for what is better or best come that day. Hence, I feel secured and do not even to constantly desire of it. I have a loving family, friends, relatives, etc. I do not even fear death because I know at a younger age that it is a part of the natural cycle of life.
Prior to taking this course, I strongly believe that normal individuals think, feel and act similarly. Hence, I do not have a problem understanding my own behavior and the behaviors of other individuals. In relation to other people who seem to have a different mode of thinking, feeling, and acting, I also strongly believe that they need compassion, kindness or consideration. Individuals cannot be alike in every respect. I should learn to tolerate their behavior, blame myself, censure other people or let things remain as they are. I cannot be what I am not – so do they. As long as I do not impinge upon their rights, and vice versa, there is no problem with me even if they have similar or different behavior as mine. I think that even though I only have a simplistic view of psychology, it works for me.
Concerning the development and expression of my intelligent skepticism, either I accept or refute unwarranted claims like those made in the mass media, as well as, those made by credentialed authorities. I use my own understanding of psychology, consult authoritative resources, and apply what I have. Consequently, I learned the importance of pointing out fallacious thinking (e.g., fallacy of generalization, straw man, ad hominem, etc.). Because fallacies are flaws in reasoning that lead an individual or entities to make illogical statements, I have to reason out carefully, consider various counter-arguments, and back up my position with necessary and sufficient evidences. Even if a particular mass media broadcast something or a credentialed author make claims, I should still make use of cross-references or refer to respectable or peer-reviewed articles. I believe that a thorough understanding of a topic will keep me well-informed, logical, understanding, etc.
As a recap to my experience this semester about the psychology of and in everyday life that I am unaware of prior to taking this course, I believe that I learn new and relevant things that I could use of and in my dealings with myself and other people. I believe that there is some uniqueness in me. I may be similar or different in some respects from everyone else, but that is not a reason why I should not be treated equally. Hence, for my part, what I do and what is important is to apply tactfully what I have learned from experience and from this course because I become a better person. I learned to value other people for what they are. Thus, it is much easier to understand individual normalcy and tolerate people’s idiosyncrasies. I know it is hard to learn everything in psychology in just one semester, but there are other significant insights that led me to continue improving my understanding of human behavior and its implications to other individuals.
I may not have fully grasped everything that my professor (you) has taught to me: what is important is learning not just from memory, but also out of genuine interest of the subject matter. My professor has been successful in doing so, not just in teaching the course requires, but beyond that. He taught me to use not just academic knowledge but also common sense. As a consequence, I might as well be a lifelong learner of psychology because I have learned how important it is that in whatever I do, I should have enough reasons for my beliefs. Lastly, I believe that I should aspire to become a person with the right mix of personality by focusing on my strengths and getting rid of my weaknesses. With all these in my mind, allow me therefore to extend my deepest gratitude. Kindest regards!
Works Cited
Anthoney, S. F. (2011). Students in context: Effects of psychological needs and environmental press on academic and life satisfaction. Iowa: (Unpublished Doctoral Dissertation). Iowa State University.
Comer, R. J. (2012). Abnormal Psychology (8th ed.). Hampshire: Palgrave Macmillan.
Kalat, J. W. (2013). Introduction to Psychology (10th ed.). California: Wadsworth.
Patrick, R., & Gibbs, J. (2012). Inductive Discipline, Parental Expression of Disappointed Expectations, and Moral Identity in Adolescence. Journal Of Youth & Adolescence, 41(8), 973-983. doi:10.1007/s10964-011-9698-7
Zimbardo, G. (2006). Psychology and Life. London: Cram101 Inc.
