Psychology: Behavior and Mental Process

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Psychology is the study of the behavior of individuals and their mental processes. (Gerrig page 2). I think the field of psychology is divided into several parts: Research, counseling, perspectives, goals, and careers. Research has played a vital role in the psychology. It has identified and helped us to understand how and why people feel, act, and think. Implementing the scientific method enables the results to be both reliable and valid. By employing this precise method, psychologists are able to collect data and make reasonable conclusions based upon the facts collected.
Counseling explores human thoughts and behaviors. Psychologists utilize theories to explain why these actions and thoughts occur. Aristotle, Plato, Wundt, and Freud are a few of the pioneers who established guidelines to predict how, why, and when these behaviors will occur again in the future. Utilizing various techniques such as behavior modification, biofeedback, reward/punishment, and conditioning help modify and improve behaviors to better the lives of the individuals. It is important to remember that psychology is the study of both normal and abnormal behavior.
As presented in Chapter 1 of Psychology and Life there are seven psychological perspectives utilized to define the causes and consequences of behavior: Psychodynamic, Behavioral, Humanistic, Cognitive, Biological, Evolutionary, and Sociocultural. The behavioral perspective states that for every action there is a reaction and consequence. If you study hard, then I will get good grades. The cognitive perspective is based upon more advanced metal developments such as perception, memory, language use, thinking, problem solving, and decision making. The use of these processes involves actions and cons...

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..., community, or child’s safety or wellbeing can be gravely impacted.
Upon completion of this course, I hope to have gained the knowledge and insight to better deal with people and situations in an appropriate, professional, and effective manner. I want to recognize why people act and response the way they do and what triggers these specific reactions. With this knowledge I can hopefully avoid potential problems or react in a manner which will enhance the situation as opposed to instigating a larger problem. The knowledge and tools I learn in this course will benefit by life and those in which I interact.

Works Cited

Psychology and Life http://www.occupationalinfo.org/04/041061050.html http://psychology.about.com/od/careersinpsychology/tp/psychology-career-trends.htm
http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/witness/201010/whats-it-take-become-forensic-psychologist

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