Final Blog Post/ Intro to Psych

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ᗯEEK 1- GET TO KᑎOᗯ Eᗩᑕᕼ OTᕼEᖇ ᗩᑎᗪ IᑎTᖇOᗪᑌᑕTIOᑎ TO ᑭᔕYᑕᕼOᒪOGY

~~>  My first post in this course was to write a blog introducing myself to my fellow classmates. My post consisted of food I liked, activities I enjoyed participating in, and my college major. You can find it here. In addition, I was told to comment and view other students blogs in order to better get to know one another. This introductory blog got me excited for this course and encouraged me to open up which equipped me for the rest of the semester material. Regarding psychology we were asked, "What is psychology?" This question challenged my knowledge, personal view, and how psychology has affected my life. To me psychology meant, "The way science has intervened to make sense of the brain and its ability to control the body emotionally, physically, and spiritually." By having a foundational understanding of what psychology is I was able to better understand the new knowledge I would gain about psychology as the semester went on.  <~~

ᗯEEK 2- TYᑭEᔕ Oᖴ ᑭᔕYᑕᕼOᒪOGIᔕTᔕ

~~>  In week two I learned that most psychologists work in laboratories, hospitals, and other field settings where they study the behavior of both humans and animals. Also, I discovered the many different types of psychologists that exist. I chose to write a blog about counselors. I found this field of study incredibly inspiring and helpful to people. What inspires me is the work they do, the many people they help, and the tactics they use to help people cope and overcome adversity. You can read more in my blog found here.  <~~

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ᗯEEK 3- ᗷᖇᗩIᑎ ᗩᑎᗪ ᗷEᕼᗩᐯIOᖇ

~~ >  This week we studied the affects the brain has on the body's behavior. I learned that the left brain functions include analytic thought, logic, language, science and math. The right brain functions include imagination, art, feelings, and spatial relations. In addition there are important structures of the brain called the pons which monitors sleep, alertness, attention, and the nervous system, the medulla which controls the vital functions, and the cerebellum which coordinates muscle movement, learning skills, and timing. This knowledge was astonishing to me. It opened my eyes to how intricate the brain is and the many functions it serves to make sure the body is functioning properly. Further info on how the brain works with behavior can be found in my blog here.  <~~

ᗯEEK 4- ᔕEᑎᔕᗩTIOᑎ ᗩᑎᗪ ᑭEᖇᑕEᑭTIOᑎ

~~>  Sensation is the physical processing of stimuli through the sensory organs and channels. It also is a mechanical process by which the sensory organs detect and process stimuli. Perception is the psychological processing of interpreting and using that information. Our impressive sensory abilities allow us to experience the most enjoyable and most miserable experiences, as well as everything in between. Our eyes, ears, nose, tongue and skin provide an interface for the brain to interact with the world around us. This module further explained sensation and perception by referring to illusions. Illusions trick the brain into thinking it is viewing reality when in actuality perception and sensation is being fooled. My blog explaining illusions regarding sensation and perception is here.  <~~

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ᗯEEK 5- ᒪIᖴEᔕᑭᗩᑎ ᗪEᐯEᒪOᑭᗰEᑎT

~~>  Lifespan development takes place in four phases. The first, prenatal development is the development of a fetus to a child in the womb. In the next stage, early childhood, brain development takes place, next motor development, and then sensory and perception development. The next stage is adolescence where teens experience puberty and growth spurts. The brain continue to grow and develop maturely in this stage. The last stage is adulthood which is characteristic by two periods: middle age and after middle age. I was mostly intrigued with the adolescence stage of development. I questioned, "Why do teens sleep so much? Why are they prone to act out? Why do they make bad decisions?" This module answered each of these questions. My blog discussing lifespan development is here. We also discussed the Nature vs. Nurture effect. This is an ongoing debate on whether people develop talents or are born with them. This was one of my favorite topics to research. Spoiler alert, I still can't decide which side I agree with! I would highly recommend checking out my blog about it- here.  <~~

ᗯEEK 6- ᑭEᖇᔕOᑎᗩᒪITY

~~ > Personalities are characterized in terms of traits, which are relatively enduring characteristics that influence our behavior across many situations. Personality traits are important because they help explain consistencies in behavior. Trait psychology believes in the idea that people differ from one another in terms of where they stand a set of basic trait dimensions that persist over time and across situations. The most widely used system of traits is the Five- Factor Model. This system includes the traits of Openness, Consciousness, Extraversion, Agreeableness, and Neuroticism. Each trait can be divided into faucets which give a more distinct analysis of one's personality. The Five- Factor Model is not something one should base their life and identity on, but it does help to discover one's self better. I found it incredibly enlightening when it took the test. There were results I agreed with and results I found were false. However, either way I still discovered more about myself and why I do the things I do and act the way I act. My blog on the Five- Factor Model is here. ~~

  Thus, 

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ᗯEEK 7- ᒪEᗩᖇᑎIᑎG

~~ In this module I learned about the different ways people learn. Pavlov a behaviorist used classical conditioning, a type of learning that occurs when an association is made between an meaningful stimulus and a non-meaningful stimulus, to explain how conditioning can be used to train the brain to expect something. Another types of learning conditioning is Operant Conditioning, which is the learning of voluntary behavior through the effects of pleasant and unpleasant consequences. Operant conditioning uses positive reinforcement, negative reinforcement, positive punishment, and negative punishment to understand how the brain reacts to certain enforcements.  Other types of learning include Conditioned Taste Aversions, Observational Learning, and Latent Learning. As displayed there are many ways to learn, but everyone learns differently. Not everyone will fall under each of these categories of learning which is what I find very interesting and fascinating. Learning further explains how we are all different, unique, and unlike any other. My blog about learning can be found here. ~~

ᗯEEK 8- ᗰEᗰOᖇY

~~>  This module explained how memory takes place in the brain. There are two types of memory: explicit and implicit. The three major memory stages are sensory, short-term, and long- term. Information begins in sensory memory, moves to short- term memory, and eventually moves to long- term memory. Crazy enough, though, not all information makes it through all three stages, most of it is forgotten. Knowing how memory works made me realize the importance of memory retention. Information retention depends entirely how the information is intended and processed. I now can remember names when I first meet people, better my study skills, and understand directions more thoroughly. In order to understand how to better retain memory refer to my blog found here.  <~~

 

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ᗯEEK 10- EᗰOTIOᑎ

~~>  In this module I learned that emotion is defined as passions which involve expressive displays and psychological responses. More importantly, though, I learned how emotions come to be. Brain mechanisms underlie emotion. For example, the pyramidal motor system control voluntary facial expressions while the extrapyramidal motor system controls involuntary facial expressions. The left hemisphere of the brain is more active during positive emotion while the right hemisphere is more active during negative emotion. However, physical responses to emotion is due to the Sympathetic Nervous System. The SNS triggers responses such as increase in heart and blood pressure, irregular and rapid breathing, dilated pupils, sweating, watery eyes, dry mouth, and a raise in blood sugar. One of the most interesting physical display of emotion is facial changes. What I found interesting about facial changes is that they differ from culture to culture. There are some facial expressions which can be understood to have the same meaning by almost all cultures, while there are many expressions that are comprehended differently between cultures. I was asked in this module to express my views on multiculturalism in my blog. It was incredibly enlightening to understand my view on the topic and how my view developed while also discovering my classmates' views on the topic. The blog is found here.  <~~

ᗯEEK 11- ᔕOᑕIᗩᒪ ᑭᔕYᑕᕼOᒪOGY

~~>  Human beings are social beings. This module helped me better understand the way an individual's social environment impacts his or her emotional and mental functioning, also known as social psychology. Social psychologists assert that an individual’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are very much influenced by social situations. After discovering this I found myself becoming more aware of my surroundings and understanding my reactions to my environment. In this module I was challenged to write a blog discussing how a type of psychologist may address or use social psychology in their career. I chose again to write about counselors and their impactful ability to connect socially and heal others socially. My blog is found here.  <~~ 

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ᗯEEK 12- ᗰEᑎTᗩᒪ IᒪᒪᑎEᔕᔕ

~~>  This module consisted of strictly media regarding mental illness. It covered all aspects such as understanding what mental disorders are, depression, suicide, OCD, schizophrenia, multiple personality disorder, and eating disorders. Not only were videos supplied discussing each area, but there were also videos about how to over come these illnesses and how to help a loved one who is suffering. This module was the most impactful to me because it made me more aware of the topic of mental illness. Mental illness is not taught in school and I have not experienced first hand the damaging effects. However, because of this module I now feel confident and knowledgable enough to be able to discuss the topic and provide aid to people who may be living with mental illness. Having a professor and curriculum Ibn college which discussed the toughie subject of mental illness brought me new clarity. I now see mental illness from a better and more open point-of-view than I had previously. In my blog I discussed how counselors assess and aid people fighting mental illness. here.  <~~

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ᗯEEK 13- ᑭOᔕITIᐯE ᑭᔕYᑕᕼOᒪOGY

~~> Positive psychology is the scientific study of what makes life most worth living. It is a call for psychological science and practice to be as concerned with strength as with weakness; as interested in building the best things in life as in repairing the worst; and as concerned with making the lives of normal people fulfilling as with healing pathology. Several truisms underpin positive psychology. First, what is good in life is as genuine as what is bad--not derivative, secondary, epiphenomenal, illusory, or otherwise suspect. Second, what is good in life is not simply the absence of what is problematic. We all know the difference between not being depressed and bounding out of bed in the morning with enthusiasm for the day ahead. And third, the good life requires its own explanation, not simply a theory of disorder stood sideways or flipped on its head. This module taught me how to stay positive throughout my daily life and further apply positivity to my future career. Your life is what you make it and it is true that being positive gets your leaps further in achieving a goal and happiness in life.  <~~ 

psychology rests on the idea that people differ from one another in terms of where they stand

on a set of basic trait dimensions that persist oer time and across situations. The most widely

used system of traits is called the Five-Factor Model.

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M7 Strength Test

As we as humans grow in life we are faced with moments in time which mold our character, personality, and develop our strengths as a person. I recently took a Strengths test online found here. A Strength test is a multiple choice test which predicts your top characteristic strengths. Examples of these strengths include: bravery, integrity, learning, love, leadership, forgiveness, hope, etc. The Strengths test provides you with better, more in depth, knowledge of yourself. In addition to providing strengths, it also reveals weaknesses. Both are essential in knowing because they both provide further clarity to who you are as an individual. My top strengths resulted in kindness, love, and citizenship. This in was surprised me, but also didn't. The one that did not surprise me was love. I have always been one who gives love and seeks to receive love in return. I was, however, surprised by citizenship. Citizenship is defined as someone who thrives with social responsibility and is a team player. Despite being independent, enjoying being alone at times, and also selfish at times, I still see moments where citizenship shines through in my character. Lastly, as I look at how I interact with friends and strangers alike I do notice kindness shining through in my life. I do enjoy showing kindness to any and all people. I do have my moments, though, where kindness is not always used. Who doesn't lash out or have a melt down every-once- in-a-while though? We are college students and human! Its to be expected. 

After taking the test I was further challenged with applying my strengths to my daily life. I had to find three new ways to use my top three strengths this week. I decided to tackle kindness first. To show kindness I chose to pay for a man's coffee at Starbuck's on Monday. He was a sweet older man who in return we very grateful that I had shown kindness to him. Although my deed was small it warmed my heart to know I had put a smile on his face and given him some happiness. Next, I chose to show love. This was a little more difficult because love is so easily poured out everyday. I can't compromise going one full day without displaying any act of love, it comes natural to people to show love. Because of this I wanted my acton of love to be bold and big. My opportunity came when my aunt asked me to join her on a mission trip to Costa Rica. This is not the first time she has asked me to join her on a mission trip. However, I had declined all the previous requests mostly because the dates overlapped with other events, but also because mission trips challenge me to get out of my comfort zone. I've always been intimidated by mission trips because I never truly felt qualified enough to preach God to people of different backgrounds and languages. However, my aunt explained to me that preaching isn't what these people needed, it was love. I knew, then, that I couldn't pass up the opportunity. It would be wrong of me to not share love, one of my top strengths, to those in need of it. In addition, the mission trip will be a wonderful and fulfilling was to show love to my Savior. My last strength to accomplish was citizenship. To express citizenship I chose to pick up litter that I saw throughout the week and throw it away in a trash can. You don't truly realize how much people litter until your the one picking some of it up. Some places I found litter was in a parking lot, in my yard, on side walks, and at different places around my college campus. I made the pledge that if a piece of trash was within walking distance that I would throw it away. Picking up litter was not a job I particularly enjoyed, but it did give me a new sense of pride for my city and college campus. These were both places that I called home and I, along with other citizens and student, need to treat these places as so. 

Knowing your strengths and weaknesses is something I think everyone should be aware of. In addition, discovering ways to use your strengths throughout your everyday life is an eye-opening experience. You learn to better love yourself and the people and places surrounding you! 

M6 Task #CounselorsHelp

Counselors are defined as a person trained to give guidance on personal, social, or psychological problems. The process of becoming a counselor is not a quick degree. It requires a Bachelor's degree, a Master's degree, working as an intern, and earning professional credentials to begin one's own practice. The tedious requirements to become a counselor is mandatory in order to ensure the counselor is fully equipped mentally, socially, and physically to successfully aid people in their personal issues. Counselors are trained to connect to all types of people who are enduring all walks of life. That is what I think makes them so incredible. Types of counselors include: Marriage and Family Therapists, School Counselors, Psychiatrists, Spiritual Counselors, Domestic Violence Counselors, Pediatric Counselors, Child Abuse Counselors, Grief Counselors, Depression Counselors, Suicide Counselors, and many more. I personally have never been to a counselor so I cannot express a personal experience, however, I did vow at a young age to engage in premarital counseling once I become engaged. I believe premarital counseling is detrimental to maintaining a healthy relationship throughout marriage. Premarital counseling is commonly sought out by couples of religious faith, specifically Christianity. However, premarital counseling was originally intended for all couples despite religion, background, culture, gender, skin color, age, ect. Premarital counseling aids to ultimately prevent divorce and strengthen relationships. Other pros of premarital counseling include discussing marriage related topics, the fact that underlying problems can be solved sufficiently, the opportunity for marriage tips to be shared, and obtaining a more in-depth understanding of your partner. It is a great and almost always successful way to properly prepare for marriage. I, personally, believe counselors are some of the best people you can encounter. They are nonjudgemental, loving, and uplifting men and women who seek the best for their clients. I would encourage anyone who is experiencing difficulty in life, in need of aid in marriage, or just needing someone to talk to and lend a listening ear to visit a counselor. I don't think you will regret it! Now, enjoy these comical photos about counseling! 
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100011482005443&hc_ref=ARRwcbNWwXBBKyVvbpGZJ4VuuJ0WxVnzynTv96KsVjyvmE1qnwjqryau0jPFTznWjoA&fref=nf

M5 Muticulturalism

Multiculturalism is the co-existence of diverse cultures and one's ability to gain a deeper understanding of differences and shared commonalities. It wasn't until a got to college that I truly appreciate multiculturalism in my life. I spent my youth growing up in the small Texas town of Granbury. Granbury has the reputation of being a retirement town, specifically a white retirement town. There were no protesters lining the streets in hopes to scare away people of different skin color or rash judgement being sent on anyone not of white decent. The reason as to why Granbury was predominately white was of no specific reason except those are the people who chose to move there. I went to a very small private school from kindergarten to senior year. During my time at Cornerstone there I only encountered four black students. There is only one in my grade and that I became good friends with. However, the topic of culture was never brought up in any conversation. It wasn't.t until college that racism became a reality for me. Growing up in a predominately white town, I never experienced racism second-hand. College provided me with seminars, meetings, and friends which equipped me with the knowledge and social impaction of racism. It was no longer a figment of my imagination. Because I was now exposed to friendships of different races I was enlightened with a new understanding of culture and racism. I distinctly remember my friend telling me that she always wished as a child to have a doll which "looked like her." She also didn't have a Disney princess which matched her skin color. That was heartbreaking to me. I was too simpleminded to realize that it was an impactful issue to some children growing up. In addition, even as a teenager diversity was not shown on television. Commercials, series, movies, you name it- white was the dominant race. I, also, was unaware of this really until someone pointed it out to me. My perception of how different races were viewed in society was altered for the better. I better understood why prejudice existed, because media. I better understood the reality of racism even racism being experienced at a young age. I better understood the passion people of color have when one of their own is slandered due to color. It is crazy now to me to see how blinded I was as a youth. I, personally, never experienced racism, therefore, I had a difficult time believing in its existence. I am thankful college is a place prone to diversity. It is a place where people are fortunate enough to learn about different cultures, religion, gender, etc. College is a place where diversity is welcomed, not shunned. It is the place which ignited my senses which furthered my knowledge and created a better understanding of people in general. No race is superior to another. No gender is superior to another. And no culture is superior to another. We are all one body, one flesh, and one soul. Society needs to recognize and apply this reality in order for racism to end. I am blessed to have made friends in college who have accepted me, loved me, prayed for me, helped me, and have gave me a more realistic way to view the world and others. Multiculturalism is a part of life and should not be overlooked. It is the basis of America and ultimately the world.