ASSIGNMENT 04

S01 Introduction to Psychology I

Part I:
The four major perspectives of Psychology
Biological, learning, cognitive, and sociocultural approaches are commonly used in modern
psychological research. Distinct concerns concerning human behavior, different assumptions
about the mind's workings, and various explanations for why individuals act the way they do are
reflected in each viewpoint.
What's important from a biological standpoint is how physical events influence our behavior,
emotions, and thoughts. Physical events and changes associated with thoughts and feelings are
emphasized as part of a psychological approach that emphasizes bodily events. It is a prominent
specialization in psychology that focuses on evolutionary principles that may explain human
similarities in cognition, development and other aspects of human behavior.
People's conduct is influenced by their surroundings and experiences, which is the focus of the
learning viewpoint. In order to understand behavior, behaviorists look to the environmental
incentives and punishments that keep people in certain states of mind. These scientists prefer to
focus on what they can see and measure right in front of them: the actual events taking place
around them. Is it difficult for you to stick to a schedule, for example? This is a typical issue that
a behaviorist would be able to assist explain by identifying the contextual distractions involved.
Another perspective in psychology, cognitive psychology, focuses on how people think,
remember, understand language, solve problems, explain their experiences, acquire moral
standards, and form beliefs. This viewpoint demonstrates the influence of people's views and
explanations on their behavior, emotions, and decisions.
Social and cultural forces that influence everything we do, from how we kiss to what we eat, are
at the center of the sociocultural perspective. As a social psychologist, you'll concentrate on
social norms and roles, how groups influence attitudes and behaviour, why individuals respect
authority, and how each of us is influenced by other people — spouses, lovers, friends,
employers, parents and strangers – in your work and in your personal life. SWINKLES.
TAVRIS. WADE (2017). Psychoanalysis (pp. 18-20).
Part II
1. Define
As a branch of science studies, psychology incorporates philosophy, history, and sociology in
addition to scientific knowledge in its study. In its simplest form, the psychology of science may
be described as the study of how scientists think and behave. Wade, Swindles, and Tavros
(2017). Psychoanalysis (p. 3).
2. Distinguish between a theory, a hypothesis, and an operational definition.
Theory is an organized system of assumptions and ideas that claim to explain a certain set of
facts and their interrelationships. When it comes to describing or explaining specific behavior,
however, hypotheses are a different story. The empirical testing of scientific ideas establishes
correlations between occurrences or variables. On the other hand, in the context of an
experiment, an operational definition defines how to observe and measure what is being
specified. Psychology, by Wade, Tavris, and Swinkles, 2017. (p. 36).
3. Explain how genes, chromosomes, DNA, and genomes all relate to one another and their
importance to psychology.
A person's genes are the building blocks of hereditary traits. They are derived from DNA and
serve to determine protein structure. Chromosomes are where genes are housed. In every cell of
the body, chromosomes, which are rod-shaped structures that contain genes, are discovered.
Coded instructions for the construction of proteins are exchanged by DNA (deoxyribonucleic
acid) chromosomal molecules. Genomes are the complete set of genes and noncoding DNA in
each cell of an organism. "Psychology," Wade, Tavris, and Swinkles, 2017 (p. 73)
4. Identify and describe the major structures of the central nervous system and their
primary functions.
All of the sensory information that a person is exposed to is processed by the central nervous
system, which then stores and interprets the information. Additionally, it sends out signals to the
body's muscles and glands. Brain and spinal cord form the central nervous system (CNS).
Including Wade, Tavris, and Swinkles (2017).
Psychiatric evaluation (p. 104). There is no more important organ in the body than the brain. The
forebrain, brainstem, and hindbrain are the three major divisions of the brain. In addition to
absorbing and processing sensory information, the forebrain is responsible for thinking,
perceiving and generating language, and directing the movement of the body. Structures like the
thalamus and hypothalamus in the frontal lobe of the brain are involved in motor control, sensory
transmission, and the regulation of autonomic functions. It is in the forebrain where the
cerebrum, the brain's greatest portion, may be found. The cerebral cortex is where most of the
brain's real information processing takes place. The frontal lobes, parietal lobes, occipital lobes,
and temporal lobes make up the four lobes of the cortex. Sensory perception, decision-making,
and problem-solving are all a part of what these lobes do in the body. In its entirety, the
brainstem consists of the midbrain and hindbrain. Midbrain is the part of the brainstem that links
the hindbrain and forebrain. The auditory, visual, and motor functions all take place in this part
of the brain. The pons and cerebellum are part of the hindbrain, which extends from the spinal
cord. Maintaining a state of equilibrium, moving in a coordinated manner, and receiving sensory
information are all functions of these areas. Control of autonomic activities including respiration,
pulse, and digestion are all carried out by the medulla oblongata, a structure located in the
hindbrain. Reese Bailey (2017).
The spinal cord is a bundle of neurons and supportive tissue that runs from the base of the brain
down the middle of the back, covered by a column of bones (the spinal column), and serves as a
bridge between the brain and the body parts below the neck. Without the support of the brain, the
spinal cord generates spinal reflexes on its own. These reflexes are automatic and do not require
any effort on the part of the individual. Nerve impulses carry messages to the spinal cord, which
then sends a command out through other nerve impulses. Psychology, Wade, Tavris, and
Swinkles (p. 104).