The Diverse Nature of Psychology

The Diverse Nature of Psychology Roxanna L. Baker Psychology/490 June 4, 2012 Christine Henderson Rose

The Diverse Nature of Psychology The Diverse Nature of Psychology Psychology is the science in which studies the human mental process and human behavior. However, psychology as a discipline focuses on two major psychological fields, academic psychology and applied psychology. Academic psychology, also known as educational psychology, is the branch of psychology

in which is involved with teaching methods, guidance, school learning, human maturation and the main evaluation of aptitude and progress of students by using the method of standard testing. (Merriam-Webster Dictionary, 2012) An educational psychologist work is to study the cognitive development of students. Because there are many factors involved with the learning process, in which includes aptitude, learning measurement, the creative process and motivational forces, in which seems to influence dynamics between students and teachers. Applied psychology uses the methods and scientific research within psychology to help common problems in human behavior, cure illnesses and to develop new innovative technologies. Subdisciplines Psychology is a large area of study. One of main subdisciplines of psychology is studied by J.B Watson in which is behaviorism. This perception centers around observing behavior and shows that behavioral patterns are the end result of conditioning, in which is rewards and punishments (Blackwell Dictionary of Sociology, 2000). This perception did not go very far because it did not an individuals free will, however many still apply behavior modification therapy today. Behavior therapy is a type of psychotherapy in which utilizes many methods in order to modify abnormal behaviors or patterns (New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, 2002). This method is commonly can used to support positive actions. An example of this is in changing

The Diverse Nature of Psychology aggressive behavior in children. When the child in question shows aggressive behavior, a

punishment is given as a deterrent from the child repeating that behavior. Positive reinforcement is also commonly can used to encourage certain behaviors such as shyness. In adults, punishment in the form of jail time or license suspension can be used to eliminate repetitive drinking. The behavioral approach has modern day application, especially in schools and in parenting classes. Because of laws in which relates to children, different methods must be used to redirect inappropriate behaviors in children. All children do not respond to the same methods, and this approach allows a variety of processes to be utilized. This process also can work well with adults within the working environment. In many situations adults will consistently arrive at work late, take long lunches, or not listen to of go by the company policies. In these situations punishment and rewards can teach employees how to become better at their job due to financial incentives, or to even start going by the employment policies in order to avoid termination. Another well known subdiscipline in psychology is cognitive psychology. The focus is on studying how individuals solve problems, their thought, the ways in which they perceive information and their learning abilities and methods. The foundation for the school of thought ways brought about by three psychologists, Max Wertheimer, Wolfgang Kohler, and Jean Piaget. Cognitive psychology also focuses on the human mental states within. Cognitive psychology is also different from other approaches in that it embraces the use of scientific methods. Conceiving mental processes is also commonly accessed in other branches of psychology such as social, abnormal, and developmental. Cognitive theories can be used to explain and treat certain disorders. For example, anxiety disorders are thought to be the result of an individual having inaccurate beliefs or feeling about theirself in which is destained at a physical or psychological threat (Beck, Emery, & Greenberg, 1985). It is a proven fact that individuals in which suffer from social phobia disorders often feel like others are looking at them in bad ways. Treating this

The Diverse Nature of Psychology disorder can consist of social skills training or exposure to socially uncomfortable situations. Individuals with panic disorders can be treated by presenting specific stimuli and training the individual on how to modify behavior that dissipates the anxiety. Clinical psychologists have been noted to have many successes with cognitive behavioral therapy. By looking at how an individual feels, thinks, and behaves will allow the clinician to design a treatment plan that will eliminate psychological stress. Conclusion

The field of psychology has and will continue to touch many areas of society. The theories and principles that have been discovered are currently in use in organizations, schools, and medical facilities. Psychologists continue to work with many disciplines to improve not only mental health, but also to improve processes for workers within that discipline as well. Behavioral and cognitive approaches have assisted psychologists in creating workable treatment plans. They have also provided the basis for increased research into the mind body connection. This yields collaboration in the medical field. With these types of advancement psychologists will continue to see improvements in the treatment of patients with various mental disorders.

The Diverse Nature of Psychology References Educational Psychology Retrieved June 3, 2012 From www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/educational%20psychology

Beck, A.T., Emery, G., & Greenberg, R. (1985). Anxiety disorders and phobias: A cognitive perspective. New York: Basic Books.behaviorism. (2000). In The Blackwell Dictionary of Sociology Retrieved June 4, 2012 from www.credoreference.com/entry/bksoc/behaviorism In the New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Houghton Mifflin Retrieved June 4, 2012 from www.credoreference.com/entry/hmndcl/behavior_modification In The Columbia Encyclopedia Retrieved June 4, 2012 from www.credoreference.com/entry/columency/cognitive_psychology