Assignment: The Nature of Psychology

Assignment: The Nature of Psychology
Assignment: The Nature of Psychology
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Post a description of the components of a theory and requirements of a “good” theory. Then, explain whether psychoanalytic theory meets the expectations of a “good” theory in understanding one of the following: play, creativity or attachment. Explain why you reached that conclusion.
The Nature of Psychology
Define the following terms: psychology, science, behavior, empirical method.
Define structuralism and functionalism. Describe them in your own words.
What are the contemporary approaches to psychology? Describe these approaches in your own words.
What three areas of careers in psychology are the most interesting to you? Why?
Read “can Facebook make you miserable?” on page 7 of your textbook. Look into current empirical research (e.g., psychological studies, see AAP, JAMA) on the impact of social media on psychological health. Share the research information that you found and describe, in your informed opinion, some of the negative impacts of social media usage.
After reading Chapter 1, ask six friends or family members to tell you the first thing that comes to mind when they think of psychology or a psychologist. Share their answers.
THOUGHT QUESTION: Psychology encompasses a wide range of topics. What interests you the most about the field of psychology? What do you hope to learn in this class this semester?
Homework Assignment 1
Chapter 2: Psychology’s Scientific Method
What are the five steps involved in psychology’s scientific method?
Describe cor relational research. Give an example of a cor relational study.
If a study shows that the correlation between the number of absences in a course and exam grades calculate to be -0.55, how are these two variables related? Describe the relationship.
What variable in a research study is the observed or measured variable?
Describe experimental research. What distinguishes the experimental method from other methods of scientific observation? What type of method allows for cause-and-effectconclusions to be drawn?
Define experimental and control groups. Give an example in your own words.
For the following examples, identify the independent and dependent variables:
A researcher wants to know if eating breakfast or skipping breakfast has any effect on students’ test scores.
Independent variable _____________________
Dependent variable _____________________
A researcher wants to know if jury verdicts are more lenient on male or female defendants.
Independent variable _____________________
Dependent variable _____________________
Describe a double-blind experiment.
What are some ethical issues related to psychological research?
What is the difference between a random sample and random assignment?
What are the five suggestions for thinking critically about psychological research? Describe these concepts in your own words.
Find a current article in this journal and describe the following: topic of the article, type of research (correlation or experiment), independent variable, dependent variable, and the results found in the study.
Give the APA reference citation for the article that you described in question 13 (above).
THOUGHT QUESTION: Psychologists are often characters in movies, television shows, and other works of fiction. Give one example of a psychologist in a work of fiction. Describe their role and whether or not it seems accurate with what you have learned in Chapters 1 and 2.
*Rubric*
Homework RubricHomework RubricCriteriaRatingsPtsThis criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeOrganization and Overall Effort5.0 ptsExemplaryInformation presented in logical, clear, interesting sequence4.0 ptsAccomplishedInformation in logical sequence and easy to follow overall3.0 ptsDevelopingDifficult to follow the sequence of ideas – student jumps around2.0 ptsBeginningCannot understand – no logical sequence of information5.0 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeSubject Knowledge5.0 ptsExemplaryDemonstrates full knowledge by completely answering the question with explanations and elaborations4.0 ptsAccomplishedCovers basic information, gives basic answers to questions but does not elaborate3.0 ptsDevelopingCovers basic information but can answer questions only at rudimentary level (some wrong answers)2.0 ptsBeginningDoes not have a good grasp of the information (many missing or wrong answers)5.0 pts
Assignment: The Nature of Psychology
Uses minimal creativity – but with overall good job in conceptualizing and articulating the mater
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeFormat, Grammar, and Spelling5.0 ptsExemplaryCovers all requested items in very good length and format4.0 ptsAccomplishedCovers all requested items in good length and format3.0 ptsDevelopingCovers items in fair length and format – has issues with grammar or spelling2.0 ptsBeginningMissing some items, short in length, or has problems with grammar and spelling5.0 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeApplication and Connection5.0 ptsExemplaryUses research from textbook in reaching accurate conclusions and very insightful connections4.0 ptsAccomplishedUses research from textbook in reaching conclusions – good level of connection3.0 ptsDevelopingUses some research from textbook in reaching conclusions – basic level of connection2.0 ptsBeginningDoes not have a grasp of the information and cannot demonstrate knowledge of the textbook5.0 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeWriting Skill and Creativity5.0 ptsExemplaryUses excellent creativity and writing skill – superior job in conceptualizing and articulating the material4.0 ptsAccomplishedUses very good creativity and writing skill – good job in conceptualizing and articulating the material3.0 ptsDevelopingUses minimal creativity – but with overall good job in conceptualizing and articulating the material2.0 ptsBeginningFails to have creativity or writing level is below basic in regard to standard