Social psychology examines the behavior of others. Unlike
many of the other perspectives we’ve studied, social psychology looks at how
other people impact why we do what we do. Key theorists in this field included
Gordon Allport, Dr. Philip Zimbardo, Solomon Asch, and Stanley Milgram.
Some areas of interest to social psychologists include:
conformity, obedience, groupthink, why some people work less in groups, why do
people stand in lines, and why do people follow rules.
While social psychology has grown in recent years, so have
the experimental studies that fueled the research to support it.
Experiments and Studies
This brief article outlines the highlights and flaws of the
Stanford Prison Experiment and discusses why it is still controversial.
One of Psychology’s most famous experiments was flawed
Solomon Asch’s study examines conformity. Consider what you
would have done in a similar situation. This article offers a deeper
understanding of the implications of Asch’s study and other considerations
researchers of the time ignored.
Out of the Asch Study
There are many treatment and therapy options available to
those with a mental illness. Many centuries ago, people believed that mental
illness was caused by demons or evil spirits taking control of one’s mind. Many
of these people were tortured or even put to death. Patients were also chained
to the wall and treated cruelly. A shift occurred when a physician by the name
of Phillipe Pinel (1745-1826), argued that these patients should be treated
with compassion. Pinel’s treatment of the mentally ill was named moral therapy.
Moral therapy was based on Pinel’s view that humane treatment would produce
positive changes in the patients’ behavior.
Many other forms of treatment have evolved since then; some
experts believe that there may be as many as 400 forms of therapy for the
mentally ill! Psychotherapy, according to your book, refers to,
“techniques employed to improve psychological functioning and promote
adjustment to life.” Psychotherapy refers only to techniques that are used
by professionals in the field of psychology.
There are three main approaches to therapy: Insight therapy,
Behavior therapy, and Biomedical therapy.
Psychological Based Therapies
Insight Therapy
Insight Therapy generally seeks to increase self knowledge
and understanding into the client’s difficulties and problems.
Psychoanalysis, developed by Sigmund Freud, is centered on
the belief that psychological disorders can be treated by uncovering the
unconscious feelings and conflicts that were lurking within.
Cognitive therapy centers on a person’s thought processes
and beliefs.
Humanistic therapy emphasizes the present as well as the
person’s interpretation of the experience.
Group, Family, and Marital therapies treat multiple
individuals at the same time.
Behavior Therapy
Behavior Therapy believes that maladaptive behavior occurs
as the result of learning; therefore, the focus is on looking at consequences
such as reinforcement and punishment. The therapist uses principles of
classical conditioning, operant conditioning, and observational learning.
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There is a growing trend in psychological based therapies
called the eclectic approach, which combines several different therapies.
Psychological principles are theories and beliefs about
major areas of our lives, like cognitions, intelligence, social groups, habit,
behavior, and many others. Let’s explore how we identify and utilize
psychological principles in daily life. In a 2 page paper, please analyze the
following:
How do psychological principles affect the study of the
behavior of individuals and groups?
What are the parameters of behavioral deviance and its
various therapies?
How do psychological principles affect the study of
individual differences?
Last, explain the role of psychology in such areas as
industry, complex organizations, law, and education.
This paper should be 2-3 pages in length and use APA
formatting (cover page, paper body formatting, citations, and references: see
Rasmussen’s APA guide in the Resources tab, or by clicking here. Prior to
submitting your paper, be sure you proofread your work to check your spelling
and grammar. If you use any outside sources, please site those sources in APA
citation format.
Grading Rubric
F
A
0
4
Did not Submit
Mastery
Not Submitted
Identifies the effect on behavior, fully explains basic
theory and support.
Not Submitted
Identifies parameters of behavioral deviance and therapy,
fully supporting explanation.
Not Submitted
Identifies the study of individual differences, fully
explains and supports.
Not Submitted
Identifies the role of psychology, fully supporting
explanation.
