General Psychologyblog Topic Week 1everyone Has His Or Her Own Perso ✓ Solved

General Psychology Blog Topic - Week 1 Everyone has his or her own personal beliefs about "the way people are" or "what makes people tick." For example, you might believe that men are better than women at math and that this difference results from the way girls are treated in schools. You might believe that depression is the result of stressful life experiences. Alternatively, you may simply be puzzled by certain aspects of human behavior and not really have an explanation for it. For example, why is it that such deep divisions exist between various ethnic groups? Why is it sometimes so difficult to remember people's names?

List five "theories" (beliefs or hunches) that you have about people's behavior and five things about human behavior that puzzle you. Week One Assignment Write a 1 page (3 paragraph minimum) Identify 1 person who have contributed to the field of Psychology and list his/her contribution to the field.

Paper for above instructions

Human behavior is a complex tapestry woven from personal experiences, societal influences, and developmental factors. Each of us harbors unique beliefs about why people behave the way they do, informing our interactions and interpretations of the world around us. In this reflection, I will outline five theories that I personally hold regarding human behavior, followed by five aspects of human behavior that leave me puzzled. Additionally, I will explore the contributions of psychologist Abraham Maslow, whose work has significantly shaped our understanding of human motivation.

Theories about Human Behavior

First, I believe that the environment plays a critical role in shaping an individual's self-esteem. People are often influenced by their surroundings, including familial support, peer recognition, and societal challenges. When individuals grow up in environments that regularly affirm their capabilities, they tend to develop high self-esteem (Baumeister et al., 2003). In contrast, toxic environments may inhibit self-worth and foster internalized negative beliefs.
Second, I maintain that emotional intelligence significantly impacts interpersonal relationships. People with high emotional intelligence tend to navigate social complexities more effectively, showing empathy and understanding towards others (Goleman, 1995). Conversely, those deficient in emotional intelligence may struggle to connect meaningfully with others, often leading to conflict and misunderstandings.
Third, I assert that habits, once formed, can become second nature, influencing daily behavior significantly. The 'Habit Loop,' as described by Duhigg (2012), illustrates how cues, routines, and rewards can reinforce actions, making them automatic. This implies that changing one’s behavior often requires significant effort to redefine these loops.
Fourth, I believe that cultural background affects personal beliefs and values. According to Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions Theory, individuals from collectivist cultures tend to value community and familial ties over individual achievement, which can shape their behavioral motivations and decisions (Hofstede, 2001).
Lastly, I propose that cognitive biases often cloud people's judgment and decision-making processes. For instance, confirmation bias leads individuals to favor information that supports their pre-existing beliefs while disregarding contradictory evidence (Nickerson, 1998). This can shape perspectives and reinforce stereotypes and prejudice.

Puzzles about Human Behavior

Despite my beliefs, there remain several aspects of human behavior that puzzle me. For instance, I marvel at the phenomenon of "bystander effect," where individuals are less likely to offer help to a victim when others are present (Darley & Latané, 1968). Why do people freeze or fail to act in emergencies rather than help, even when they are capable?
Another puzzle is the prevalence of cognitive dissonance, wherein individuals hold conflicting beliefs or attitudes, leading to psychological discomfort (Festinger, 1957). Why do people actively cling to irrational beliefs instead of adjusting their perspectives in light of new information?
I also find it perplexing why some people recite and memorize endless information with ease, while others struggle with basic recall tasks, such as remembering names. Memory functions are intricate and influenced by various factors, including attention and emotional context (Tulving, 1972). What accounts for such disparities?
Furthermore, the variation in individuals' responses to trauma or stress is intriguing. Some people emerge from traumatic experiences resilient, while others may develop lasting impairments (Bonanno, 2004). What underlying factors differentiate these outcomes?
Finally, the capacity to forgive is a complex aspect of human behavior that perplexes me. What influences individuals to hold onto grievances or engage in forgiveness against their detriment? Understanding the psychological mechanisms at play here could shed light on interpersonal relationships and mental well-being.

Contribution of Abraham Maslow

Abraham Maslow, an American psychologist, made groundbreaking contributions to psychology, particularly with his Hierarchy of Needs, proposed in his 1943 paper "A Theory of Human Motivation." Maslow suggests that humans are motivated by a series of hierarchical needs ranging from basic physiological needs—such as food and shelter—to higher-order needs, culminating in self-actualization, which represents the realization of an individual’s full potential (Maslow, 1943).
Maslow's hierarchy, often depicted as a pyramid, posits that individuals must satisfy lower-level needs before addressing higher-level needs. His theory has been applied across various fields, including education, business, and healthcare, providing a framework for understanding motivation and personal development. Furthermore, Maslow's work encouraged psychologists to explore the humanistic perspectives of psychology, emphasizing the importance of personal growth and fulfillment (Ryan & Deci, 2000).
In sum, psychology is a discipline rich with theories and mysteries that challenge our understanding of human behavior. By reflecting on personal beliefs, we can appreciate the diversity of thoughts regarding human conduct while encountering ongoing inquiries about the intricacies of behavior. The contributions of visionaries like Abraham Maslow continue to inspire discussions about motivation and self-actualization, reminding us of the core human desires that drive our actions and interactions.

References

1. Baumeister, R. F., Campbell, J. D., Krueger, J. I., & Vohs, K. D. (2003). Does High Self-Esteem Cause Better Performance, Interpersonal Success, Happiness, or Income? Psychological Science in the Public Interest, 4(1), 1-44.
2. Bonanno, G. A. (2004). Loss, Trauma, and Human Resilience: Have We Underestimated the Human Capacity to Thrive After Extreme Stress? American Psychologist, 59(1), 20-28.
3. Darley, J. M., & Latané, B. (1968). Bystander Intervention in Emergencies: Diffusion of Responsibility. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 8(4), 377-383.
4. Duhigg, C. (2012). The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business. Random House.
5. Festinger, L. (1957). A Theory of Cognitive Dissonance. Stanford University Press.
6. Goleman, D. (1995). Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ. Bantam Books.
7. Hofstede, G. (2001). Culture's Consequences: Comparing Values, Behaviors, Institutions, and Organizations Across Nations. Sage Publications.
8. Maslow, A. H. (1943). A Theory of Human Motivation. Psychological Review, 50(4), 370-396.
9. Nickerson, R. S. (1998). Confirmation Bias: A Ubiquitous Phenomenon in Many Guises. Review of General Psychology, 2(2), 175-220.
10. Ryan, R. M., & Deci, E. L. (2000). Self-Determination Theory and the Facilitation of Intrinsic Motivation, Social Development, and Well-Being. American Psychologist, 55(1), 68-78.
11. Tulving, E. (1972). Episodic and Semantic Memory. In Organization of Memory (pp. 381-403). Academic Press.