Discussion:
Origins of Psychology, Research Methods and the Brain
Part I: Origins of Psychology
Within the discipline of psychology, there are several perspectives used to describe, predict, and explain human behavior. The seven major perspectives in modern psychology are psychoanalytic, behaviorist, humanist, cognitive, neuroscientific/biopsychological, evolutionary, and sociocultural. Describe the seven major psychological perspectives using two to three sentences each. Select one major figure associated with one of the seven major perspectives and describe his or her work in two to three sentences. Type your response in the space below.
Part II: Research Methods
Describe research methods used in psychology by completing the following table. After completing the table, select two of the research methods and compare and contrast them in your own words. Your response must be at least 75 words.
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Research Methods
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Method
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Purpose
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Strengths
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Weaknesses
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Provide an example
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Experimental
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Descriptive
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Correlational
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Biological
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Part III: The Brain
Studying the functions and elements of the brain is essential to understanding human behavior. Watch the CyberPsych animation, The Brain, to research the brain in more depth. To access the animation:
1. Open WileyPlus by clicking on the rEsource link
2. Click on Read, Study, Practice
3. Select Chapter Two
4. Go to CyberPsych
5. Click on the animation titled The Brain
After watching the animation, use the animation and your text to answer the following questions:
1. Why do psychologists study twins? Why do psychologists study children who have been adopted? What can be learned from these types of studies?
2. What are the functions of neurotransmitters and hormones? How do they influence the brain and behavior?
3. What is neuroplasticity?