Free Essay About The Impact Of Childhood Cultural Factors In Shaping An Individual.

PSYC 101

CIRCLE OR HIGHLIGHT the correct answer for the following questions; then after each, you will be asked to provide a rationale for your answer, an explanation, or example. DO NOT LEAVE ANY BLANK LINE ON THE TEST UNANSWERED.
1. A collection of related ideas and observations that describe, explain, and predict behavior and mental processes is called a
a. theory. c. proposal.
b. guess. d. hypothesis.
Please provide an example of this concept by coming up with an idea for your own scientific, psychological study. Just make one up! Think of a research idea that interests you and you have questions about. In one paragraph, tell me what your study would be and where this concept would fall within your study:

A constant debate rages where parties disagree on the extent of childhood experiences in determining an individual make up. In aspects such as interests, preferences and activities. My study will seek to determine the extent of childhood experiences in shaping a mature persons uniqueness in life. By studying children of various backgrounds and relating to the outcome of their predecessors.
2. The final step in the scientific method is to
a. draw conclusions. c. conduct a research review.
b. collect and analyze data. d. report results.
Please provide an example of this step in the scientific method by using your own scientific, psychological study you came up with in question #1. In one paragraph, tell me where and how this concept would fall within your study:
Considering the results, It is evident and hence justifiable to conclude the fact that a child's experiences influences and shapes certain aspects of their adult life. Depending on the surrounding, children collect information involuntarily that shape up their adult life. The study has determined that childhood experiences alongside the genetic make up determine a persons psychological make up.
In questions 3 through 7, MATCH each of the following research methods (a-e) with the statement which best describes it. Write the concept in the space next to the statement:
a. naturalistic observation d. case study
b. laboratory observation e. survey
c. correlational study
3. This method allows researchers to gather self-report data from a representative sample of the population. _Survey___________
Please provide an example of this method in the scientific, psychological study you came up with in question 1. If you were to conduct your study using this method, how would you go about doing so? In one paragraph, tell me how you would utilize this method:
I would randomly select children of different backgrounds such as classes and races living in distinctively extreme neighborhoods. I would conduct inteviews to determine their aspirations and expectations in life and compare to their senior siblings and people who lived in the same environment.
4. This method involves determining the strength of relationship between two variables, though cause and effect cannot be determined. ______Correlation study______
Please provide an example of this method in your own scientific, psychological study. In one paragraph, what variable you might utilize to determine strength of relationships:
a correlation study determines a link between the established variables. For instance, is the study of the link between the elderly and the young ones a
5. This method allows researchers to observe behaviors while maintaining control of the environment. _____observation__
Please provide an example of this method in the scientific, psychological study you came up with in question 1. If you were to conduct your study using this method, how would you go about doing so? In one paragraph, tell me how you would utilize this method:
I would put the participants in a controlled room to observe them. I will record them on video and ask them questions for a specified time period. The children from more advantaged background and had the experience would respond better to the questions asked.
6. This method involves collecting extensive data on one person of interest. _____Case study___
Please provide an example of this method in the scientific, psychological study you came up with in question 1. If you were to conduct your study using this method, how would you go about doing so? In one paragraph, tell me how you would utilize this method and what one person you might collect data on:
I intend to use two groups of children an adults children from various backgrounds that I’m already conversant with, some from from a poor family and others from affluent hence attending expensive schools. Another group will be adults from both situations.
7. This method allows researchers to observe behaviors that are more natural or spontaneous.
_Naturalistic observation_
Please provide an example of this method in the scientific, psychological study you came up with in question 1. If you were to conduct your study using this method, how would you go about doing so? In one paragraph, tell me how you would utilize this method and what natural or spontaneous behaviors you would watch for:
I intend to observe the children in their homes and schools that they usually attend without taking them to a different environment .
MATCH each of the following perspectives with the statement below which best describes it. Write it in the space below the statement. Then there is a paragraph to complete at the end of #11. Please do not leave it blank.
a. Humanistic b. Psychoanalytic c. Cognitive d. Behaviorism
8. This perspective focused on mental processes, such as decision-making and memory.
___Psychoanalytic_________________________
9. This perspective believes people are basically “good” and driven to reach their full potential.
___Humanistic_______________________________
10. Freud focused on the unconscious mind and on early childhood experiences.
___Cognitive__________________________________
11. Researchers like Watson and Skinner believed psychologists should focus on observable, measureable behaviors.
_________Behaviorism____________________________
In one robust paragraph, using all four of the perspectives above, describe a situation for each one in which each of these schools of thought might be necessary and appropriate over the others.
The brain is responsible for integrating all sensory impulses that originate from sense organs located on the face such as the eyes, ears, nose and tongue. It is also responsible for learning, memory, control of temperature, osmotic pressure, coordinating movement, controls sleep and our personality. The spinal cord on the other hand integrates impulses from the rest of the body below the neck and brings about reflex actions.
12. The Central Nervous System (CNS) in humans is comprised of two structures:
the brain and peripheral nerves
the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems
the autonomic and peripheral nerves
spinal cord and peripheral nerves
the brain and spinal cord

Describe in your own words (from your own schemata), the function of each of these structures:

13. __Dendrites_____________ are branch-shaped structures on a neuron that receive incoming signals from other neurons.

Axons c. Glial cells

Dendrites d. Receptors
MATCH each of the following NEUROTRANSMITTERS with the statement which best describes it. Place the name of the neurotransmitter in the blank next to the statement. Then there is a paragraph after #18 to complete. PLEASE DO NOT LEAVE IT BLANK:

Serotonin c. GABA

Dopamine d. Norepinephrine
e. Acetylcholine
14. it is involved in memory and movement; its deficiency is linked to Alzheimer’s disease
____________Dopamine___________________________
15. an inhibitory neurotransmitter involved in sleep regulation and mood; its deficiency has been linked to depression, suicide, and impulsive violence
___________Serotonin____________________________
16. it inhibits involuntary muscle movements and has been linked to both Parkinson’s disease and

Schizophrenia

__________Norepinephrine_____________________________
17. it activates the sympathetic nervous system and influences arousal; its involved in the brain’s reward centers and may be depleted by repeated cocaine usage
_________Acetylcholine______________________________
18. an inhibitory neurotransmitter that reduces anxiety and seizure disorders
___________GABA____________________________
In one robust paragraph, utilizing all five of these neurotransmitters, describe what stimulus or stressor might illicit the production of each of these neurotransmitters.
WE DID NOT HAVE TIME IN CLASS TO COVER THE FOLOWING PARTS OF THE BRAIN. USING YOUR TEXTBOOK OR THE INTERNET, PLEASE DESCRIBE THEIR FUNCTION ON THE LINE PROVIDED, AND IN YOUR OWN WORDS (USING YOUR OWN SCHEMATA) ANSWER THE QUESTION NEXT TO EACH BRAIN PART:
19. In the brain stem, what are the functions of the MEDULLA and RETICULAR FORMATION?

While the Medulla controls breathing, reticular formation controls voluntary movements.

If we were to place an electrode on the medulla and reticular formation of a rat and provide him or her an electric shock to this area, what might the rat experience?
___the Breathing will increase, the heartbeat rate and blood pressure will be altered
20. What is the CEREBELLUM?
it is the part of the brain responsible for movement coordination, controlling the posture and balance.
If a human were in a car accident, and received an injury to the cerebellum, what might happen to its functioning?
Interference with the celebrum will cause the person to keep falling when they attempt to walk and tilting their head sideways.
21. A person with a tumor on the HYPOTHALAMUS, might experience what symptoms?
___This patient would not feel hungry and may starve. The temperature control mechanism, too, will be affected._
22. Choose one of the INFANT REFLEXES outlined in Ch. 3. In one paragraph, describe for me what is occurring in the reflex you chose. Why is a newborn baby equipped with this reflex? How long does it last? Draw me a mental picture of what the baby exhibits:
When an object touches an infant's mouth, instant root reflex occurs. This causes the baby to turn their head in the direction of the source of touch with an attempt to reach for a bottle or nipple ready to feed. This is a vital action in the infants need to feed without uttering a word.
23. Nature Versus Nurture is another topic we did not have time to discuss in class. I’d like you to analyze the following three studies and tell me what the data says about NATURE VS. NURTURE. Simply GOOGLE the following three cases, then answer the questions below them:
A Twin Study of Humour, L. Cherkas, F. Hochberg, A.J. MacGregor, H. Sneider, and T.D. Spector (Twin Research, March 3, 2000: 17-22). Abstract: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/htbinpost/Entrez/query?db=m&form=6&uid=10808236&dopt=r

Hypothesis:

One's appreciation for humor is influenced by their genetic make-up.
Sample size:
127 pairs of female twins

Summary of findings:

Environmental factors (rather than genetic factors) contributed to cartoon appreciation.
What do you think the data say about nature versus nurture?
The environment molds aspects such as likes and dislikes more than the genetic makeup.
Compare the data for identical and fraternal twins.
There is no evidence of differences between fraternal and identical twins
II. Genetic Correlates of Musical Pitch Recognition in Humans, D. Drayna, A. Manichaikul, M. de Lange, H. Sneider, T.D. Spector (Science, 2001: 1969-1972).
Listed on the Twin Research Center's Web site: http://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/0,2-96428,00.html

Hypothesis:

One's genetic makeup determines recognition of musical pitch.
Sample size:
136 monozygotic twin pairs and 148 dizygotic twin pairs

Summary of findings:

The evidence indicated a high correlation between monozygotic twins then their dizygotic counterparts
What do you think the data say about nature versus nurture?
The variations in musical pitch recognition were due to the heritable differences in the twins' auditory functions with little effects or interference from the environment.

Compare the data for identical and fraternal twins.

III. Sources of Human Psychological Differences: The Minnesota Study of Twins Reared Apart, Thomas Bouchard Jr., David Lykken, Matthew McGue, Nancy Segal, Auke Tellegen (Science, October 12, 1990, 223-226 Condensed version: http://www.mugu.com/cgibin/Upstream/Issues/psychology/IQ/bouchard-twins.html

Hypothesis:

Genetics is a source of psychological differences in twins reared apart
Sample size:
100 sets of twins reared apart.

Summary of findings:

Approximately 70% of variations in intelligence of twins who were reared apart was due to genetic variations. monozygotic twins reared apart shared aspects such as personality, temperament, social attitudes and interests despite the distance.

What do you think the data say about nature versus nurture?

Nature is stronger than nurturing when much of he genes are shared. However nurturing humans influences an important part of their interaction with their environment.

Compare the data for identical and fraternal twins.

Identical twins share most of their genetic make up and as a result, separation does not change most aspects in their lives compared to separated fraternal twins.

What conclusions do you draw from these studies about nature versus nurture?

Both naure and nurture are reliable determinants of a persons ultimate aspects that help them interact with the rest of the world effectively.