A History of Modern Psychology Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

A History of Modern Psychology - Essay Example Following the year 1870, college students in the United States increasingly became responsive to the innovative psychology: a professor at Harvard University, William James, initiated theories of intellect and displayed pragmatic results with a set of ‘brass devices’, taken from laboratories of physics and physiology. â€Å"Wundt, who is considered to be the originator of contemporary psychology† (Schultz, 2011), wrote extensively on psychology as an autonomous educational field and, during the year 1879, founded the earliest psychological laboratory. Sigmund Freud developed his individual structure of psychology as well as psychiatric therapy, which he named as psychoanalysis. His structure was extended by means of an apprentice technique of â€Å"training analysis† (Schultz, 2011) earlier than the psychoanalyst started a private practice. Psychoanalysis within America turns out to be linked with the medicinal line of work, expanding independently from edu cational psychology. Early Western philosophy is identified largely by the three great thinkers: Socrates, Plato and Aristotle. They set the groundwork for Western philosophy by investigating and describing the â€Å"range, scope, method, terminology, and problematic of psychological investigation† (Goodwin, 2008). In the 19th century, the issue of the ‘relationship of mind to brain’ turns out to be ever more critical. In fact, the concern was so profound that it is complicated to discover a methodical text printed after 1860 that does not have a dialogue about this concern. Largely, this directly revealed two key advancements that united to make an impact on philosophers as well as psychologists with the ‘centrality of the mind/brain problem’. The first of these deals with improvement in understanding the localization of intellectual job, founded on the thought that the brain serves as the part of mind. The second deals with a rising awareness with the opinion that mental occurrences - such as faiths, intellectual ideas, captivating trance states, and intuitive upsets - occasionally result in drastic modifications in the condition of the body. This alteration took place as advancement was made in knowing the nature of functional nervous disorders’. During the year 1870, Shadworth Hodgson provided the earliest contemporary expression of a vision that he named as ‘epiphenomenalism’ (Benjamin, 2006). Descartes had envisioned the thought that animals were entirely â€Å"physical automata devoid of mental states, a notion that carries with it the implication that a completely self-sufficient neural mechanism can produce complicated and apparently intelligent acts† (Benjamin, 2006). Later this vision was broadened to include human beings, but moderated so that just the underlying usefulness and not the real existence of psychological conditions were rejected. In addition, dominant in the rising discipline of psychology, were discussions surrounding the usefulness of Mesmerism in addition to the importance of phrenology. The earlier one was extended during the year 1770 by Anton Mesmer, who declared to apply the control of ‘gravity’ to heal a number of physical as well as psycho

Q mthds Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Q mthds - Essay Example (Weiss, 2004) For me, statistics are everywhere around us in this world. We face a lot of situation which involves statistics and more particularly descriptive statistics in our lives. In fact this interaction with statistics is so frequent that it is often very difficult to spend even hours of our lives without having to look at statistics or descriptive statistics. The reason behind statistics being all around us, confines in the daily activities or routine tasks, which we go through. For example, suppose we are watching a match involving our favorite NBA team, Lakers. Before the match we are going to make some inferences. These inferences will be based on the basis of statistics are more importantly descriptive statistics. For example, to say Lakers is going to win will be based on certain variables that both the Lakers and the opposing team possess. For example, our inferences could be based on the fact that on average, Lakers is scoring more baskets than the opposing team. Simil arly it can be on the basis that the players of Lakers such as Bryant and Gosol are taller than the players of opposing team. It could be any reason based on the variable between the two teams. If we define variable, it is used to define certain characteristics that differ from one person to another or from one entity to another. This is how we can use statistics as tool to make inferences in our daily life and gives us a little idea about how important statistics can be. From the above example, it has become really clear that statistics play vital role in our daily lives. The above example might not affect our lives greatly but think about certain situation where using the techniques of descriptive statistics can make our lives better, if we apply the right techniques to a data and make inferences which might benefit us. Let's now take an example of a company which trades stocks in NYSE. Suppose that the market is bullish and shares prices are rising. This increase could be graphed as the following diagram: Source: http://www.nasdaq.com/ Date: 28 September 2009 The above diagram shows the data of NYSE index on a 28 September 2009. From the above data, we can see that the market has reached peak at 1'o'clock. By the use of descriptive statistics and comparing the data of several days, we may come to a conclusion that NYSE reaches its peak each day at 1'o'clock and can disburse all the investment before 1'o'clock to make huge profits. This will create a motivation for the company to invest in the shares by large amount to maximize its profits. However, suppose that the market has a trend that after reaching a certain point it goes down or loses its value. (Orr, 1995) If this trend line or line of best fit, which is a part of descriptive statistics, is known, it will provide this company comprehendible information about not only the timings and compositions of optimum investment in NYSE, but will also tell the company when to divest from the market, before the market indices start to fall. This is how giant brokers operating New York Stock Exc hange make the use of descri

The Chronicle Death Foretold English Literature Essay

The Chronicle Death Foretold English Literature Essay I returned to this forgotten village, trying to put the broken mirror of memory back together from so many scattered shards, summarizes the narrators entire expedition to Sucre trying to unravel an unsolved mystery of the murder of Santiago Nasar. This essay will explore how memories serve as a tool in Chronicle of a Death Foretold. Memories seem to be the only source of information for the narrator and are frequently used by Marquez to bring to the reader the plot, albeit in a non-sequential order. Memories not only help in determining a characters perception of events but also create ambiguity. Marquez showcases some memories as contradicting and the others as vaguely similar to what actually happens in the lives of the characters twenty-seven years back. The writer creates a relation between the reader and narrator with the help of first-person narrative; this engages the reader more as he leaves them to decide whose memory should be trusted. One of many words that can be associated with this story is enigma, as a result of Marquezs non-linear narrative. Although the story begins with the revelation of specific memories of the murder such as the time, setting and the victim, the suspense lies in the context why the Vicario brothers kill Nasar. Marquez uses stereotypical techniques that accompany a mystery revealing conflicting memories of different characters at once: It wasnt raining, Pablo Vicario remembered. Just the opposite, Pedro recalled  [2]  . While Victoria Guzman was sure that it had not rained the entire month of February, some others claimed that the weather was funereal  [3]  and a thin drizzle  [4]  was falling. Thus, one cannot effectively visualize the setting of the day Nasar is murdered; these contradicting reminiscences of weather are perhaps intended to create uncertainty. The uncertainty in the recollections of weather not only forebode Santiago Nasars death, but also help the writer in using it as a tool to forebode other impending uncertainties, which are a result of ambiguous memories. This helps the writer in weaving an atmosphere of suspense. The memories of characters effectively bring out the dynamics of relationships in the plot. That the Columbian culture emphasized on strong filial bonds is clearly discerned in Placida Lineros memory of her son: The last image his mother had of him was that of his fleeting passage through the bedroomà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ as she would remember him forever  [5]  . Her memories reveal the strong tie between Santiago and herself, years after her sons death. Marquez also presents the flipside of filial bonds through Angelas recollection of her relationship with her mother. Angela only recollects the harsh incidents and the severity with which her mother dealt with her when she was returned by Bayardo San Roman for losing her virginity before marriage: The only thing I can remember is that she was holding me by the hair with one hand and beating me with the other with such rage that I thought she was going to kill me  [6]  . Purisima del Carmens vigilant disposition, made Angela subservi ent to her. This reflects on Angelas upbringing, a certain lack of trust, thereby, the dynamics of their relationship. Santiago Nasars character is established through the varied memories of him. The memories of minor characters also add to the multiple perspectives of Nasar and his murder. Flora Miguel said Here you are à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦And I hope they kill you!  [7]  . But on the other hand Luisa Santiaga and Yamil Shaium try stopping the murder to save Nasar. With this in mind, he can also be claimed the protagonist of this chronicle, as all memories, either good or bad, are centered around him. The memories of individuals serve different purposes, than when used collectively to discover the truth. Separately, memories add a different angle to the recollection, by including each characters thoughts and feelings. There has never been a death more foretold  [8]  , the narrator remarks during his journey. It can also be inferred that the characters themselves did not remember the event chronologically but rather in bits and pieces. This also refers to the title, as per definition of a chronicle; it is not sequenced chronologically Jointly, memories help the writer to gather all the recollections to narrate an event that takes the reader back in time, to describe events during the wedding: I had a very confused memory of the festival before I decided to rescue it piece by piece from the memory of others  [9]  . Using memory as a motif, the writer also creates literary tension as he tries fitting all these pieces of memory together to present a sensible picture. Memories bring to life the rationale represented by Columbian culture in the eighteenth century. The writers use of memories draws a parallel between the social conventions of that period and those twenty-seven years later. Pablos wife claimed: I never would have married him if he hadnt done what a man should do  [10]  . The importance of family honor and machismo and the correlation between the two remains the same after twenty seven years. Memories therefore play mediator through different time periods by presenting the unchanged social constructs and norms. Using memories, the writer presents elements of magical realism through such instances as the dissection of Santiago Nasars body (It was as if we killed him all over again after he was dead  [11]  ) and the recollection of the priest (the dogs, aroused by the smell of death  [12]  ). These instances add to the uncertainty and create anticipation, as the suspense is revealed slowly. Later in the text, even with the description of Nasars body being cut open and stitched back together, the effect of using magical realism here is to show how Nasars reputation was questioned and how is identity was erased, after his murder. Memories are also used as a cathartic tool to purge the guilt associated with Santiago Nasars murder. The entire community is to blame for it and their memories either come across as excuses or remorse for not informing Santiago that he was in danger. (The) twins declared at the end of the trial that they would have done it again a thousand times over for the same reason  [13]  . This conveys how the brothers attempt to purge themselves of the guilt related with the murder, by convincing themselves more than the narrator or the reader that they are guiltless. We killed him openly, Pedro Vicario said, but were innocent.  [14]  They repeatedly try to justify their act, to escape the guilt and remorse associated with killing a man, whose culpability they are, perhaps, uncertain about. Marquezs portrayal of a mystery catches the attention of the readers instantly. The use of memories is prevalent in different forms and consistent through the entire mystery. Although the investigation has been carried out after so many years, it still gives rise to a few significant questions about. Thus, the reader may question the accuracy of these memories and whether they can actually be of any help in understanding the reasons for death of Santiago Nasar. The answer to this question could probably be traced through the authenticity or reliability of these memories, and the reconstruction of these broken pieces, that Marquez puts together for the reader, as a complete chronicle.

Reader Response Essay - Joyce Carol Oatess Where Are You Going, Where

Reader Response Essay - Joyce Carol Oates's Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been? As I began reading â€Å"Where are you going, where have you been?† by Joyce Carol Oates I found myself relating the experiences of Connie, the girl in the story, to my own personal experiences. She spoke of going to a friend’s house and having her friend’s father drive them to the shopping mall so that they could walk around and socialize or go see a movie. I found that this related very closely with my own experiences of being fifteen years old because it was always someone else’s parents driving my friends and I to the movies or to the mall. However, as I continued to read the story I began to wonder if maybe Connie’s life was not in any way parallel to my own. I have a younger sister where she has an older sister, but that is where the similarities end. Her mother is always telling her that she should be more like June, her older sister. It seemed to me that June living with her parents at her age was unusual, but the fact that she seemed to enjoy this and was always doing things to h...

Orthodontics Essay

I am currently a 4th year dental student and I would like to apply for a postgraduate residency in Orthodontics. I have assessed the advantages and disadvantages of pursuing this career and I feel that being of service to a lot of people and raising their self-esteem by beautifying them is what drives me towards this direction. I have always focused on both the physical as well as the mental enhancement of my capabilities. I have learned to focus on achievement not only as flat numbers on a page, but as an indicator that I am getting better, making progress toward being the best I can be. I believe I can be of help to the community where I belong in both the short term and long term. I know that I do not have the luxury of mediocrity or pessimism or apathy—that peak performance is demanded in this profession, We have all been in situations where the best of ourselves emerged at levels we previously thought impossible, and have seen such moments in our families, in projects that worked. I had been in projects and cultural and social activities in school that I feel would help me contribute in my efforts in pursuing Orthodontics. I believe in team productivity that would help serve self-development and personal fulfillment, and by extension, the vitality and prosperity of the school where I plan to pursue further studies. I know I can contribute to the school in my own small way because I feel most alive when engaged full-throttle. Call it positive addiction, a contributory obsession, a passion to create one’s self through one’s work, yet I thrive in that and I can’t wait to channel my energies towards these worthy efforts. I have made further explorations of what this university stands for and what it has to offer, and I have to say that my appreciation of this university has grown. I have learned that it stands not only for academic excellence that prepares students for the challenges of career and real life, but also for a value-ladened education that emphasizes values education and a concern and commitment for a more humane and just world. This university aroused my interest in particular, because it fits in with my earlier notions that education should include immersion in real life problems and challenges. I am excited and eager to find out how I can fulfill my potential by subjecting myself to the discipline and immersing myself in the daily life of this University and the many issues tied to being an educated and compassionate person in a complex world. After much reflection, I have come to regard this University as one of the best options for a young person like me. I am excited at the prospect of being considered for admission here. I hereby present myself with a strong grasp of fundamentals in dentistry, an insatiable thirst for knowledge and an array of teaching, leadership and team member skills. I sincerely hope that my background and undergraduate qualifications are deemed appropriate for higher studies in your university. I feel my best work is still in the future. I believe I can contribute and make a difference, and successfully complete the requirements, if given a chance. I am full of enthusiasm and am eager to bring to bear my personal strengths and interests, and my zeal to excel in my chosen field to the pursuit of excellence in my areas of interest.

Female characters from Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck and from The Withered Arm by Thomas Hardy Essay

Compare the presentation of two female characters, one from Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck, and one from The Withered Arm by Thomas Hardy, Pay close attention to their roles as outsiders. In these works of prose fiction, both authors write about women confronted by circumstances that make their lives very difficult. The women are, or become, outsiders of one sort or another. You will need to: show your knowledge of both texts Use quotations to support the points that you make Show a knowledge of the life and times that each author was writing in Show what you understand the term outsider to mean. I am writing an essay comparing ‘Curly`s wife’ from the novel Of Mice and Men and ‘Rhoda Brook’ from The Withered Arm. John Steinbeck was born in 1902 and lived until 1968 was an American who lived in California this is where he wrote his novels. He always had jobs on farms during his highschool-years, or, as he was very much interested in science, helped out in local laboratories. After school John went to college at Stanford University but John dropped out of school without a degree to enter journalism in New York. He then returned to California to write novel writer. Of Mice and Men was the first novel that was recognised, Of Mice and Men was first published in 1937. In 1962 John Steinbeck got the Nobel-prize for literature. Steinbeck wrote Of Mice and Men. Of Mice and Men was a story about two men who move from Ranch to Ranch earning just enough money to last them the week. John Steinbeck wrote this story from experience he also travelled from ranch to ranch so knew what it was like to not have a life and have life plane just dreams to look forward to which were just distance dreams. Steinbeck expresses his feelings on life living on a ranch through Georges character, in the book George was always repeating his story on men living on the ranch and describes them as nobodies. John Steinbeck wrote Of Men and Mice during depression and wrote about two men George and Lenny as the loneliest guys in the world which were like him not going to stay alone they are different and they will achieve there dream and this is what John Steinbeck achieved. Guy swho lived on ranches were usually very lonely but John Steinbeck was not going to be lonely and when too old be useless he wanted to overcome his dream. â€Å"Guys like us, that work on ranches, are the loneliest guys in the world. They got no family. They don’t belong no place. They come to a ranch an’ work up a stake and then they go inta town and blow their stake, and the first thing you know they’re poundin’ their tale on some other ranch. They ait got nothing to look ahead to.† John Steinbeck then lived in California and wrote Grapes of Wrath a story about people who earned nothing and would work non stop for a slice of bread. Both Steinbecks novels are to do with money and people working so hard to become there dream like Lenny and George their dream was to have their dream house but it was out of their reach and they could not overcome it. Thomas Hardy was born in 1840 and lived until 1928. He lived in Dorset so knew a lot about the place he wrote the withered arm which was set in Dorset during 1825 although Hardy knew a lot about Dorset he set the novel before he was even born. Because the story was set so before his time he had to adapt his knowledge of Dorset to how it was in the 1820s his words had to be old fashioned and include long intense sentences to suit the play in the time it was set. Unlike John Steinbeck, Hardy wrote long sentences with old fashioned words. Thomas Hardy was educated locally and at 16 he worked for an architect. At 22 he went to London to train as architect, he then returned home, he then returned home in 1867 persue his chosen career to write novels. He had even started writing his first novel The Poor Man and the Lady, which was never published. Thomas Hardy wrote about fate and pentimizium, most of his novels were tragedies, and he appeared to grow more pessimistic in later life. He then stopped writing novels and returned to writing poetry. Thomas Hardy wrote the withered arm of which is his best known novel The withered arm DESCRIPTION OF STORY. Both the authors write about women confronted by circumstances that make their lives very difficult. The women are outsiders and are not loved and want a better life. Of Mice and Men written by john Steinbeck has a woman in, in the story her name is never spoken of she is referred to as Curlys wife as though she is his woman. She is the only woman on the ranch so is an outsider, she has no one to relate to. Curlys wife is presented in the Story Of Mice and Men as a tart or a flirt her clothing and her body language create a flirty atmosphere. Her clothing is very tarty she wears red clothing and red makeup and red was the colour usually worn by prostitutes so she is wearing these tarty clothes for attention. â€Å"Quote Curlys wife description† She wants to be looked at, her husband Curly is not giving her the attention she needs and she is feeling lonely and apart from the world, on her own and wants a friend or to be loved. Her husband Curly also lives on the Ranch and treats his wife as an outsider, curly doesn’t love his wife he just treats her as a sex object. The withered arm written by Thomas Hardy also has a woman in Rhoda Brook is made to feel as an outsider. Rhoda isn’t married and doesn’t have a partner, in those days to be a single mum was very unlikely so the people in her town thought she was a witch so she didn’t have many friends. Rhoda lives with her twelve year old son in father lodges cottage, Rhoda is very in love with Farmer Lodge but he has a very beautiful wife which Rhoda is extremly jealous of. â€Å"The thin woman who had not spoken was joined by a boy of twelve or thereabout.† Rhoda Brook is not very attractive she is pale, tall and thin. Unlike Curlys wife she isn’t beautiful so cannot use her beauty to attract men and get peoples attention. Rhoda is very jealous of beautiful woman so unlike Curlys wife, Rhoda is around other woman so isnt an outsider in that prospective she is an outsider because of men, she is neglected by men and is unlucky in love. Rhodas loneliness and emotional feelings only aid to the boys like Curlys wife she wants to be loved and cared about. Rhoda works on a farm as a ‘milking woman’. Curlys wife doesn’t work she is just a housewife for Curly. Curlys wife was very much like George and Lennie they all had a dream but none of them came true. Curlys wife’s dream was to be a movie star but she could not live her dream because she met Curly, they fell in love and he took her away from the natural world and placed her in a lonely neglected environment on the ranch. On the Ranch she is never spoken to because the men on the ranch don’t want curly thinking there is something going on with her wife and another man because he would kick them off the ranch. Curly and Rhoda are very different in appearance but very similar in personality and would be feeling very alike. Rhoda is very modest and lifeless unlike Curlys wife who seems to be very outgoing and flirtatious.