Psychology is the study of behavior and mental processes. Throughout the semeste

Question

Psychology is the study of behavior and mental processes. Throughout the semester, we’ve explored this topic from many perspectives, from the basics of neurons, the brain, sensation, and perception to consciousness and sleep, to learning, memory, cognition, intelligence, and language, to development, motivation, emotion, stress, and more. The following questions ask you to review and summarize some of the key parts of this material.

a) (10 points) Without the brain, psychology wouldn’t be much of a subject. Describe the cerebral cortex: How is it divided and what do the various parts do? In your answer, break it down by hemispheres and lobes. Also: What is lateralization?

b) (10 points) What is operant conditioning? In your answer, include a discussion of Thorndike’s contributions and Skinner’s contributions. (You do not need to include a discussion of types of reinforcement or reinforcement schedules.) How is operant conditioning similar to/different from classical conditioning?

c) (10 points) Briefly compare and contrast the four different theories of motivation: Instinct Theory, Drive-Reduction Theory, Arousal Theory, and Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs.

d) (10 points) Developmental categories, debates & methods: List and define a) the three developmental categories, b) the three debates about development, and c) the three methods that are commonly used to study human development, along with the pros and cons associated with each.

Explanation / Answer

Cerebral cortex is divided into 4 parts that has specific functions.

Frontal lobes: located in the front of the brain, behind the eyes. It has the ability to control are emotions and imagine

Partial lobes: located at the back of the frontal lobes. Is it responsible of all the sensation in the body.

Temporal lobes: located above the ears. It controls hearing

Occipital lobes: located at the back of the brain. It is responsible for the eye sight it helps to interpret the information.

Our brain is divided into two hemispheres that is divided by groves and ridges. It controls the muscles function and speech through emotions speech learning and writing. Right hemisphere controls the muscles of the left side of the body and the left controls the right side of the body.

Lateralization is the tendency for one hemisphere to dominate the other.

Positive reinforcement strengthen a behavior by providing a consequences an individual finds rewarding. Example: When an employee gets recognized for his works, he is likely to repeat his behavior in doing so.

Negative reinforcement is removing an unpleasant behavior to strengthen a behavior. Example: Parking car in the no park zone will attract fine, hence to avoid this strengthening behavior by parking the car in the parking lot.

Thus these studies can be used to explain a wide variety of behaviors; however operant conditioning does not provide how the learning takes place.

Drive reduction theory is a major cause for learning behavior. If your body wants something, that something is a drive, to reduce the drive you are motive to something like cook something since you’re hungry.

Arousal theory is the levels of motivation that can influence one to performance. Performance level will increase once the arousal level increases.

Maslow’s hierarchy of needs is a systematize means of human motivational needs placed in hierarchy. Basic needs in the bottom and higher level needs on the top of the pyramid.

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