Essay on Benefits of Understanding Psychology: Understand Others Better

Introduction

Psychology refers to the scientific study of mind and human behavior which integrates various disciplines such as cognitive processes, social behavior, human development, and health (Hergenhahn, & Henley, 2013). Understanding psychology is essential as it creates numerous benefits in the day to day lives. For instance, studying human behavior and mind helps in understanding why people behave the way they do which helps in getting a better understanding of others. As a result, it helps to create better social relationships, living better social lives, becoming a better communicator, and gain mastery in resolving conflicts. Also, it is through learning other that helps an individual to learn and understand more about themselves. It is also worth noting that psychology helps in developing analytical skills since as a psychologist, it requires integrating ethical considerations and ensuring that solid research and credible facts support the findings. This paper focuses on exploring the various benefits of psychology in one's day to day life by understanding the vital aspects in the psychology field including the methods and the approaches.

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Research Methods Relevant to Describing Behavior

Psychologists can utilize social psychology research methods to understand particular behavior patterns. The methods allow the researcher to conduct an empirical study to explain the subject by developing and testing the hypothesis. It is worth noting that the effectiveness of the research methods depends greatly on the subject under research, the resources available, and the nature of the theory that is being explored.

The first research method is the descriptive research which encompasses the study of the features that already exist in a particular population. In this case, descriptive research cannot determine the causal relationship between variables but instead portrays the already existing attributes within the subject under study. The various method can be utilized to conduct descriptive research including surveys, observation, and case studies.

The second method is correlational research focuses on determining the relationship between variables. For instance, a researcher may strive to explore the relationship between stress and mental disorders. To determine the relationship between the variables, the researcher collects data that explains the two variables and uses the data to identify the correlation. Similar to the descriptive researcher, correlational research may also use observation and survey as methods of collecting relevant data. Another useful method to collect data for correlational research is by exploring and compiling the findings from previous studies.

The third method is experimental research which is useful in finding the causal relationship between variables. In this case, it helps the researcher to understand why particular elements affect or lead to particular behaviors. This method utilizes an experiment and a control group. The researcher manipulates the independent variables in the experiment group and uses the control group as a baseline to explore the causal relationship between the variables.

Early Psychological Approaches

The early psychological perspectives act as the basis through which psychologists conduct research to understand behavioral patterns. This is because these approaches provide assumptions and beliefs that help in understanding behavior. Therefore, to understand the significance of the approaches in conducting research, it is essential to explore several approaches to gain an understanding of their important insights in defining different behaviors.

The behaviorist perspective provides that the external environmental stimuli play a significant role in influencing the behavior. In this case, it means that one can be trained to behave in a particular manner. Scholars in support of this approach believe that one cannot act in a certain way based on free will. Instead, people learn behavioral patterns through regular exposure to punishments and reinforcement (Hergenhahn, & Henley, 2013).

Sigmund Freud coined the psychodynamic approach. Through the psychosexual development, this approach provides that the unconscious mind and the early childhood experience play a significant role in shaping the adulthood behavior. According to Freud, the unconscious mind consists of three distinct parts; the id, the ego, and the superego. The id and the superego are usually in conflict while the ego strives to strike a balance by resolving the conflict (Nicholas, 2008). Once the conflict is not resolved, then, the person tends the utilize defense mechanisms to reduce the anxiety therein.

The cognitive approach believe s that a person's behavior is influenced by their expectations and emotions. Therefore, people tend to remember, act, and solve problems based on what they already know. Therefore, internal processes dictate how people behave (Nicholas, 2008). For instance, when waiting to attend an interview, some people may change how they behave due to anxiety and fear about the upcoming event.

The biological approach explores how the nervous systems, genetic makeup, and hormones affect how individuals behave. By looking at the connection between the mental health, and the brain, as well as the hormones and nerves, helps to understand how people's thoughts, moods, actions, and attitudes are shaped.

Conducting a Research

Based on the insights presented above, I would like to explore the following question, "How does psychology help in enhancing the motivation to quit substance abuse." To answer this question, I will conduct experimental research involving an experimental group and a control group. The key psychological interventions to be utilized in the experience are counseling and reinforcement.

The research will encompass a sample of 60 participants who are facing a challenge in quitting smoking. 30 will act as the control group while the other 30 participants will participate in the experimental group. For the control group, no psychological intervention will be administered, and they will observe for 30 days to determine the changes. On the other hand, the experimental group will face both group and individual counseling to sensitize them on the importance of living healthy lives. Also, they will be taught on the practical steps to be used to quit smoking. A reward will be set for the participants from the experimental group who focus on following the guidelines presented in the counseling sessions. In this case, the participants that show an effort to improve their health status by following the set steps to quit smoking will be rewarded after that. Similarly, the group will be observed for 30 days, and the rate of smoking will be recorded daily to determine the progress. After 30 days, I will observe the changes in both groups to determine if the psychological interventions have any impact on the motivation to quit substance abuse among the addicts.

In conducting the experimental research, it is essential to follow the following ethical guidelines. First, there should be informed consent whereby the participants are aware of the evaluation that will be conducted. It involves informing the participants, the purpose of the research, the interventions to be used, the usefulness of the findings, and who will access these findings. Second, there should be voluntary participation whereby the participants decide to participate willingly without influence or coercion. Third, the experiment should not cause any harm to the participants either in the form of pain, stress, anxiety, or invasion of privacy. Fourth, the research should maintain confidentiality by ensuring that the participants' information is not accessible to unauthorized parties. Lastly, the experiment should only asses the relevant components.

References

Hergenhahn, B. R., & Henley, T. B. (2013). 3An introduction to the history of psychology. Vancouver, B.C: Langara College.

Nicholas, L. J. (2008). Introduction to psychology. Cape Town: UCT Press.