Hoping to Learn

In the past two weeks we have been introduced to psychology. We started off talking about how the definition of "psychology" came into being. Starting from 400 BCE where it was: psychology is the study of mental processes and ending with 1960 CE: psychology is the scientific study of mental processes and observable behavior. You can see how specific and detailed psychology is just by learning the evolution of its definition.

We then learned about Bio-psycho-social psychology. Where there are subdivisions of psychology, but without all three working together you wouldn't have the full product. We then moved into all the different types of psychology that apply to all situations. We then learned the difference of clinical psychologists and  psychiatrists. Psychologists give mental treatment, and psychiatrists give physical treatment. We then learned how scientific psychology really is by learning the scientific method and seeing how psychology uses it. We then learned about case studies and surveys-how psychologists get their conclusions and how effective it really is. 

To me, it was really interesting to learn about how there are so many different categories of psychology. Every little detail of our behavior is covered in a different type of psychology. Also, there are so many different types of psychologists that study the different behaviors and thought processes. 

Many times I have been surrounded by people whose actions I just don't understand. There are things they say and do that I just don't understand what makes them want to say that or do something like that. Many times, I just want to understand what makes them want to do that. I hope to learn this year about people's actions and why they would want to do certain things that just don't seem right to me. Also I would like to learn why it bothers me so much when someone does something I don't understand. Is it because I don't like that I don't understand? Or is it because their actions just fit with what I believe is right? 

Psychology and Autism

For the past two weeks, we have been learning the basic history of psychology. We learned about how psychology's definition has changed over time, from the thoughts of Plato and Aristotle up through modern psychologists. We also discussed whether psychology is a science or not and what forms of data gathering can be used in psychology and for what purpose they can be used.

For the project on Chapter 3a, Mrs. Perl asked us to find an outside source to discuss in our presentations. I immediately researched autism. As most all of you know, autism is particularly close to my heart because my brother was diagnosed with moderate-to-severe autism at the age of three. He is now almost thirteen. As a result of simply living in the same house as him, I probably know more about this psychological disorder and  the treatments than the average person. From a young age, my brother and I were both exposed to the world of various supplements, treatments and pills, each of which had a different purpose. Now, at the age of almost thirteen, my brother is taking anti-depressants among other medications. Why does he take these medications? What is autism?

Simply put, autism is a psychological disorder of unknown cause that causes an imbalance of chemicals, or neurotransmitters, in the brain. Every manifestation of autism is unique to the person it effects. However, common to most cases of autism is the imbalance of the chemical serotonin. As we all know, neurons communicate with each other by releasing neurotransmitters from one neuron and receiving those neurotransmitters in the next neuron. Serotonin, whose functions/messages include balancing mood and maintaining stable bodily functions, has been found in much lower (than normal) levels in autistic children. Normal children should have serotonin levels that are much higher than the average adult's levels. Autistic children between the ages of 3 and 8 were found to have only 1% more serotonin than adults. During a clinical study, autistic children were given a drug containing the extra serotonin that they were lacking. By the end of the study, the scientists found that the children's aggression was measurably reduced. This finding may lead scientists closer to finding the causes of autism as well as help them control the symptoms.

Right from the start of my study of psychology, I was intrigued by psychology's application to everyday life. Until I did this assignment, I had no idea that psychology would be so close to home. I look forward to learning more about the disorder that effects my brother and gaining a better understanding of what autism actually does to the mind. On a side note, I am grateful that scientists have created and tested drugs that can help balance the serotonin levels in my brother's brain so that he is not in a constant state of aggression and can enjoy his life.

Welcome to AP Psychology 2013-2014

Welcome to AP Psychology 2013-2014! 

In an effort to encourage collaboration, communication, creativity, and critical thinking, each week you will be responsible to write one new blog post and to respond to two blog posts from your classmates.  In order to hold you accountable, you will be graded on these posts!

If there is a prompt on the blog, you will be required to respond to that particular prompt in your post (the prompt could be a video, article, question, cartoon etc.). If there is no prompt, you can be creative in your post and can bring in your own thoughts or resources concerning the topic that we are studying during that particular week.

I look forward to using this blog as a means to share ideas and reflections as we embark on our study of Psychology.

You will be graded according to the following rubric:

BLOG REFLECTION RUBRIC

OUTCOME ASSESSED	Beginning	Developing	Proficient		Strong	WEIGHT	VALUE
	1	7	9	10
Overall Use of Blogs	Blog entries are few and generally simple retellings of personal events. No comments are made on blogs of others.	Almost all required blog entries and comments have been completed.	A blog entry and comment is submitted, though not all of them may give evidence of a substantial contribution.	A blog entry and comment is submitted, both of which are substantial. Beyond the required post, your blog includes many more reflections.		40%
Intellectual Engagement with Key Concepts	Blog entries make no reference to issues raised through readings and/or class activities.	Blog entries make some reference to issues raised through readings and/or class activities.	Blog entries demonstrate awareness of most of the key issues raised through readings and/or class activities.	Blog entries demonstrate engagement with the important issues raised through readings and/or class activities.		25%
Personal Response to Key Concepts	Blog entries show no personal response is made to the issues/concepts raised in the readings/activities.	Blog entries convey little evidence of a personal response to the issues/concepts raised in the readings/activities.	Blog entries convey evidence of a personal response to the issues raised in the readings/ activities, and demonstrate that the author is capable of reflecting on learning, technology, and society.	Blog entries convey extensive evidence of a personal response to the issues raised in the readings/ activities, and demonstrate the author's growth through reflection on learning, technology and society.		25%
Engaged Writing	Blog entries use incorrect grammar and syntax consistently, making it difficult for others to follow.	Blog entries demonstrate some evidence of correct spelling, grammar, punctuation, etc. Audience will have little trouble reading your blog.	Blog entries show a good command of Standard English. No problems for your audience.	Blog entries show a very good command of Standard English and have some flair and originality.		10%