Diversity of Psychology the Diverse Essay

Total Length: 834 words ( 3 double-spaced pages)

Total Sources: 3

Page 1 of 3

" It is worth separating the two here, as the differences between the two highlight the diversity of the discipline. Behavioral learning is defined as "a change in behavior brought on by experience." (Psychological Approaches to Learning). Made famous through the Pavlov experiment, where dogs were shown to salivate at the sound of a bell once they had learned that food followed the noise, behavioral therapists seek to "re-condition" their clients. Thus, like their cognitive colleagues, behavioral therapists work with their clients to bring about conscious changes in their lives. Repeated practice with different responses to troubling stimuli may allow a patient to adjust his/her behavior to be more productive.

In addition to these sub-disciplines, the diversity of psychology is further deepened by Humanism, Structuralism, and Functionalism, just to name a few. So much diversity has made the science appealing to a great diversity of practitioners, from therapists to patients. That is, if somebody finds Psychoanalysis distasteful, they may have a better experience with a behavioral approach. Growth in the field, as measured through students choosing it as a major and professionals practicing their craft, may be a direct result of the diversification of the discipline.
Of course, diversity can also lead to conflict. Therapists may believe their approach to psychology is the better, more scientifically valid one, and may denigrate colleagues who practice within a different sub-discipline. Internal squabbling may be simply uncomfortable, or it may lead to significant rifts in the profession, with therapists offering different diagnoses and conflicting treatment plans for the same patient. These conflicts may serve to drive clients away, or provide them with inconsistent care.

Psychology has found its way into many other disciplines. For example, political psychologists study the behavior of political leaders by applying psychological principles. Bio-psychologists look at the functioning of the brain from both a biological lens and a psychological one. Sociologists use insights from psychology to understand how societies function, how trends form, and how social problems persist. Even economists use theories from psychology to help them explain the behavior of consumers and markets. The diversity of the discipline has enriched many disciplines and improved the lives of countless individuals......

Show More ⇣


     Open the full completed essay and source list


OR

     Order a one-of-a-kind custom essay on this topic


sample essay writing service

Cite This Resource:

Latest APA Format (6th edition)

Copy Reference
"Diversity Of Psychology The Diverse" (2010, April 04) Retrieved May 3, 2024, from
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/diversity-psychology-diverse-1331

Latest MLA Format (8th edition)

Copy Reference
"Diversity Of Psychology The Diverse" 04 April 2010. Web.3 May. 2024. <
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/diversity-psychology-diverse-1331>

Latest Chicago Format (16th edition)

Copy Reference
"Diversity Of Psychology The Diverse", 04 April 2010, Accessed.3 May. 2024,
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/diversity-psychology-diverse-1331