Instincts, Learning, and Intelligence in Animals
Characteristics of Instincts
Instincts are fundamental aspects of animal behavior. Key characteristics include:
- Inborn: Instincts are not learned; they arise spontaneously in response to a specific stimulus or situation. An *incentive* is a material element of the environment that is absorbed by an organism and triggers the behavior.
- Specific: Instincts are unique or identical for all members of the same species.
- Stereotyped: Instincts manifest as fixed and identical patterns of behavior.
- Unintentional:
Scientific Method and Research Paradigms
Conceptualization of the Scientific Method
Conceptualization, literally and etymologically, is the road to knowledge. It is the path that leads to a result in scientific activity, a tool that allows us to gain knowledge of society.
Steps of the Scientific Method
According to Bunge:
- Problem Formulation:
- Recognition of the problem
- Discovery of the problem
- Formulation of the problem
- Construction of the Theoretical Model:
- Selection of relevant factors
- Invention of central hypotheses and auxiliary hypotheses
- Formulation
Understanding Reinforcement in Applied Behavior Analysis
Types of Reinforcement
Positive Reinforcement: A behavior is followed by the addition of a stimulus (SD), which strengthens the behavior. The stimulus is presented immediately after a behavior, increasing the likelihood of that behavior occurring in the future.
Example: Playing a guitar, and everyone cheers; playing the guitar is strengthened.
Negative Reinforcement: A behavior is followed by the removal of a stimulus (SD), which strengthens the behavior.
Example: Closing a window to stop air from blowing
Read MoreResearch Variables & Methodological Designs
What is a Variable?
A variable is commonly understood as a measurable characteristic, property, or dimension of a phenomenon that can vary across observations or time. It represents an observable aspect of a study’s subject that can be categorized.
Methodological Framework
Features
- Empirically frames the research problem.
- Facilitates model verification by specifying necessary operations.
- Defines the research approach.
Design
- The strategy or plan to answer the research question.
- Provides a “check model”
Enhancing Patient Adherence: Strategies and Interventions
Strategies for Improving Patient Compliance
General strategies to facilitate compliance: Instruct and educate patients to improve their knowledge and responsibility regarding prescriptions. Supervise, remember, and reinforce treatment choices. Permit complex therapeutic modalities. Divide treatment into steps, simplifying the duration and complexity. Involve family, social circles, and couples. Ensure sound management of communication by the healthcare professional. Encourage self-registration. Adapt
Read MoreBranches and Schools of Thought in Psychology
Branches of Psychology
- Psychology: The scientific study of the human mind and behavior: how we think, feel, act, and interact individually and in groups.
- Health Psychology: Uses knowledge of psychology and health to promote general well-being and understand physical illness.
- Clinical Psychology: Deals with a wide range of mental and physical health problems, including addiction, anxiety, depression, learning difficulties, and relationship issues.
- Educational Psychology: Tackles challenges such as learning