Understanding DSM-IV: Classifications, Disorders, and Assessment
General Considerations
General Considerations
- Manual symptomatic inherited from psychiatry (American Psychiatric Association).
- Not based on any psychological theoretical approach (systemic, psychodynamic, humanistic, and cognitive behavioral).
- Instrument made from empirical data and a descriptive methodology.
- DSM-IV applies to disorders that are happening at the moment, not for past disorders.
- DSM-IV is a way of classifying and cataloging symptoms, with no room for questioning or hesitation as far as
Psychology: Understanding Behavior, Personality, and Disability
Q. Psychology of disabled a. Goals & methods of scientific PSYLOGY ;
Scientific psychology is a field that systematically studies the behavior and mental processes of individuals, using empirical methods and scientific tools. It aims to understand, predict, and control behavior in a way that helps individuals lead better lives, especially for those experiencing disabilities. The goals of scientific psychology are broad, but they can be categorized into a few central areas: describing behavior,
Read MoreUnderstanding Homelessness: Causes, Profiles, and Recovery
The Process of Social Exclusion and Homelessness
Social exclusion is a complex process influenced by many interrelated factors.
- Housing: Factors related to rental policies, income and wealth distribution, pensions, social policies, legislation, and housing prices.
- Individual Factors: Age, gender, race, status, physical and mental health, and disorders such as alcohol or drug addiction, and compulsive gambling.
- Family-Relational Factors: Conflicts and ruptures, widowhood, loss of social networks and
Understanding the Learning Approach in Psychology
The Learning Approach in Psychology
The learning approach proposes that behavior is acquired through learning experiences. This perspective considers mental processes and genetics as relatively unimportant in determining our behavior. Instead, the focus is on observable behaviors, viewing the investigation of mental processes and unconscious forces as unscientific and untestable.
The early 20th century saw a rejection of unscientific methods and a shift towards a more scientific study of human behavior.
Read MoreEpistemological and Methodological Developments in Social Sciences
Epistemological and Methodological Developments
Evolutionary Period (19th Century)
Social sciences began to openly express concern for others. Explorers’ accounts, staff reports, and information from anthropological societies merged. This era introduced stages of social development (Marx, Spencer, Comte), the idea of progress, and the comparative method. Auguste Comte, the founder of sociology, defined it as the observation of social research through comparison, experimentation, and historical analysis.
Read MoreUnderstanding Equity, Expectancy Theories & Organizational Culture
Adam’s Equity Theory
Adam’s Equity Theory posits that perceived inequity plays a major role in motivational processes.
- People exchange inputs for outputs.
- People have a natural tendency to compare themselves to one another.
- The nature of the comparison is between input-output ratios, as follows:
Inputs of employee / Outputs of employee versus Inputs of referent other / Outputs of referent other
- If the comparison of the input-output ratio seems in balance, equilibrium, or equity, then behavior will