Historical Foundations in the Field of Psychology Essay

Abstract This final designation is a reflective paper in which the historical, philosophical, and empirical insertions of the sphere of influence of acquire in psychology and its applications forget be discussed. Additionally, there will be a discussion of the carriages that history has helped to shape important coetaneous encyclopedism theories and issues.Lastly, the paper will provide an explanation of how specific topics and randomness such as instrumental conditioning techniques and the helpfulness of different development styles may impact my personal and professional life and how the different aspects of the ield of culture subscribe to added value to my body of intimacy as a student and future professional in the field of psychology. Historical Foundations Of the Field of encyclopaedism & Shaping Important Contemporary Issues It is a natural course of put to death for the field of discipline to fall under the umbrella of the field of psychology.A branch of ph ilosophy and science, the field of acquire, Just as the field of psychology, was created done and through the movements of empiricism and rationalism, along with the development of evolution theory (Terry, 2009). These movements fostered interest in scientific investigation thus giving way to pistemology, which means, theory of friendship. Questions concerning temper and nurture sparked interest in how we came to have knowledge, which is the main tenet of the field of learning (Terry, 2009). In the field of psychology, the learning theories provide a way to explain how we learn and attain knowledge how we think.While philosophers agreed with the basal definition of knowledge and learning, which is defined as the acquisition of knowledge, their opinions varied in how acquisition occurs (Terry, 2009). Descartes suggested that although we learn, other sources of knowledge exist. He introduced the ideas of nativism and rationalism. He proposed that we have inborn knowledge of our ideas of God, infinity, and perfecton (Terry, 2009). Also, that other knowledge is derived by a reasoning, logical, and intuiting mind (Terry, 2009). Additioally, this knowledge is present and independent of particular experiences with the world (Terry, 2009).Therefore, he believed in the emergence of learning, but he didnt believe that all knowledge had to be learned. However, John Locke introduced the idea that knowledge is actually learned through our experiences, and through theatrical role of our senses, which is the idea of empiricism (Terry, 2009). This phenomenon is later known as causal agency and effect. The ideas of Descartes and Locke influenced researchers toward an empirical view of learning through seeking away how knowledge is acquired through what is experienced in the environment. This gave way to the scientific methods of association learning, conditioning, and verbal learning (Terry, 2009).Each of the historical thoughts on learning is continuous and engagefu l in some way today. There atomic number 18 modern theories that have built upon the ideas of conditioning and behavior modifications, etc. One (2006), provide a modern approach to treating phobias, as well as other anxiety isorders. Their research starts with the traditional premise that what shadower be learned can be unlearned, and possibly prevented (Mineka Zinbarg, 2006). However, they support modern criticism that traditional learning approaches do not adequately account for the diverse factors involved in the origins of peoples anxieties.To support this claim they provide an example of devil clients with phobias of dogs. The phobias were certain collectable to experiencing attacks by dogs. The first client actually was out walking her pet dog when she was attacked and later developed an infection due to the bite. However, the insurgent client only experienced her clothes being tear before the owner was able to grab the dog before either serious injury occurred, altho ugh both clients developed phobias (Mineka & Zinbarg). They argue that traditional learning approaches do not adeqatly explain why the client that was not bitten developed the phobia as well.Additionally, they provide another concern that traditional views do not explain why many individuals that have had traumatic experiences do not develop phobias. Furthermore, they go on to say that contemporary learning approaches ar better grounded in the theories and ethods of experimental psychology, and they provide more plenary formulations of the etiology of anxiety disorders. Also, that they provide a more explicit synopsis of factors promoting or inhibiting the deeopment of different anziety disorders (Mineka & Zinbarg).With that being said, there have indeed been not bad(p) advancements in the field of learning and psychology, along with growing technological advances. training involves observable changes in behavior objective evidence, and traditional researchers such as Pavlov, W atson and Skinner have paved the way for providing a scientific foundation for psychology and learning. Psychology is a science because it is objective and quantifiable. Learning and retrospection themselves are not observed directly they are processes that occur in the nervous system (Terry, pg. 5, 2009). Therefore, contemporary research has taken advantage of the use of PET scans and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to look at judgment functions to explain behaviors ( Raichle, 1994). These modern avenues of research have allowed researchers to become a footmark closer to relating psychological theory to brain functions and research. For example, todays research may embarrass brain scans and case studies of brain damaged soldiers. Even more so, late(a) research on post traumatic stress disorder try ons the use of image therapy on preventing the reoccurenc of PTSD (Massad et. l, 2006). This research is most interesting because the researchers examine the understanding of reduc ing fear responses because associations with the stimuli are not unlearned. Their research concludes that unless exposure treatment regimens are maximized the risk of renewal of PTSD is high (Massad et. al, 2006). such advances are real important to the quality of life that our existence depends upon. knowledge is necessary for our daily lives even more so now than ever. This very research can be instrumental in a war machine soldiers life as we are currently in war time.The topics in the field of learning that have had the most impact on me in person include learned taste aversions and the development of specific phobias For probably will not cause the child to cry. However, through the pairing of the needle with the afflictive sensation of having a vaccination the sight of the nurser may come to force out symptoms of fear and anxiety, even if the child is not receiving a vaccination. I personally found this interesting Just because I am a momma and it is interesting to use such information while rearing children.The second type of learning that I found interesting in the behaviouristic tradition is instrumental or operant, conditioning. This type of learning requires that an organism give way on the environment to achieve a goal (Terry, 2009). So then, behaviors are learned as a function of the consequences of those behaviors. Of course, this type of reinforcement is reclaimable in the classroom as well as rearing children. Additionally, affable learning theory focuses on observational learning, and modeling. Social learning researchers are concerned with how expectations, memory, and awareness influence the learning process (Berk, 2008).