Explain how the attentional blink relates to attention. Analyze how the variation in time influences the probability of seeing the second target letter. Explain the circumstances under which the attentional blink can be eliminated.

/in /by

There are many stimuli in your environment of which you are not aware. You use attention to filter out unimportant stimuli and focus on relevant stimuli. However, there are circumstances under which you cannot perceive stimuli, regardless of how hard you “pay attention.” One situation is when visual stimuli are presented in quick succession. If the interval between the two stimuli is short enough, you do not perceive the second stimulus. This lapse in attention is known as attentional blink. In this assignment, you will experience the attentional blink for yourself and will also read about practical implications of the phenomenon.

Access the CogLab demonstration Attentional Blink. Follow the instructions to complete the demonstration.

Read the following article:

  • Livesey, E. J., Harris, I. M., & Harris, J. A. (2009). Attentional changes during implicit learning: Signal validity protects a target stimulus from the attentional blink. Journal of Experimental Psychology: Learning, Memory, and Cognition, 35(2), 408-408-422. doi:10.1037/a0014525 (ProQuest Document ID: 614494049)

Using the experience from the CogLab demonstration and information from the article, write a paper that addresses the following:

  • Explain how the attentional blink relates to attention. Analyze how the variation in time influences the probability of seeing the second target letter. Explain the circumstances under which the attentional blink can be eliminated.
  • In the CogLab demonstration, letters were used as targets. The target used can influence the duration of one’s attentional blink and whether the attentional blink even occurs. Complete the following tasks:
    • Propose at least two other targets that could be used to induce the attentional blink.
    • Predict the effect each of your suggested targets would have on the duration of one’s attentional blink as compared to the CogLab activity you completed.
    • Explain the reasoning behind your predictions.
  • Present and discuss at least three occupations in which workers’ performance could be adversely affected by attentional blink. Identify and explain the types of problems or mistakes that might occur in such occupations due to the attentional blink.
  • Several years ago, some vehicle models came with a heads-up display (HUD). Instead of looking down at a panel on the dashboard, speed, distance traveled, fuel level, and time appeared to be displayed over the hood of the car. Discuss this design in terms of divided attention and attentional blink. Do you think the design was a good idea?

Write a 4-page paper in Word format. Apply APA standards to citation of sources. Use the following file naming convention: LastnameFirstInitial_M2_A2.doc.

By Wednesday, April 8, 2015, deliver your assignment to the M2: Assignment 2 Dropbox.

Assignment 2 Grading Criteria
Maximum Points
Explained the phenomenon of attention, described how time between targets affects the probability of seeing the second target, and analyzed how it can be eliminated or reduced in other conditions showing understanding and application of cognitive psychology concepts.
20
Applied knowledge of cognitive psychology concepts to propose other targets appropriate for experiment, predict their effects on attentional blink, and provide an explanation for predictions showing understanding and application of cognitive psychology concepts.
20
Identified three occupations that could adversely be affected by attentional blink and explained the types of problems or mistakes that might occur in such occupations due to attentional blink showing understanding and application of cognitive psychology concepts.
24
Related the concepts of divided attention and attentional blink to explain the heads-up display (HUD) design.
16
Wrote in a clear, concise, and organized manner; demonstrated ethical scholarship in accurate representation and attribution of sources; displayed accurate spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
20
Total:

W7Q1 2 Religious Views on Suicide

/in /by

Select two different religions, one that believes suicide is morally wrong and one that accepts suicide.  Explain why these religions have these beliefs. What is your philosophy on suicide and attempted suicide? Explain your reasoning. 

Describe how you might apply this assessment to the course-specific case study of Miranda and include any additional questions you would ask Miranda to assess her level of depression. 

/in /by

Discussion:
Assessment of Depression

Although there has recently been a deluge of media highlighting various prescription drugs for treatment of depression and anxiety, there remains a lack of understanding about mental health, in general. Further, stigma often is attached to seeking professional help for mental health issues.

Depression is a disorder that people often do not realize they are experiencing. The symptoms of depression can vary from person to person (i.e., weight gain vs. weight loss, loss of sleep vs. increased sleep), which can also make it difficult to diagnose. Many people experience times of sadness, including waking up feeling down for no apparent reason. These feelings are not unusual and come with the ups and downs of life.

As a professional, understanding the criteria for depression and comorbid diseases is part of a comprehensive assessment. Depression and anxiety can precede other mental health and physical issues and can also be a result of those issues. Clarifying the progression of the presenting problem will enable you to establish a well-informed treatment plan and intervention.

For this Discussion, review the course-specific case study for Miranda in this week’s resources. As you review and analyze this case, remind yourself of the need for a comprehensive assessment that does not focus on the perceived deficits. You will read and then consider the responses of the professionals involved in the case. While reviewing their varied responses, consider their possible biases and how they have chosen to focus on the presenting problem and the client’s situation.

· Post the depression scale you located, summarize how it is used, and describe the target population. 

· Describe how you might apply this assessment to the course-specific case study of Miranda and include any additional questions you would ask Miranda to assess her level of depression. 

· Then, identify the red flags that might cause concern and/or indicate significant depression. 

· Finally, identify a scale that can be used to assess risk for suicide.

References (use 2 or more)

Congress, E. (2013). Assessment of adults. In M. Holosko, C. Dulmus, & K. Sowers (Eds.), Social work practice with individuals and families: Evidence-informed assessments and interventions (pp. 125–145). Hoboken, NJ: Wiley.

Cowger, C. D. (1994). Assessing client strengths: Clinical assessment for client empowerment. Social Work, 39(3), 262–268.

Mental Measurements Yearbook. (n.d.). Lincoln, NE: Buros Institute of Mental Measurements.

Plummer, S.-B., Makris, S., & Brocksen, S. M. (Eds.). (2014b). Social work case studies: Concentration year. Baltimore, MD: Laureate International Universities Publishing. [Vital Source e-reader].

· Mental Health Diagnosis in Social Work: The Case of Miranda (pp. 7–9)

Note: Depending on your concentration, you may not receive a case study book until a later term. Therefore, if you did not receive a copy of Social Work Case Studies: Concentration Year in your previous course, use the linked PDF provided here. If you did receive the book referenced above, you may find the cases there or use the PDF.

Analyze two recommended treatments for the client and explain why they would be recommended (one or both of these treatments should come from a current peer-reviewed journal article).

/in /by

The DSM is a classification manual used by professionals in the field of psychology. For this assignment, you will diagnose three clients. The vignettes for each client, “Case Study Vignettes,” are located in resources. For each client, indicate:

  • The diagnosis, discussing each criterion the client fits and does not fit for that diagnosis from the DSM-5 (which you should cite).

Select one of the clients and in a separate, final section of the paper, complete the following:

  • Analyze two recommended treatments for the client and explain why they would be recommended (one or both of these treatments should come from a current peer-reviewed journal article).
  • Support your analysis with a peer-reviewed journal article about the diagnosis you chose for this client.
  • How well does the article’s discussion of the diagnosis compare to the behaviors the client displays?
  • As a professional in the field of psychology, how would you use the information from the article to inform your professional behavior?
Additional Requirements

For this assignment, you are expected to meet the following requirements:

  • Title page: Include your name, course, date, and instructor.
  • Reference: DSM-5, textbook, two or more peer-reviewed journal articles.
  • Written communication: Written communication is free of errors that detract from the overall message.
  • APA formatting: Resources and citations are formatted according to APA (sixth edition) style and formatting.
  • Length of paper: 5–6 typed, double-spaced pages.
  • Font and font size: Times New Roman, 12 point.
  • Submit your paper to the assignment area for grading.

Case Study Vignettes

Anxiety, Trauma, Stressor, and Obsessive Compulsive Related Disorders

1. Fred

Fred was raised in Houston. His father and mother were both successful realtors. He is the middle of three brothers, who remain close. He remembers, “We never wanted for anything.” Fred was an A student in high school and college and a top athlete. He completed medical school and now practices as an anesthesiologist at a local hospital.

Fred experienced some emotional distress a number of years ago as he considered coming out and letting his family know he is homosexual. His father initially struggled with the news but came to accept it. Fred’s father is quite amiable towards Fred’s partner. Fred’s oldest brother was nonplussed by the news. Fred and his partner are welcomed in his brother’s home. Fred’s mother’s response was “I don’t believe it. Please never mention this again.” The youngest brother’s response was to accuse Fred of hurting mom.

Fred has again been experiencing emotional distress this past year as he and his partner discuss the idea of either marrying or having a commitment ceremony. Fred is certain that he wants to do this but struggles with the question of what to tell family members and whether to even invite his mother and youngest brother.

In this context Fred complains of daily panic attacks. These generally occur when he is getting ready for work or near the end of the work day. The panic attacks started several weeks after Fred was robbed at gunpoint at a subway station. This occurred four months ago. He stated he does not think he was particularly affected by the attack but wonders because the panic attacks started soon after. Following the attack, Fred decided he is not going to use the subway anymore because it is too dangerous. Fred has been commuting by bicycle even though it is often difficult to negotiate the city streets by bike.

Fred reports that there is no mental illness that he is aware of in his immediate family. He strongly suspects that his mother’s father was an alcoholic because he remembers his grandfather smelling of alcohol during his (Fred’s) childhood and because his mother refuses to have any alcohol in her home.

2. Phil

Phil is 20. He comes in because he is “stressed” now that he is not working. Phil reports that his first job was at a restaurant, but he quit because it was “too messy.” After work he would shower for hours to get the food smells out of his hair. Even after showering he would feel greasy and dirty. He next found work at a clothing store. Phil reports that he was initially very well regarded by his boss at the clothing store at which he worked. He worked hard, always making sure displays were orderly and the clothes were perfectly folded and arranged in order by size. His boss so appreciated the attention that he took with the displays that she made him the assistant manager and put him in charge of the other employees. She was relieved that she had a second in command so that she could leave the store under his supervision.

However, the boss soon became frustrated with Phil. He did little to help manage the employees or problem-solve difficulties. He did not seem able to field customer complaints. He did a poor job on some of the managerial tasks assigned to him. But he did continue to neatly fold the clothes and arrange them by size, even after the boss told him he should delegate this to another employee so he could focus on his role. After several warnings about this, Phil was eventually terminated.

Phil reported he had been married for a year but his wife left him because she found him controlling. He is not sure what this means but notes that they often argued because he got frustrated that she did not put things away where they belonged. She would especially get upset because he would try to clean up the kitchen when she was cooking, so “things wouldn’t get too messy.”

3. Stacey

Stacey is 35 years old and lives alone.  Stacey was married when she was 20 and was married for 4 years. The couple did not have any children. Stacey’s mother describes that Stacey was shy when she was little and tended to play alone with her dolls and stuffed animals. She had a brother who was ten years older than her. The family lived in the country and had a lot of pets and other animals, such as horses and chickens. Stacey loved the animals and was good at helping to care for them.

Stacey had a close childhood friend named Anna who she met in the first grade. The two girls would sometimes get to play at each other’s houses and sometimes would spend the night. When they were in the fourth grade, Anna’s family moved out of state. Stacey was small for her age and wore glasses. She became a target for other kids to make fun.

Following Stacey’s divorce, she became more reclusive. Stacey’s former husband, Chad, was critical of Stacey and left because in his words she “was a doormat with no personality.” She currently maintains a job as a cashier at a local grocery store. She has worked there for seven years and her employers are happy with her performance. She is highly accurate and efficient at her job. When she is off of work, she tends to stay home alone with her pets.

Four years ago Stacey enrolled in college thinking she might like to become a nurse. Several of her classes required her to give presentations in front of the class, and Stacey described that she was “paralyzed with fear” in thinking about public speaking. She was afraid she would not be able to get through her speech and that her classmates and teachers would make fun of her. She dropped those classes, and therefore was unable to move forward in her education.

Stacey says that she is content with her job and with living alone with her pets. She has three dogs, two cats, and several birds. All of the pets came to her through a pet rescue agency.  She states that pets are accepting and loving and don’t criticize.