Respond to at least one of your colleagues’ initial Discussion assignment postings in one or more of the following ways:

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Discussion: Misperceptions and Bias

We all have developed our own theories about human behavior based on, for example, our personal experiences, the experiences of others, and/or information we have seen or read about in the media. Psychology students new to the major often struggle with learning concepts and theories related to various behavioral phenomena due to the interference of personal theories and common preconceptions about psychological concepts. Why is the case? Studies stemming from the “critical thinking” research literature have identified several types of cognitive biases that can hinder students’ abilities to put aside their preconceived notions and in turn think critically about psychology.

There are many forms of cognitive biases that you will learn about in this week’s learning resources. These include confirmation bias, hindsight bias, availability heuristic, bandwagon effect, etcetera, and these biases can affect how new information is received and learned in the classroom.  A confirmation bias, for example, is when we actively seek information to support our own personal ideas or theories while at the same time we actively ignore information that contradicts our beliefs. For instance, college students who are also parents of young children may experience the confirmation bias when they disregard research on effective parenting strategies in a Child Psychology course if the information being presented runs contrary to their own personal beliefs and experiences with child-rearing practices, and they only believe the information that confirms what they already accept. When students are not able put aside pre-existing beliefs, it will be difficult for them to learn or accept new information about differing theories. Instead, students are encouraged to try to set aside personal beliefs and objectively evaluate the information presented, which will help to minimize bias.

To learn more about this topic and to prepare for this Discussion, review this week’s readings, media, and websites related to cognitive bias and misperceptions in psychology.

With these thoughts in mind

By Day 3

Post a response to the following:

  1. Drawing on the information provided in the Learning Resources this week, identify and describe an example of at least one cognitive bias that you have personally held or maintained. Describe how your example fits the definition of one of the types of cognitive bias and explain how you could (or have) overcome the cognitive bias.
  2. Drawing on the Learning resources, analyze how your awareness of cognitive biases will assist in your success as a psychology major at Walden, and provide an example.

Note: Be sure to support the responses within your initial Discussion assignment post, and in your colleague reply, with information obtained from the assigned Learning Resources, including a Reference list for sources used. For information regarding how your Discussion assignment will be evaluated please review the Grading Rubric located in the Course Information area of the course.

By Day 5

Respond to at least one of your colleagues’ initial Discussion assignment postings in one or more of the following ways:

  • Ask a probing question and provide insight into how you would answer your question and why.
  • Ask a probing question and provide the foundation, or rationale, for the question.
  • Expand on your colleague’s posting by offering a new perspective or insight.
  • Agree with a colleague and offer additional (new) supporting information for consideration.
  • Disagree with a colleague by respectfully discussing and supporting a different perspective.

Important Note: For all Discussions in this course, you are required to complete your initial Discussion assignment post before you will be able to view and respond to your colleagues’ postings. Begin by clicking on the “Post to Discussion Question” link, and then select “Create Thread” to complete your initial post. Remember, once you click Submit, you cannot delete or edit your own posts, and you cannot post anonymously. Please check your post carefully before clicking Submit!

Submission and Grading Information

Review the Case Description: Ms. X—Forensic, Neuropsychological Score Report (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site., and begin your post with a one-paragraph summary of the test data you deem most significant.

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Prior to beginning work on this discussion, read Chapter 12 in the textbook and the required articles for this week. For this discussion you will take on the role of a psychologist assigned a case in which the client has a legal concern. For your initial post, select one of the three forensic case scenarios below and follow the instructions.

Forensic Scenario One: Mr. W (Attempting to Obtain Legal Guardianship Over an Elderly Parent): Attorney Mr. X referred Mr. W for an evaluation of his decision-making capacity. Mr. W’s children do not agree with the findings from a prior evaluation and have requested a second opinion. Review the PSY640 Week Six Clinical Neuropsychological Report for Mr. W (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site., and begin your post with a one-paragraph summary of the test data you deem most significant. Utilize assigned readings and any additional scholarly and/or peer-reviewed sources needed to develop a list of additional assessment instruments and evaluation procedures to administer to the client. Justify your assessment choices by providing an evaluation of the ethical and professional practice standards and an analysis of the reliability and validity of the instruments.

Forensic Scenario Two, Mr. M (Not Guilty Plea): Your client, Mr. M., was referred by the court for an evaluation of his mental condition after his attorney entered a plea of not guilty on his behalf. Review the Case Description: Mr. M—Forensic, Pre-trial Criminal Score Report (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site., and begin your post with a one-paragraph summary of the test data you deem most significant. Utilize assigned readings and any additional scholarly and/or peer-reviewed sources needed to develop a list of additional assessment instruments and evaluation procedures to administer to the client. Justify your assessment choices by providing an evaluation of the ethical and professional practice standards and an analysis of the reliability and validity of the instruments.

Forensic Scenario Three, Ms. X (Personal Injury Lawsuit): Ms. X was referred for a forensic neuropsychological evaluation in connection with a personal injury lawsuit she had filed. Review the Case Description: Ms. X—Forensic, Neuropsychological Score Report (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site., and begin your post with a one-paragraph summary of the test data you deem most significant. Utilize assigned readings and any additional scholarly and/or peer-reviewed sources needed to develop a list of additional assessment instruments and evaluation procedures to administer to the client. Justify your assessment choices by providing an evaluation of the ethical and professional practice standards and an analysis of the reliability and validity of the instruments.

Compare rods and cones. Write about one similarity and two differences between rods and cones. When do you use rods? When do you use cones?

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Read the introduction to Chapter 5 (6 in the 11th edition of the textbook) the first several sections of module 5.1:

General Principles of Perception

The Eye and Its Connections to the Brain

Visual Receptors: Rods and Cones

Study the anatomy of the eye and retina in figures 5.1 and 5.3 (6.1 and 6.3 in 11th edition) in your textbook.

Answer two the following questions and then reply to classmate to let them know you found their explanation helpful:

1. How does your brain code the information about what it has detected?

2. What anatomy causes the blindspot demonstrated in Figure 6.4 (also the first “Try it yourself” in chapter 6 coursemate)? Why don’t we usually notice it?

3. Compare rods and cones. Write about one similarity and two differences between rods and cones. When do you use rods? When do you use cones?

4. Compare foveal and peripheral vision: What are differences in what you can perceive with foveal vision and what you can see with peripheral vision? Describe the differences in the anatomy of the retina in the fovea versus the periphery that cause those differences? Listen to Bach’s Toccata and Fugue in D Minor. (You may find this selection by searching the Internet.) Answer the  following questions.  Â What instrument is used for this selection? Is there more than one instrument? Describe the instrument(s) you  hear. Is this piece polyphonic, homophonic, or monophonic? Describe what you hear that makes you think this;  support your answer. Is the tempo fast, medium, or slow? Is it the same throughout? Describe. Does this music evoke feeling? Describe. What do you think the artist’s intent is? Explain Have you ever heard this music before? When? How does this affect your listening experience?

Review at least three websites of professional organizations for mental health and related fields provided in this week’s list of Recommended Websites. Compare and contrast the key features of three mental health-related disciplines.

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Issues Behind Addictive Drug Use

Prior to beginning work on this discussion, read the required chapters from the text and review the required articles for this week. Humans have engaged in psychoactive drug use, sometimes in formal (ceremonial) settings and sometimes recreationally, since before recorded history. It has only been in the last century or so that abuse and addiction have become large-scale problems. Using the literature and your own insights into these issues, formulate an argument as to why the problem has reached its current scale.  In your discussion, evaluate the employment of psychoactive drugs from the aspects of a risk-benefits analysis and ethical considerations such as the risk of addiction versus the cost of punitive action. Also explain purely pharmacological issues such as pharmacokinetics and routes of drug administration and dose. If needed, include factors such as supply, cultural attitudes to drug use, and the context of drug use.

Review at least three websites of professional organizations for mental health and related fields provided in this week’s list of Recommended Websites. Compare and contrast the key features of three mental health-related disciplines.

Address the following questions in your initial post:

  • What are common themes found among each of the professional organizations represented in the websites?
  • What are the distinctive themes for each organization?
  • How might a professional from each of the disciplines represented in the websites you selected answer the following question “How would a professional in your organization contribute to the treatment of depression?”