Most psychologists today agree that the concept of mind and body have merit. But, more important is to provide empirical evidence to confirm the relationship between mind and body (The History of Psychology, 2006). The Beginnings of Modern Psychology Rene Descartes (1596-1650), a French mathematician and philosopher, took up the viewpoint that introspection and reflection are investigatory methods superior to observation. Descartes revived the Platonic ideas of mind-body dualism and innate (versus acquired) knowledge. He said that what separates humans from animals is that humans have a non-material, spiritual mind and a material body.
The nature-nurture debate is all about whether genetics (nature) or our environment (nurture) is responsible for our behaviour and development. Early theorists believed that our personality, intellect, behaviour and gender role were determined by our genes and therefore could not be changed. But an increasing amount of evidence has proved these theorists wrong, and our development as an individual is learnt through the environment we live in. One developmental stage of an individual that psychologists have the nature-nurture debate about is the intelligence stage. The nature side of that intelligence is present at birth and we already have a set amount of intelligence.
Can intelligence change? To what extent is intelligence malleable? Extended Essay: Psychology Name: Candidate number: School: Nörre Gymnasium Word count: 37811 Abstract This essay investigated the research question: To what extent is intelligence malleable? It was necessary to start by presenting the debate on defining intelligence since there is not a complete consensus among psychologists, however, this paper accepted a definition which is generally accepted by respected psychologists; that ‘intelligence is the ability to deal with cognitive complexity’ (Gottfredson, 1998). In presenting and analysing empirical evidence such as Howe (1997) supporting the thesis that intelligence can, in fact, change under the right conditions and given enough time, a strong indication of malleability is provided.
When I first looked at "Is a Theory of Man Possible?" by Walker Percy, I was looking for reasons to believe that man (humankind) was indeed a unique phenomenon in the cosmos, and that there are discernable differences between man and the rest of the animal kingdom. I think Percy is successful in stirring one's interest and pointing you in the right direction. I will first take up the dyadic/triadic distinction. My first exposure to the dyadic/triadic distinction was in reading this essay.
Outline and critically assess the differing ways that intelligence has been portrayed. Present arguments for the model you consider to be the stronger. Support your view with reference to a range of theories and supporting evidence. Intelligence is an aspect of human nature that throughout years of discussion, research and debate, has been the topic of many of the world’s greatest thinkers. However, it has no clear definition in which a mutual consensus has been agreed.
For centuries scientists’ aim has been to observe not only the physical, but also the mental nature of a human being and its diverse, complex features. While it is clear to everyone that physical appearances are present from the outset, perceptual and intellectual abilities turn out to be not so readily monitored or inferred. Whether the way one perceives the world and the surrounding environment is a cause of an innate ability or is due to learning and experience, has been considered as one of the most controversial and thought-provoking topics in the wide area of psychology. Various findings in support of both naturists’ and nurturists’ view gave rise to a never ending dispute called ‘’Nature versus Nurture’’ which is not even close to being over. Due to a growing interest in infants’ ability to perceive the surrounding world in the early 20th century various research studies and experiments aiming to observe and investigate newborns’ nature were conducted.
“If an animal is aware of its actions, it is aware of itself.” –Luigi Hilario Throughout history it has been debated whether or not mammals have had the ability to reason of even be aware of one ‘self’. It was believed that “only humanity had a soul”. But as Charles Darwin believed, “the mental habits, beliefs and facial expressions and even the “love of deity” have evolved” (“Inception of Darwin’s theory” Wikipedia). Mammals have grown and evolved to use these abilities of reason to better help survival and living within their community. Research has demonstrated that all mammals including canines, dolphins and bonobos, have fundamental basic emotional systems.
Introduction 2: There are many facts in life that all people will lay claim to ‘knowing’. But in broad and uneasily defined areas, who can say what they ‘know’ and what they simply believe to be true. This essay will look at how ‘knowing’ something can have a different meaning for a psychologist compared to a member of the lay public. To ‘know’ something is ‘to feel certain’ or ‘to have in the mind or memory as the result of experience, learning, or information’ (Webster’s Handy Dictionary, 1992). This essay will evaluate how a psychologist and a member of the public might each reach conclusions or form matters of opinion of which they ‘feel certain’ and how the meanings attached to what they ‘know’ might be different.
?). “It is also to some extent culturally shaped and culturally defined, since cultural practices support and recognize intellectual qualities that are useful in the social and ecological context.” (Kowalski & Westen, 2011, p.274). Gardner’s Theory was developed due to his belief in the existence of only one inventory for intelligence. He used many criteria to come up with these eight intelligences. These criteria dealt with damage to the brain indicating how a portion of the brain could be affected while the other portion still worked fine.
Skinner's staunch behaviorism made him a dominating force in psychology and therapy techniques based on his theories are still used extensively today, including behavior modification and token economies. When people think of psychology, many tend to think of Sigmund Freud. His work supported the belief that not all mental illnesses have physiological causes and he also offered evidence that cultural differences have an impact on psychology and behavior. His work and writings contributed to our understanding of personality, clinical psychology, human development, and abnormal