Historical Foundations in the Field of Psychology Essay

Abstract This net assignment is a reflective paper in which the historical, philosophical, and empirical foundations of the force field of schooling in psychology and its applications forget be discussed. Addition on the wholey, there will be a discussion of the paths that history has helped to shape historic present-day(a) scholarship theories and issues.Lastly, the paper will furnish an explanation of how particularized topics and information much(prenominal) as instrumental conditioning techniques and the usefulness of divers(prenominal) learning styles may impact my personal and professional life and how the different aspects of the ield of learning choose added value to my body of knowledge as a student and future professional in the field of psychology. Historical Foundations Of the case of Learning & deoxyadenosine monophosphate Shaping Important Contemporary Issues It is a vivid course of action for the field of learning to fall under the umbrella of the field of psychology.A branch of philosophy and science, the field of learning, in effect(p) as the field of psychology, was created through the movements of empiricism and rationalism, along with the development of evolution surmise (Terry, 2009). These movements fostered interest in scientific investigation thus giving way to pistemology, which means, possibility of knowledge. Questions concerning nature and nurture sparked interest in how we came to have knowledge, which is the authoritative tenet of the field of learning (Terry, 2009). In the field of psychology, the learning theories picture a way to explain how we learn and attain knowledge how we think. part philosophers agreed with the basic definition of knowledge and learning, which is defined as the encyclopaedism 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 p roposed that we have innate 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 process of learning, but he didnt believe that all knowledge had to be acquire. However, John Locke introduced the idea that knowledge is actually learned through our experiences, and through use of our senses, which is the idea of empiricism (Terry, 2009). This phenomenon is later cognize as cause and effect. The ideas of Descartes and Locke findd searchers toward an empirical view of learning through seeking out 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 contin uous and useful in some way today. There argon modern theories that have built upon the ideas of conditioning and sort modifications, etc. hotshot (2006), provide a modern approach to treating phobias, as well as other anxiety isorders. Their research starts with the traditional premise that what can be learned can be unlearned, and possibly pr heretoforeted (Mineka Zinbarg, 2006). However, they support modern reproof that traditional learning approaches do not adequately account for the divers(prenominal) factors involved in the origins of peoples anxieties.To support this claim they provide an example of two leaf nodes with phobias of trains. The phobias were develop due 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 second client only experienced her fit out organism torn before the owner was able to grab the dog before any serious injury occurred, although 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 some other concern that traditional views do not explain why many an(prenominal) individuals that have had traumatic experiences do not develop phobias. Furthermore, they go on to say that contemporary learning approaches argon better grounded in the theories and ethods of data-based psychology, and they provide more comprehensive formulations of the etiology of anxiety disorders. Also, that they provide a more explicit analysis of factors promoting or inhibiting the deeopment of different anziety disorders (Mineka & Zinbarg).With that being said, there have indeed been great advancements in the field of learning and psychology, along with growing technological advances. Learning involves observable changes in behavior objective evidence, and traditional researchers such as Pavlov, Watson and Skinner have coat the way for providing a scientific foundation for psychology and learning. Psychology is a science because it is objective and quantifiable. Learning and memory 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 ring imaging (MRI) to look at judgment functions to explain behaviors ( Raichle, 1994). These modern avenues of research have allowed researchers to become a step closer to relating psychological theory to brain functions and research. For example, todays research may include brain scans and case studies of brain damaged soldiers. Even more so, recent research on provide traumatic stress disorder examines the use of exposure therapy on preventing the reoccurenc of posttraumatic stress disorder (Massad et. l, 2006). This research is most interesting because the resear chers examine the understanding of reducing idolise responses because associations with the stimuli are not unlearned. Their research concludes that unless exposure treatment regimens are maximized the fortune of renewal of PTSD is high (Massad et. al, 2006). Such advances are very 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 military soldiers life as we are currently in war time.The topics in the field of learning that have had the most impact on me personally include learned seek aversions and the development of specific phobias For probably will not cause the boor to cry. However, through the pairing of the needle with the unpleasant sensation of having a vaccination the sight of the nurser may come to elicit symptoms of fear and anxiety, even if the electric shaver is not receiving a vaccination. I personally found this interesting Just be cause I am a mom and it is interesting to use such information while rearing children.The second type of learning that I found interesting in the behaviorist tradition is instrumental or operant, conditioning. This type of learning requires that an organism operate on the environment to arrive at 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 useful in the classroom as well as rearing children. Additionally, social 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).