The Top 10 Psychology Studies of 2010
The end of 2010 fast approaches, and I'm thrilled to have been asked by the editors of Psychology Today to write about the Top 10 psychology studies of the year. I've focused on studies that I personally feel stand out, not only as examples of great science, but even more importantly, as examples of how the science of psychology can improve our lives. Each study has a clear "take home" message, offering the reader an insight or a simple strategy they can use to reach their goals , strengthen their relationships, make better decisions, or become happier. If you extract the wisdom from these ten studies and apply them in your own life, 2011 just might be a very good year. 1) How to Break Bad Habits If you are trying to stop smoking , swearing, or chewing your nails, you have probably tried the strategy of distracting yourself - taking your mind off whatever it is you are trying not to do - to break the habit. J. 2) How to Make Everything Seem Easier J. 3) How To Manage Your Time Better M. J.
American Psychological Association (APA)
Agreeableness
Agreeableness is a personality trait manifesting itself in individual behavioral characteristics that are perceived as kind, sympathetic, cooperative, warm and considerate.[1] In contemporary personality psychology, agreeableness is one of the five major dimensions of personality structure, reflecting individual differences in cooperation and social harmony.[2] People who score high on this dimension tend to believe that most people are honest, decent, and trustworthy. People scoring low on agreeableness are generally less concerned with others' well-being and report having less empathy. Therefore, these individuals are less likely to go out of their way to help others. History[edit] Cattell's 16 Personality Factors[edit] Like all Big Five personality traits, the roots of the modern concept of agreeableness can be traced to a 1936 study by Gordon Allport and Henry S. The Big Five[edit] NEO PI[edit] NEO PI facets[edit] Trust[edit] Straightforwardness[edit] Altruism[edit] Compliance[edit]
Depressive realism
Evidence for[edit] Evidence against[edit] When asked to rate both their performance and the performance of another, non-depressed individuals demonstrated positive bias when rating themselves but no bias when rating others. Criticism of the evidence[edit] Some have argued that the evidence is not more conclusive because there is no standard for "reality," the diagnoses are dubious, and the results may not apply to the real world.[33] Because many studies rely on self-report of depressive symptoms, the diagnosis of depression in these studies may not be valid as self-reports are known to often be biased, necessitating the use of other objective measures. See also[edit] References[edit] Jump up ^ Alloy,L.B., Abramson,L.Y. (1988). Further reading[edit] Rachel Adelson (April 2005).
Dysfunctional family
Perceptions[edit] A common misperception of dysfunctional families is the mistaken belief that the parents are on the verge of separation and divorce. While this is true in a few cases, often the marriage bond is very strong as the parents' faults actually complement each other. In short, they have nowhere else to go. Dysfunctional families have no social, financial or intellectual bounds. Examples[edit] Dysfunctional family members have common features and behavior patterns as a result of their experiences within the family structure. Common features[edit] Near universal[edit] Some features are common to most dysfunctional families: Non universal[edit] Though not universal among dysfunctional families, and by no means exclusive to them, the following features are typical of dysfunctional families: Specific examples[edit] In many cases, the following would cause a family to be dysfunctional: Parenting[edit] Unhealthy parenting signs[edit] Dysfunctional parenting styles[edit] "Kids as pawns"[edit]
How to Live With an Unknowable Mind
We know surprisingly little about our own personalities, attitudes and even self-esteem. How do we live with that? How do you imagine your own mind? I sometimes picture mine as a difficult and contrary child; the kind that throws a stone at you for no reason and can’t explain itself. Or while at the beach it sits silent, looking miserable. But, at a wedding is determined to scream at the top of its lungs through all the quiet bits. One reason minds can be frustrating is that we only have access to part of them, by definition the conscious part. Except we don’t know it’s doing things we haven’t asked it to, because we can’t interrogate it. This is quite a different view of the mind than Freud had. The idea that large parts of our minds can’t be accessed is fine for basic processes like movement, seeing or hearing. Other parts would be extremely interesting to know about. Here are three examples of areas in which our self-knowledge is relatively low: 1. Don’t be so sure. 2. 3.
APA Research Style Crib Sheet
APA Research Style Crib Sheetby Russ DeweyGeorgia Southern University Psychology Department [Emeritus] [This page is a summary of rules for using APA style, updated for the 6th edition. I have made every effort to keep this document accurate, but readers have occasionally pointed out errors and inconsistencies which required correction. I am grateful to them and invite additional feedback to me at psywww@gmail.com. This document may be reproduced freely if this paragraph is included. --Russ Dewey, host of Psych Web [psywww.com]] APA Crib Sheet ContentsContents | Back to top APA style is the style of writing used by journals published by the American Psychological Association (APA). Some of the more commonly used rules and reference formats from the manual are listed here. The most notable additions and changes to sixth edition of the APA Manual (2001) include: Contents | Back to top Following is a summary of rules and reference examples in the APA style manual. Contents | Back to top Commas
Artisan temperament
Description[edit] Artisans are concrete in speech and utilitarian in pursuing their goals. Their greatest strength is tactical variation. Their most developed intelligence role is that of either the Operator (Promoters and Crafters) or the Entertainer (Performers and Composers). As the stimulation-seeking temperament, Artisans prefer to live one day at a time. Interests: In education, Artisans want to learn artcrafts and techniques that they can use in their career. Orientation: Artisans live in the here and now. Self-image: The Artisans' self-esteem is rooted in their grace and artistry; their self-respect in their boldness; and their self-confidence in their adaptability. Values: Artisans enjoy excitement and perform well when in a state of restless energy. Social roles: In romantic relationships, Artisans want a playmate, someone who can share in the pleasure and excitement they seek. Learning[edit] Artisans want teachers who are interesting, active, and playful. Stress[edit]
