Friday, January 9, 2009
Class Evaluation
I reallyy enjoyed this class! The little specials we watched were very interesting and I loved seeing how everyday people reacted to different studies of psychology. I would have to say that my favorite project was the sensory unitt. Everybody had really cool demonstrations and it was fun participating in them. I don't think theres much to leave out next year because every chapter was important and i learned a lot. I would have liked to spend more time on the more interesting topics and maybee add a few more fun activities! Overall I'm glad that i took this course because it taught me some cool concepts and facts that I didn't know beforee. During the notes we took in class there was alwayss something to laugh about and thats definitly something im going to miss! :)
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Genetic Testing
By John M. Grohol, Psy.D. March 27, 2008
The first wave of companies is coming on the scene to peddle genetic tests that purport to help people see if they have genes associated with possible higher incidences of a particular disease or condition. Sound a little fishy? Well, given the complexity of genomics today, it is.
One of the first of these tests is a $399 do-hickey designed by genetics researcher John Kelsoe to test for gene mutations sometimes found in bipolar disorder (also known as manic depression). Kelsoe is a renowned researcher in the area of psychiatric genetics. His rationale?
“The goal of this is to try and help doctors make an accurate diagnosis more quickly so the patient can be treated appropriately,” Kelsoe told the Associated Press. “Anything is going to help, even if it just helps a little bit.”
Really? Given that the same researcher suggests “that bipolar disorder probably results from a combination of genetic factors and life experiences, and that the presence of these gene variations does not at all mean that someone will, in fact, develop the disease. He admits, too, that his findings about the genetic basis of the illness are far from complete,” according to the Associated Press article.
Well, of course bipolar disorder’s roots are complex and not yet well-understood. The presence of the mutations only means you may be at greater risk for the disorder, such as you may be at greater risk for heart disease if you have a family history of heart disease.
But we can already determine that far more cheaply, quickly and effectively with a simple clinical interview. Takes about an hour, and you’ll come away with an actual fairly reliable diagnosis of bipolar disorder or not (for a lot less than $399). Heck, you can even use this wonderful Internet contraption to take a free online screening quiz for bipolar disorder today, which is probably even more accurate than Kelsoe’s genetic test.
I can give you similar results to the genetic test by asking you one question — Do you have a family history of bipolar disorder? Yes or no. If you answered “Yes,” you’re at 7% to 25% greater risk for getting the disorder. If you answered “No,” you’re less likely to get the disorder.
The genetic test does little better (a “positive” result means that you may be up to 2 to 3 times more likely to have the disorder). The gene variations the test looks for are rare even among those with bipolar, meaning there is the possibility for a false negative — the test found nothing, but you could still get bipolar disorder.
So we’re not really sure of the need of such a test, especially for a relatively complex disorder like bipolar disorder. And until we’re much further along in our understanding of genetics’ role in disorders such as bipolar disorder, we consider all these kinds of genetic tests scams — elaborate tests draped in scientific mumbo-jumbo that provide little actionable information, or information that can’t already be readily obtained more easily and cheaply elsewhere.
This article was very interesting. You would think a $400 genetic test would be extremely accurate but i guess science is stilll working on it. I feel that when it comes to dealing with genes and such theres just no telling if your child will end up with a genetic disorder or not. I believe its all just chance. This just goes to show that you can't always rely on the doctors.
Friday, December 19, 2008
Personality Tests
Jung Typology Test:
ENFP
56% Extraverted 12% Intuitive 75% Feeling 56% Perceiving
I am moderately extravert
have a slightly intuitive personality
have a distinctively expressed feeling personality
and a moderately expressed perceiving personality
I somewhat agree with this survey although i still feel like I havent had too many experiences yet to see if these are vaild enough.
FIFTH WAVE PERSONALITY ASSESMENT
Your score on Lack of Ethics was 2.25. The average score is 3.35.Your score on Dishonesty was 4.33. The average score is 3.90.Your score on Misanthropy was 2.17. The average score is 3.20.Together these traits form what we call the Trusting vs. Manipulative dimension.Your score was 2.77. The average Trusting vs. Manipulative dimension score was 3.46.Your scores indicate that you are more trusting than the average person taking this test.Your score on Arrogance was 3.50. The average score is 3.76.Your score on Dominance was 4.00. The average score is 4.14.Your score on Self-Aggrandizement was 4.83. The average score is 4.45.Together, these traits form what we call Self-Assuredness.Your score was 2.76. The average score was 2.92.Your scores indicate that you are below average on Self-Assuredness when compared with others.Your score on Impuslivity was 4.89. The average score is 3.96.Your score on Lack of Feelings was 4.20. The average score is 4.25.Together, these two traits are considered to form what we call the Hero/Rogue dimension.Your score was 4.64. The average score is 4.02.Your scores indicate that you are above average on this dimension when compared with others. People with these scores tend to be calm in emergencies and may act impulsively. Whether or not they act in pro-social or anti-social ways is generally a function of the their upbringing.
I agree with alottt of what this survery says! It says I more trusting than the average person taking this survey and that I tend to remain calm in emergencies, which is extrememly true!
ATTRACTIVE TEST
Your average rating of attractiveness was 2.96, and the average rating by others is 3.17.You tended to rate the pictures presented as about as attractive as the average person.
This one was super funny. More than half the guys i had to rate were NOT attractive! It described my type totallyyy wrong and I wonder where these people came from. :)
EQ TEST
Your Score: 39
35 - 44
You have slightly above average EQ - with room to grow! You are likely sensitive to the emotional climate of the people around you - your peers, friends, family and key clients. You are well aware of the effect your behavior has on others. Still, while you may be adept at tuning into others and their needs - you must remember your own! Don't be afraid to honestly communicate these difficult needs and feelings. The world is well stocked with martyrs - it doesn't need any more! Think also about your passion for work (or whatever constitutes your main roles in life - manager of people, doer of tasks, 'meeter' of clients' needs, etc). We spend countless hours in our given roles - sometimes without much joy or satisfaction. In the process we become tranquilized by the trivial. Sedated by the small details of life. Sure, the laundry needs doing, the groceries need getting, the kids need chauffeuring, the deadlines must be knocked off, but we also need to stop and remember what gives us great joy and meaning. If we fail to remind ourselves (on a regular basis), we risk becoming hostile and cynical. We lose our purpose. And this translates to a diminished ability to be effective, at ease and fulfilled. Areas to work on: Ask yourself: - What situations generally create tension and stress for you? How are you handling these situations? - What negative thoughts play over and over in your mind on a regular basis? Are these a true picture of reality? - Are you afraid to share your needs and feelings with others? Is it because you are taking care of everyone else - being a martyr - or acting 'the strong, silent type'? What 3 things give you the greatest meaning in your life? If you work on gaining clarity in these areas, you will move toward maximizing your full potential and finding greater effectiveness, happiness, and fulfillment in your life. As William James said: I have no doubt whatever that most people live, whether physically, intellectually, or morally, in a very restricted circle of their potential being. They make use of a very small portion of their possible consciousness... much like a man who, out of his whole body organism, should get into the habit of using and moving only his little finger... We all have reservoirs of life to draw upon, of which we do not dream.
I agree with the validity of this survey. I do put the needs of others before myselff. Im always adjusting my schedule to fit along with those of my peers. It's something that I reallyy hope to improve on in the future!
LIFES GOALS
Financial SuccessThis goal is reflective of placing central value on personal wealth and material possessions, in comparison to other life rewards. Based on your responses to the present survey, you appear to place less central value on financial success than the typical study participant.Social RecognitionThis goal is reflective of placing relatively high value on admiration from others and fame. Based on your responses to the present survey, you appear to place substantially less central value on social recognition than the typical study participant.AttractivenessThis goal is reflective of placing relatively high value on appearing physically attractive and having an image that appeals to others. Based on your responses to the present survey, you appear to place substantially more central value on attractiveness than the typical study participant.AffiliationThis goal is reflective of placing relatively high value on relationships, including those with family, friends, and potentially one's romantic partner. Based on your responses to the present survey, you appear to value affiliation about as centrally as the typical study participant.Community InvolvementThis goal is reflective of placing relatively high value on improving the world and providing help to individuals in need. Based on your responses to the present survey, you appear to place more central value on community involvement than the typical study participant.Self-AcceptanceThis goal is reflective of placing relatively high value on feeling autonomous and possessing a stable core of self-regard that is not contingent on the opinions of other people. Based on your responses to the present survey, you appear to value self-acceptance about as centrally as the typical study participant.Valuing of Intrinsic and Extrinsic GoalsThe six goals that were assessed in this survey are theorized to fall into two larger classes of life goals, termed Intrinsic and Extrinsic goals. Intrinsic goals are thought to directly satisfy innate human needs and are reflective of humans' natural tendencies toward positive growth. The goals of Affiliation, Community Involvement, and Self-Acceptance assessed in this survey are examples of Intrinsic Goals. Extrinsic goals, on the other hand, are largely focused on living up to externally imposed standards of value and being a worthy person in the eyes of others. The goals of Financial Success, Social Recognition, and Attractiveness assessed in this survey are examples of Extrinsic Goals. Psychologists have studied the degree to which people place a strong priority on intrinsic goals over extrinsic goals, or vice versa. Most people place a stronger priority on intrinsic goals. Based on your responses to the present survey, you appear to prioritize intrinsic goals over extrinsic goals more than the typical study participant.
This survey was kinda long but interesting. It asked a lot about becoming famous and rich and those are two things that i personally dont care much for. I care more for the Intrinsic goals as this survey clearly shows, so i think the results to this survey are very much valid!
ENFP
56% Extraverted 12% Intuitive 75% Feeling 56% Perceiving
I am moderately extravert
have a slightly intuitive personality
have a distinctively expressed feeling personality
and a moderately expressed perceiving personality
I somewhat agree with this survey although i still feel like I havent had too many experiences yet to see if these are vaild enough.
FIFTH WAVE PERSONALITY ASSESMENT
Your score on Lack of Ethics was 2.25. The average score is 3.35.Your score on Dishonesty was 4.33. The average score is 3.90.Your score on Misanthropy was 2.17. The average score is 3.20.Together these traits form what we call the Trusting vs. Manipulative dimension.Your score was 2.77. The average Trusting vs. Manipulative dimension score was 3.46.Your scores indicate that you are more trusting than the average person taking this test.Your score on Arrogance was 3.50. The average score is 3.76.Your score on Dominance was 4.00. The average score is 4.14.Your score on Self-Aggrandizement was 4.83. The average score is 4.45.Together, these traits form what we call Self-Assuredness.Your score was 2.76. The average score was 2.92.Your scores indicate that you are below average on Self-Assuredness when compared with others.Your score on Impuslivity was 4.89. The average score is 3.96.Your score on Lack of Feelings was 4.20. The average score is 4.25.Together, these two traits are considered to form what we call the Hero/Rogue dimension.Your score was 4.64. The average score is 4.02.Your scores indicate that you are above average on this dimension when compared with others. People with these scores tend to be calm in emergencies and may act impulsively. Whether or not they act in pro-social or anti-social ways is generally a function of the their upbringing.
I agree with alottt of what this survery says! It says I more trusting than the average person taking this survey and that I tend to remain calm in emergencies, which is extrememly true!
ATTRACTIVE TEST
Your average rating of attractiveness was 2.96, and the average rating by others is 3.17.You tended to rate the pictures presented as about as attractive as the average person.
This one was super funny. More than half the guys i had to rate were NOT attractive! It described my type totallyyy wrong and I wonder where these people came from. :)
EQ TEST
Your Score: 39
35 - 44
You have slightly above average EQ - with room to grow! You are likely sensitive to the emotional climate of the people around you - your peers, friends, family and key clients. You are well aware of the effect your behavior has on others. Still, while you may be adept at tuning into others and their needs - you must remember your own! Don't be afraid to honestly communicate these difficult needs and feelings. The world is well stocked with martyrs - it doesn't need any more! Think also about your passion for work (or whatever constitutes your main roles in life - manager of people, doer of tasks, 'meeter' of clients' needs, etc). We spend countless hours in our given roles - sometimes without much joy or satisfaction. In the process we become tranquilized by the trivial. Sedated by the small details of life. Sure, the laundry needs doing, the groceries need getting, the kids need chauffeuring, the deadlines must be knocked off, but we also need to stop and remember what gives us great joy and meaning. If we fail to remind ourselves (on a regular basis), we risk becoming hostile and cynical. We lose our purpose. And this translates to a diminished ability to be effective, at ease and fulfilled. Areas to work on: Ask yourself: - What situations generally create tension and stress for you? How are you handling these situations? - What negative thoughts play over and over in your mind on a regular basis? Are these a true picture of reality? - Are you afraid to share your needs and feelings with others? Is it because you are taking care of everyone else - being a martyr - or acting 'the strong, silent type'? What 3 things give you the greatest meaning in your life? If you work on gaining clarity in these areas, you will move toward maximizing your full potential and finding greater effectiveness, happiness, and fulfillment in your life. As William James said: I have no doubt whatever that most people live, whether physically, intellectually, or morally, in a very restricted circle of their potential being. They make use of a very small portion of their possible consciousness... much like a man who, out of his whole body organism, should get into the habit of using and moving only his little finger... We all have reservoirs of life to draw upon, of which we do not dream.
I agree with the validity of this survey. I do put the needs of others before myselff. Im always adjusting my schedule to fit along with those of my peers. It's something that I reallyy hope to improve on in the future!
LIFES GOALS
Financial SuccessThis goal is reflective of placing central value on personal wealth and material possessions, in comparison to other life rewards. Based on your responses to the present survey, you appear to place less central value on financial success than the typical study participant.Social RecognitionThis goal is reflective of placing relatively high value on admiration from others and fame. Based on your responses to the present survey, you appear to place substantially less central value on social recognition than the typical study participant.AttractivenessThis goal is reflective of placing relatively high value on appearing physically attractive and having an image that appeals to others. Based on your responses to the present survey, you appear to place substantially more central value on attractiveness than the typical study participant.AffiliationThis goal is reflective of placing relatively high value on relationships, including those with family, friends, and potentially one's romantic partner. Based on your responses to the present survey, you appear to value affiliation about as centrally as the typical study participant.Community InvolvementThis goal is reflective of placing relatively high value on improving the world and providing help to individuals in need. Based on your responses to the present survey, you appear to place more central value on community involvement than the typical study participant.Self-AcceptanceThis goal is reflective of placing relatively high value on feeling autonomous and possessing a stable core of self-regard that is not contingent on the opinions of other people. Based on your responses to the present survey, you appear to value self-acceptance about as centrally as the typical study participant.Valuing of Intrinsic and Extrinsic GoalsThe six goals that were assessed in this survey are theorized to fall into two larger classes of life goals, termed Intrinsic and Extrinsic goals. Intrinsic goals are thought to directly satisfy innate human needs and are reflective of humans' natural tendencies toward positive growth. The goals of Affiliation, Community Involvement, and Self-Acceptance assessed in this survey are examples of Intrinsic Goals. Extrinsic goals, on the other hand, are largely focused on living up to externally imposed standards of value and being a worthy person in the eyes of others. The goals of Financial Success, Social Recognition, and Attractiveness assessed in this survey are examples of Extrinsic Goals. Psychologists have studied the degree to which people place a strong priority on intrinsic goals over extrinsic goals, or vice versa. Most people place a stronger priority on intrinsic goals. Based on your responses to the present survey, you appear to prioritize intrinsic goals over extrinsic goals more than the typical study participant.
This survey was kinda long but interesting. It asked a lot about becoming famous and rich and those are two things that i personally dont care much for. I care more for the Intrinsic goals as this survey clearly shows, so i think the results to this survey are very much valid!
Friday, December 12, 2008
Personality Disorders
hey theree bestie! :]
So i totallyyy miss youu! But i have a lot to fill you in on. Dorm life really sucks. People here are TOO messy and disgusting for me. I mean the public bathrooms here-EW! And dont evenn get me started on my roommate. I specifically told her to keep her stuff in her specified areas but no of course shes too busy making every other inch of my side of the room dirty. So i decided to create a color coordinated schedule for the rest of the year. Took me about two hours but it was totally worth my time. Omg I forgot I had the worst incident EVER last week! So I was on campus getting something to drink right, and I know I had asked for it with a teaspoon of sugar. A TEASPOON. Iut the second i had that first sip i knew it was a teaspoon and a HALF. A HALF. I mean how hard is it to measure out the exact amount. It's not rocket science lemme tell you that. I was so infuriated! I know I am not going there anymore! Enough about that...so yeah like I was in the REC center at my usual time 9:27 when I saw this GORGEOUSS guy! He was totally yummy! But of course theres always a disappointment there. He had a button missing from his jacket. It looked completelyyy uneven and i just wanted to hand him a sewing machine! ugh its like hello thats what tailors are for! Gosh people these days. Oh well thats it for my lifee! Write to you soonnn!
So i totallyyy miss youu! But i have a lot to fill you in on. Dorm life really sucks. People here are TOO messy and disgusting for me. I mean the public bathrooms here-EW! And dont evenn get me started on my roommate. I specifically told her to keep her stuff in her specified areas but no of course shes too busy making every other inch of my side of the room dirty. So i decided to create a color coordinated schedule for the rest of the year. Took me about two hours but it was totally worth my time. Omg I forgot I had the worst incident EVER last week! So I was on campus getting something to drink right, and I know I had asked for it with a teaspoon of sugar. A TEASPOON. Iut the second i had that first sip i knew it was a teaspoon and a HALF. A HALF. I mean how hard is it to measure out the exact amount. It's not rocket science lemme tell you that. I was so infuriated! I know I am not going there anymore! Enough about that...so yeah like I was in the REC center at my usual time 9:27 when I saw this GORGEOUSS guy! He was totally yummy! But of course theres always a disappointment there. He had a button missing from his jacket. It looked completelyyy uneven and i just wanted to hand him a sewing machine! ugh its like hello thats what tailors are for! Gosh people these days. Oh well thats it for my lifee! Write to you soonnn!
Friday, November 21, 2008
Anxiety Disorders
Amy, age 38, is a worrier. She is restless, irritable and has difficulty concentrating. She worries that she worries so much and isn’t always sure what it is that she is worried about. She can’t let her husband or children leave the house without making them call her regularly to reassure her that they are ok. Her husband is growing weary of her fretting. Her children can’t understand what all the fuss is about. Their impatience with her only makes her worry more.
Amy has Generalized Anxiety Disorder which means that the person finds it difficult to keep worrisome thoughts from interfering with everyday activities, and has a hard time stopping the worrying. Adults that are diagnosed with this disorder often worry about household responsibilities and the unlikely happening events to thier children.
I reccommend that she take things one step at a time. Start small with doing everyday things and work her way up. Instead of having her children call too much have them slowly start cutting down and work their way to a timing that she is most comfortable with. The family should start to work with thier mother instead of against her to try to lessen the weight that she carries. They should start to be a little more patient and understanding and help her find a good balance.
Amy has Generalized Anxiety Disorder which means that the person finds it difficult to keep worrisome thoughts from interfering with everyday activities, and has a hard time stopping the worrying. Adults that are diagnosed with this disorder often worry about household responsibilities and the unlikely happening events to thier children.
I reccommend that she take things one step at a time. Start small with doing everyday things and work her way up. Instead of having her children call too much have them slowly start cutting down and work their way to a timing that she is most comfortable with. The family should start to work with thier mother instead of against her to try to lessen the weight that she carries. They should start to be a little more patient and understanding and help her find a good balance.
Friday, November 7, 2008
Famous Soccer Star with OCD?
The famous soccer star David Beckham was born on May 2, 1975 in Leytonstone, England and currently plays for and captains Major Leagues Soccer's Los Angeles Galaxy.He made his first debut in 1997 at the age of 17, and in 2004 was the world's highest paid footballer. He is married to former spice girl Victoria Beckham and has three sons.
Beckham suffers from the psychological disorder OCD(obsessive compulsive disorder). He has to have everything in a straight line or everything in pairs. Everything has to be perfect. If he puts Pepsi cans in the fridge and theres one too many, he'll throw it out or have to put it somewhere that he can't see it. In having the need to have everything perfect, the disorder actually benefits his career, because it gives a perfectionist mindset to every aspect in his life which helps him to be the amazing soccer player he is.
I feel that suffering from this disorder can be extremely hard because its somthing that you can't control. In David Beckham's case however, it helps him in some ways rather than hurts him. He uses his disadvantage to his advantage which causes him to move forward in his career.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-381802/The-obsessive-disorder-haunts-life.html
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