Understanding a Current Event Through Psychology

This assignment provides a comprehensive framework to apply psychological principles to current events. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you structure both papers:

Paper 1: Understanding a Current Event Through Psychology

Step 1: Choose a Current Event

• Find a News Article: Select a news article about a significant event from this week (e.g., political decisions, societal trends, or scientific discoveries). Ensure it offers enough depth to connect with psychological topics.
• Summary: Provide a brief summary of the event in three sentences. Include the link to the article.

Example:

• Current Event: [Insert article title and link here]
• Summary: This article discusses the recent political decision to implement new healthcare policies aimed at reducing medical costs. The event has sparked a wave of reactions, with both support and opposition. The discussion also highlights the psychological impact on healthcare professionals and patients.

Step 2: Identify Three Course Topics

Select three topics from the list provided in your assignment. Define each topic in two sentences in your own words.

Example Topics and Definitions:

• Sensation & Perception: Sensation refers to the process of receiving stimuli from the environment through our senses. Perception is how the brain interprets these stimuli to form an understanding of the world around us.
• Memory: Memory is the cognitive process through which information is encoded, stored, and retrieved. It includes various types, such as short-term, long-term, and working memory.
• Biopsychology: Biopsychology examines how the brain and nervous system influence behavior and cognitive processes. It focuses on the physiological mechanisms behind actions, thoughts, and feelings.

Step 3: Apply the Topics to the Current Event

For each topic, connect the psychological principle to the event. Describe how the concept applies to the news article, using specific examples to support your analysis.

Example:

• Sensation & Perception: The new healthcare policies might impact how individuals perceive the quality and accessibility of healthcare services. For instance, patients may perceive the healthcare system as more efficient or frustrating depending on how the changes affect their access to care.
• Memory: Healthcare workers may experience stress or burnout, leading to memory issues such as forgetfulness or difficulty concentrating. The implementation of these policies could have long-term effects on workers’ cognitive performance.
• Biopsychology: The policy changes might influence the stress levels of healthcare professionals, affecting their biological systems (e.g., hormonal changes, heightened levels of cortisol). This physiological response could impact their overall well-being and decision-making abilities.

Step 4: Reflection

Reflect on the application of psychology to the current event. Discuss how the analysis has shaped your understanding of the event and how this activity enhances your appreciation for psychology in everyday life.

Example Reflection:

• This analysis has deepened my understanding of the complexities of policy changes and their psychological impact on both healthcare workers and patients. Applying psychological concepts helped me realize how interconnected our behavior is with the broader societal shifts, and how psychology influences real-world events in ways I hadn’t considered before.

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Paper 2: Analyzing a Different Event Through Psychology

Step 1: Choose a Current Event

• Find a New Article: Select a different current event from this week, ensuring it has relevance to psychology.
• Summary: Provide a brief summary (3 sentences) of the article.

Example:

• Current Event: [Insert article title and link here]
• Summary: The article explores recent advancements in AI technology and its potential impact on job markets. Experts argue that AI could revolutionize industries but also result in mass unemployment. This shift raises concerns about mental health and societal adaptation to rapid technological changes.

Step 2: Identify Three New Course Topics

Choose three different topics from the list. Define each topic briefly.

Example Topics and Definitions:

• Consciousness: Consciousness refers to our awareness of ourselves and the environment. It includes both our waking state and our ability to reflect on our thoughts and experiences.
• Thinking, Language, and Intelligence: This refers to how we think, reason, and solve problems. It also covers how language affects communication and how intelligence is measured and expressed.
• Lifespan Psychology: Lifespan psychology examines human development across the lifespan, from infancy to old age. It focuses on how people grow and change mentally, emotionally, and socially over time.

Step 3: Apply the Topics to the Current Event

Analyze how each psychological topic applies to the new event.

Example:

• Consciousness: The rapid development of AI may change our collective consciousness about work and identity. People may need to reassess what it means to be human in an increasingly automated world.
• Thinking, Language, and Intelligence: The rise of AI forces us to reconsider our approach to intelligence. As machines become more advanced, we may need to redefine how we assess human cognitive abilities compared to artificial ones.
• Lifespan Psychology: The potential job displacement caused by AI might affect individuals at different stages of life. Younger generations may be more adaptable to these changes, while older individuals may face greater difficulty adjusting to new technological demands.

Step 4: Reflection

Reflect on what you have learned by applying psychology to this new event. Discuss any changes in your understanding and how this enhances your appreciation for psychology.

Example Reflection:

• Analyzing this event through the lens of psychology helped me better understand how technological advancements influence not only our work but also our cognitive and emotional well-being. This activity reinforced how psychology provides valuable insights into the challenges people face in adapting to rapid societal changes.

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Conclusion:

In each paper, you will analyze a current event using psychology and apply three psychological topics to better understand the situation. By doing so, you will develop a deeper understanding of how psychology intersects with real-world events and enhance your appreciation for its relevance in everyday life.

Be sure to adhere to the structure, cite your articles properly, and meet the required length.