The assumptions and limitations of abnormality

The assumptions and limitations of abnormality Abnormality, as defined by Eysenck and Flanagan (2000), means deviating from what is normal or usual. This definition is straightforward; however, it is not that easy to define normality (conforming to a standard). There are four ways which we can establish standard; the first way is through statistics, which means statistical infrequency. It is the idea that certain behaviours are statistically rare in the population, an example of this is the tendency for someone to have a high level of anxiety (trait anxiety). The mean score, when studied by Spielbergers State-Trait anxiety inventory, is when statistical scores show deviation from those of the majority or normal distribution and they are regarded as abnormal. The second approach is deviation from social norms. It is the impact of an individual behaviour on others. This is when we deviate or fail to respect social norms. Social norms come from values and identify behaviours, any deviation is considered as abnormal. An example is the case study of Sarah, a case of agoraphobia. She was in her mid-thirties, and without warning and without knowing why, she suddenly felt anxious and dizzy while she was shopping in a crowded department store. This happened again when she decided to shopping a few days later. After this she avoided going to the large stores or even smaller ones. Sarah behaviour was abnormal in many ways. (Adapted from J.D. Stirling J.S.E. Hellewell, 1990, Psychopathology, London: Routledge.). A third approach is the failure to function adequately. This is when some individuals fail to cope with day to day life. It can lead to depression, inability to sleep, taking time off from work and lack of motivation. Societies have expectations of how people should behave, and those individuals who cannot meet such obligations are considered as not functioning adequately. The fourth approach is ideal mental health. It relates abnormality to lack of contended existence, and consider it as deviation from ideal mental health. Psychologist Carl Rogers and Abraham Maslow, see self-actualisation as realising ones potential as ideal mental health. Rogers (1959) thinks that receiving unconditional love leads to a healthy psychological development as well as to a high self-esteem and self acceptance. Model in psychopathology is referred to as an explanation of the causes of psychological disorders. First of the four models is medical model (also known as biological model). It is a view of abnormality that sees mental disorders as being caused by genetic and biochemical factors. It is seen as illness or disease. The second view is that of the psychodynamic model. It sees abnormal behaviour as being caused by underlying (hidden and significant) psychological forces of which an individual is probably unaware. The third is the behavioural model. It views abnormal behaviour as maladaptive (poorly adapted). It sees it as learned responses in the environment of which we can replace by more adaptive behaviours. The fourth and last, is the cognitive model. It is a view that stresses the role of cognitive problems, i.e. illogical (unreasonable) or irrational thought processes in abnormal functioning. There are difficulties in defining normality in relation to statistical frequency. In terms of trait anxiety, it is expected to find a normal distribution of that trait within any population. Most people cluster (statistically significant subset) around the mean score whiles just only few individuals scoring very high or very low. A high score on trait anxiety would be considered as abnormal and so equally a low score on trait anxiety would be statistically abnormal. However, a low susceptibility (tendency to be affected) to anxiety hardly indicates clinical abnormality, rather, it is quite desirable. Statistical abnormality does not permit us to identify what behaviour requires treatment. It overlooks the important issue of desirability. Some statistically abnormal behaviour is undesirable, i.e. high trait of anxiety, whereas other statistically abnormal behaviour is quite desirable, such as low anxiety or genius. There is also a problem in deciding how much behaviour must deviate from the norm in other to be considered normal, an example is height. The same standard or norms may not apply to people in different age groups or different cultures. In terms of anxiety, what is normal for adults is not normal for children. Also, what is normal in one country may not be normal behaviour in another country. The numbers of problems associated with deviating from social norms are large. First, it is related to moral standard that is subjectively (opinions or feelings) defined by a society, and it changes over time. An example is Britain, where until recently it was not acceptable to have a child out of marriage. Another example is Russia, where in the 20th century; individuals opposed to the communist government were called dissidents (somebody who disagrees with an established political or religious system or organisation). Their attitudes were considered as symptoms of mental disorder, and were locked up in mental hospitals. Szasz (1960) suggested that the concept of mental is a myth (nonexistent), used by the state as means of control. The second problem is that social deviance is defined by the context in which behaviour occurs. Hence if you see someone wearing few clothes it would be acceptable on a beach but not in the high street. Cultural context is also important. For example, the Kwakiutl Indians engage in a ceremony in which they burn valuable blankets. But if someone in our society deliberately set fire on his or her valuable possessions they would be regarded very odd or mentally ill (Gleitman, 1986). People derive much of their pleasure in life from their interactions with other people. As a result, they find it important for a contented existence to avoid behaving in socially deviant ways that upset others. The main problem of the failure to function approach is that not all people who experience mental disorder are aware of their failure to function. For example, Schizophrenics often deny that they have problem. In cases like that, the problem is distressing to others, therefore others may judge that the individual is not functioning adequately and so may seek help on their behalf. It is easy to assess dysfunctional behaviour, such as using absenteeism (frequent absence) from work or number of rows with the spouse, as measures of the level of functioning. This approach is moderately tied to the social deviancy approach because it involves decisions about what is or is not acceptable. Failure to function has the advantage of recognising the subjective experience of the individual. However, such judgements are made by others and are influenced by social and cultural beliefs and biases. The advantage of ideal mental health approach is that it focuses on positive characteristics. On health rather than illness. However, the criteria used in assessing health (self-actualisation), are hard to define. They are abstract ideals and are related to our culture. Some societies dont feel that these are the ultimate aims for psychological health. They collectively strive for the good of the community. The second problem is the difficulty in measuring them. Health concept works well with respect to physical conditions because of the signs. The medical model is positive and clearly successful in some psychological conditions. An example is the condition Phenylketonuria (PKU), which is a cause of mental retardation, and it can be easily and effectively treated by physical means. This is an individual born with an inability to process the amino acid Phenylalanine. It is preventable if it is detected early. The medical model approach has the merit of being based on well-established sciences (medicine and biochemistry). Most mental disorders are caused by genetic factors, and drug therapies have often proved effective, either in treating the illness or reducing the symptoms. On the negative side, there is only a loose comparison between physical and mental illness. It is easier to establish the causes of most physical illnesses than mental ones, and the symptoms of mental disorders are more subjective than those of physical illnesses. It tells us little about the origin of Phobias. There is difficulty knowing whether any biological difference between individuals with a mental disorder and those without such disorder is a by-product of the disorder, rather than a direct cause. It has also being criticised for focusing too much on symptoms, and not enough on the patients experiences and internal processes. The role of psychological and social factor in explaining mental disorders is ignored. The application of medical principles is inappropriate if the symptoms of mental disorders (such as anxiety and isolation) are in psychological and social terms.

The Absurdity of Scientific Creationism Essay -- Science Religion Essa

The Absurdity of Scientific Creationism We humans have always thought of ourselves as being unique, whether by divine sanction or by a self-established belief in superiority. For some, this understanding is intimately tied to the traditional tenets that have long been held as fact, having only recently been challenged. For modern Christians, the literal interpretation of the Bible=s account of creation has come under attack by the development and widespread acceptance of Darwinian evolution. To some, undermining the credibility of Biblical creation directly calls into question the Bible=s authority on its moral teachings. As Ken Ham, from the WGBH Boston Video Evolution Series: What About God? states, AYwhat it [the Bible] says is what it meansYit relates to the authority of scripture and the gospelsYso, if the Bible got it wrong in astronomyYgeologyYbiologyYthen why should I trust the Bible when it talks about morality and salvation? [i]@ It is no wonder with sentiments like these that the backlash against evolution has been so strong and lasting; nonetheless, it has not been until the last few decades that such a debate has moved from the pulpit to the laboratory. With a more educated and well-informed army of Christians, who believe in creationism, the scientific evidence for evolution has now come under assault. With creationists and intelligent design advocates like Henry M. Morris and Michael J. Behe respectively, the attack on Darwin is no longer argued as religion versus evolution per se, but rather one Alegitimate@ scientific theory against another. Here, we examine some of the scientific arguments presented by Henry M. Morris in his various publications. As a biology major, I find Morris= writings fascin... ...nd John D. Morris. The Modern Creation Trilogy: Science & Creation. Vol. 2. Green Forest, AR: Master Books, 1997. [xvi] http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/BLAST/ [Date Accessed: Saturday, February 1, 2003] [xvii] http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/BLAST/tutorial/Altschul-1.html [Date Accessed: Saturday, February 1, 2003] [xviii] http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/BLAST/tutorial/Altschul-1.html [Date Accessed: Saturday, February 1, 2003] [xix] Morris, Henry H. Scientific Creationism. Appleman 557-564. [xx] Morris, Henry M., and John D. Morris. The Modern Creation Trilogy: Science & Creation. Vol. 2. Green Forest, AR: Master Books, 1997. [xxi] Morris, Henry M., and John D. Morris. The Modern Creation Trilogy: Science & Creation. Vol. 2. Green Forest, AR: Master Books, 1997. [xxii] Evolution: What About God? Videocassette. WGBH Boston Video, 2001. 60 min.

Analytical Response to Male Pregnancy Essay -- Science Technology Essa

Analytical Response to Male Pregnancy Male Pregnancy by Dick Teresi and Kathleen McAuliffe support that the technology and the demand for male pregnancy will be possible in the future. They specifically state that, "Someday a man will have a baby". They have written this article in an attempt to show why they believe this will one day become accepted and widely practiced. However, I disagree with Teresi and McAuliffe. I feel male pregnancy will never be freely practiced or accepted by any means. Teresi and McAuliffe start out their article by explaining what their general idea is for male pregnancy to occur. They state, "What we're talking about is implanting an embryo into a man's abdominal cavity, where the fetus would take nourishment, grow to term, and be delivered by an operation similar to a cesarean section. Already, this idea seems illogical to me. As a result of a man being pregnant, there must be a cesarean section to remove the baby. Even for women, this is a risk doctors prefer to avoid if possible. It puts the mother at a much greater risk of injury or death as well as the baby. Going to great lengths to make a man attempt to do something that has a high risk seems foolish when the same results can be achieved naturally with a much lower risk. Slightly further into the article Teresi and McAuliffe discuss how a researcher, Dr. Cecil Jacobsen, injected a fertilized egg of a female baboon into the abdominal cavity of a male baboon. He then states that "with very moderate chemical support, the male baboon was able to carry the pregnancy toward term". Again this goes back to the fact that women can go through the process of child birth natural in most cases. However, for a male to car... ...erring to why they would not want to carry a baby in the summer but any other time is okay. It is not just themselves they are affecting if the operation and procedure is a success, it is also the child who will have to grow up in a society where everyone else's mother is a female, but his mother is dad also. Overall, I felt Teresi and McAuliffe's arguments for pursuing the technology of male pregnancies is not strong enough to actually do further research in the area. I feel that females are biologically established for birth where men's bodies naturally can not give birth. It seems illogical to try to change a system that has worked so well for so many years. If there is a technology dealing with birth that should be researched it should be increasing the safety of it, not a step backwards since the abdomen is a much more dangerous and illogical way.

HIV and AIDS :: STD, HIV, AIDS

In 1981, the first cases of severe immune system deterioration were recognized developed unusual infections. The new disease was later named "AIDS". At that time, no one knew what was causing the disease. Since then, science has shown that the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is the cause of AIDS. As HIV infection progresses, it weakens a person's ability to fight off diseases. By attacking the immune system, the virus leaves people more susceptible to other diseases. When a person with HIV contracts one of several additional diseases, or when a person's immune system shows serious deterioration, that person is classified as having AIDS. As of June 1994 over 550,000 Americans had AIDS. I have updated numbers. Globally, 37.8 million adults and children were living with HIV/AIDS at the end of 2003. More than 95% were living in low- and middle-income countries. In 2003, 4.8 million people were newly infected with HIV, and there were 2.9 million adult and child deaths due to HIV/AIDS. Almost 50% of newly infected adults were women. Since the beginning of the epidemic, there have been more than 20 million AIDS deaths. HIV is transmitted during sex, through significant and direct contact with infected blood (including menstrual blood), from mother to baby, Breast milk, Semen and possibly pre-seminal fluid ("pre-cum"), Vaginal secretions. In order for HIV to be transmitted HIV must be present. HIV must get inside the body. The sexual behaviors that can transmit HIV. Vaginal sex (penis in the vagina), Anal sex (penis in the anus) involving either men or women and Oral sex (mouth on the penis or vagina). Other ways that HIV can be transmitted Sharing needles when shooting drugs Home tattooing and body piercing Accidental needle sticks Blood transfusions Childbirth Breast-feeding. It is important to know, Most people with HIV infection do not look sick. It is important to remember that HIV is NOT transmitted through Saliva, tears, sweat, feces, or urine Hugging Kissing Massage Shaking hands Insect bites Living in the same house with someone who has HIV Sharing showers or toilets with someone with HIV Some behavior is more risky than others. It is important to recognize that risk factors are not the direct cause of disease. HIV affects people at every point on the risk spectrum and many people who are most "at risk" for HIV infection never become infected. Understanding HIV risk factors can help you better evaluate your own risk.

You Might Want to Do Some Introspection

You might want to do some introspection. For each of the eight intelligences in the Howard Gardner list, think about your own level of talents and performance. For each intelligence, decide if you have an area of expertise that makes substantial use of the intelligence. For example, perhaps you are good at music. If so, is music the basis of your vocation? Students can also do this type of introspection, and it can become a routine component of PBL lessons.Students can come to understand that they are more naturally gifted in some areas than in others, but that they have some talent in all of the eight areas identified by Howard Gardner. Curriculum and instruction can be developed to help all students make progress in enhancing their talents in each of these eight areas of intelligence. Robert Sternberg Many teachers have provided testimonial evidence that PBL encourages participation on the part of their students who do not have a high level of â€Å"school smarts. They report that some of their students who were not doing well in school have become actively engaged and experienced a high level of success in working on projects. These observations are consistent with and supportive of the research of Robert Sternberg. As noted earlier in this chapter, different researchers have identified different components of intelligence. Sternberg (1988, 1997) focuses on just three main components: Practical intelligence–the ability to do well in informal and formal educational settings; adapting to and shaping one's environment; street smarts.Experiential intelligence–the ability to deal with novel situations; the ability to effectively automate ways of dealing with novel situations so they are easily handled in the future; the ability to think in novel ways. Componential intelligence–the ability to process information effectively. This includes metacognitive, executive, performance, and knowledge-acquisition components that help to steer cognitive processes. Sternberg provides examples of people who are quite talented in one of these areas but not so talented in the other two.In that sense, his approach to the field of intelligence is somewhat like Howard Gardner's. However, you can see that Sternberg does not focus on specific components of intelligence that are aligned with various academic disciplines. He is far more concerned with helping people develop components of intelligence that will help them to perform well in whatever they chose to do. Sternberg strongly believes that intelligence can be increased by study and practice. Quite a bit of his research focuses on such endeavors. Some of Sternberg's work focuses specifically on â€Å"street smarts† versus â€Å"school smarts. He notes that some people are particularly talented in one of these two areas, and not in the other. This observation is consistent with the work of Lev Vygotsky (Fosnot, 1996) who argues that the type of learning that goes on outside of s chool is distinctly different than the type of learning that goes on in school. While some students are talented in both informal and formal education, others are much more successful in one rather than the other. A teacher who is skillful in developing PBL can help students to design projects that are consistent with their learning abilities and interests.David Perkins In his 1992 book, Smart Schools, David Perkins analyzes a number of different educational theories and approaches to education. His analysis is strongly supportive of Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences. Perkins' book contains extensive research-based evidence that education can be considerably improved by more explicit and appropriate teaching for transfer, focusing on higher-order cognitive skills, and the use of project-based learning. Perkins (1995) examines a large number of research studies both on the measurement of IQ and of programs of study designed to increase IQ.He presents detailed arguments that IQ has three major components or dimensions. Neural intelligence. This refers to the efficiency and precision of one's neurological system. Experiential intelligence. This refers to one's accumulated knowledge and experience in different areas. It can be thought of as the accumulation of all of one's expertises. Reflective intelligence. This refers to one's broad-based strategies for attacking problems, for learning, and for approaching intellectually challenging tasks. It includes attitudes that support persistence, systemization, and imagination.It includes self-monitoring and self-management. There is substantial evidence to support the belief that a child's neural intelligence can be adversely affected by the mother's use of drugs such as alcohol and cocaine during pregnancy. Lead (such as from lead-based paint) can do severe neural damage to a person. Vitamins, or the lack thereof, can affect neural intelligence. Moreover, there is general agreement that neural intelligence has a â€Å"use it or lose it† characteristic. It is clear that neural intelligence can be maintained and, indeed, increased, by use.

Unit 051

Unit 4277-051 Promote communication in health, social care or children's and young people's settings 1. 1 Identify the different reasons why people communicate There are 6 main reasons why people communicate. First to build relationships, it's important for the staff and the parent to build relationships but also the staff and the child. It is also important for staff to build relationships with other staff members. Another reason you have to maintain this relationship with the parent or the child, a little ‘Hello' and ‘Goodbye' is maintaining a relationship.Another is gaining and sharing information, it's important you speak to every parent when they are dropping/picking up there child for general everyday information. For example; how their child slept the night before, could he/she be tired, need a sleep a little earlier. Or if there child is a little poorly, on medication. Then for when there picking up there child, to tell them how there child’s been, activiti es/events happening in the nursery, if they need to bring anything in etc.Then it's also important that staff members share the information with other staff members, for example, if a child needs medication at a certain time, tell all the staff members in that room so everyone is aware of it. Express needs and feelings is another reason why people communicate. This is important because if a child is feeling sad, angry, they need to feel that they can communicate with a staff member and tell them that they are feeling sad/angry/upset and why so that the staff member can try help them. It can become very frustrating for young people to keep all their emotions in.Then it’s also important so they can tell the staff their needs, for example if they need the toilet, need to wash their hands. Sharing ideas and thoughts is another reason why people communicate, this could be parents/young people/ children telling staff of new ideas they have. It's important to make their ideas and th oughts feel welcome. Gaining reassurance and acknowledgement, with young people, children this could be praising them for doing something or giving them physical reassurance by giving them eye contact or taking an interest in what they are doing. 1. Explain how communication affects relationships in the work setting Poor communication can lead to misunderstandings and poor performance. More seriously can lead to harming a child and/or breaking the law. Communication is important for staff too, being able to talk to others in the work place will give you more support and you can share ideas and information. You will be able to work as a team to create a work place that is good to work. Good communication is very important with the children will form trusting relationships and help them to settle in and develop.Good communication with the parents is important as well, sharing information regarding children’s care and development, good communication between the two will promote positive relationships. 2. 1 Demonstrate how to establish the communication and language needs, wishes and preferences of individuals 2. 2 Describe the factors to consider when promoting effective communication There are many factors to consider when communicating with others. The first factor is Environment; we need to think whether the environment is ok to share information.If the environment is loud or busy it may be very difficult to exchange personal information. For some parents/young children a quiet place may be required to exchange information. Proximity, orientation and posture are 3 factors we need to consider. Proximity is the distance between you and the person you are communicating with. Babies and young children that you are close with need you to be close to them when communicating, whereas babies and young children that are not familar with you may need you to be more distant they could see it as intimidating or scary.Then you need to be aware of cultural difference s. You will notice if someone is backing away a little from you or is moving closer. Orientation relates to your body's position. When speaking to a parent you tend to stand close on a slant with them whilst talking so you can make eye contact but you are also aware of everything else going on, and is easy to break of if needs be. Posture is the way you are standing or sitting. If you are sitting you need to make sure you’re not giving out signals that you are bored, like leaning back on your chair.It's important you make sure people know you’re interested like leaning forward on the chair. Listening Skills ‘Active listening' is often used to describe good communication, this means don't just listen, think about their body language, what they are hearing, gesture and any other signals they are sending out, give them your full attention and don't just focus on what they are saying but how they are saying it. It's very important when encouraging young people to spe ck and dealing with difficult situations. TimeAllowing sufficient time for Adults and children to think about how they are going to communicate. This is important with young children when communicating but also can be for adults receiving unexpected information or complex. 2. 3 Demonstrate a range of communication methods and styles to meet individual needs 2. 4 Demonstrate how to respond to an individual's reactions when communicating 3. 1 Explain how people from different backgrounds may use and/or interpret communication methods in different ways Communication can be slightly different when using it with other people from different backgrounds.Different people from other backgrounds may use verbal communication to express what they think, however they could also use non-verbal communication to put their point across. People from different backgrounds can find some forms of communication rude, eye contact/hand gestures. 3. 2 Identify barriers to effective communication Speaking a different language is one barrier, when someone speaks a different language or uses sign language, they may not be able to understand what the other person is trying to say. 3. Demonstrate ways to overcome barriers to communication 3. 4 Demonstrate strategies that can be used to clarify misunderstandings 3. 5 Explain how to access extra support or services to enable individuals to communicate effectively. In Leeds, we have great support services to support children and adults with communication problems. There are children’s centres all around Leeds that support families and can direct families to other agencies 4. 1 Explain the meaning of the term confidentiality Confidentiality is very important in a nursery setting.It is about respecting other people’s rights to privacy and keeping safe the information that they have provided. Sometimes when working with young children they give us information that id no intended to be shared around, sometimes this information may b e of a personal nature or simply not relevant to other people. All information gained during work is confidential this means anything you could not be able to find out as a member of the public is likely to be confidential. Data protection act 1998 4. 2 Demonstrate ways to maintain confidentiality in day to day communication 4. Describe the potential tension between maintaining an individual's confidentiality and disclosing concerns While parents and children have the right to confidentiality, there are occasions when the need to maintain confidentiality might be breached, for example; where there are concerns for child’s welfare, maybe abuse. If there is a concern that a child is being abused its staff’s job to disclose this information to the designated/manager of the setting unless they think by disclosing the information will put the child/young person in further danger.

Is the human race on a collision course for its own destruction?

Before I begin I feel that I need to express a point. The point I must make is that this is my opinion about this chosen topic and I hope it will be read with a open mind and not cast down before it has been finished. What I would like to discuss in written form is ‘Is the human race on a collision course for its own destruction' which needs no further addressment by myself but I feel the need to express a point or two. Human life has existed on this planet for a relatively short amount of time considering the age of the planet upon which we inhabit. We have evolved on Earth from a simple ‘goo' that has been dubbed ‘primordial soup' by those ever clever scientists. This fact maybe false by religious standards but it is the most likely solution to the problem of how we came to be. For Christian people we were came to be by an omnipotent being that took out the time to create two people, Adam and Eve, and I think that this is a good example of peoples delusions of supremacy. For thousands of years now man and woman have played an overwhelming part in the development of this planet usually with the misconception that Earth is theirs and theirs alone and everything else is just here for are needs. We have destroyed landscape to accommodate our needs of hoes, farmland and entertainment. This is normally done with little regard for the previous inhabitants be they man or beast, especially concerning the treatment of native Indians on what is now American soil. All this is done for ‘progress', the usual excuse so that the superior people can beat on the weak. The advancement in technology is aided by the legions of great scientific minds which always seem to be controlled by some military power somewhere in the shadows watching, with interest what it is that is created next. As soon as a more advanced technology is developed it is used to show strength over neighbouring countries be they friend or foe. One of the biggest problems is that all this technology can and probably be used to destroy each other as long as they are continually brought under the control of power mongers such as governments run by politicians. To think that our own destruction is a certainty is an incorrect opinion to have, there are many variables that could change any future timeline, so who knows what the future will hold for us. There is always the chance for reformation where humanity will realise that they are in control of their fate and don't have to conform to human natures tendency to try and destroy itself. For those whoa re fans of science fiction it may be apparent that Earth is either depicted as a world in trouble, with a large population and lots of pollution like in such movies as Blade Runner and others. The other side of this point is seen in such programs as Star Trek where humanity has been united with the thought that they are not alone in the universe. The program depicts a highly advanced culture that has broke free from the corruptive shekels of money and governmental rule. When people realise that there is only one race on Earth and that is the Human Race then they will be able to get along better. Money also presents a problem, that's not to say it should be abolished and communism should take president because it has been shown time and time again that it cannot work in today's world. I think the best thing to do is carry on with existence doing the best you can to make life just a bit easier for yourself and others around. If you can do that I am confident that everything will fall into place and sort itself out.