The Simulation Theory and Explanations that Make Sense of Behavior

One of the main strengths of the behaviourist approach is that it focuses only on behaviour that can be observed and manipulated. Therefore, this approach has proved very useful in experiments under laboratory conditions. On the other hand this has been criticized for suggesting that most human behaviour is mechanical, and that human behaviour is simply the product of stimulus-response behaviours.

The two theories discussed here will be the Psychodynamic Theory and the Social Learning Theory. Psychodynamic theories include the wisdom of Freud and Jung. Freud discusses, defense mechanisms, understanding the ego as it relates to rational thinking and the superego in regard to mortality. Whereas the Social Learning Theory includes those works from Bandura, Watson, and Piaget among others. This theory will focus on imitation, observation and modeling another’s behavior to achieve a certain desired outcome. Although their conceptual theories differ, they both reflect, shape, and interpret the very essence of the human psyche and how we have evolved and developed over the years.

In this part of the assignment the author will explain the contribution of contrasting psychological theories to the understanding of two specific behaviours

Psychology is the scientific “study of the mind” (Gross, 2015) and behaviour, which includes the study of humans and animals. There are various approaches in modern psychology. A theoretical approach is a perspective which is someone’s view about human behaviour, there can be many different theories within an approach, however they all piece together the same assumptions. (McLeod, 2007). A theory is an attempt by theorists to try to explain behaviour. Theories are not facts but can be verified by testing. Theories can then be evaluated which I aim to achieve through this essay, where I will briefly explain the theoretical approaches in psychology and aim to focus on an analysis of each perspective which consists of the psychodynamic,

Psychology, due to its complexity can be approached in a variety of ways. To help us understand the human mind, behaviourist and psychodynamic approaches have helped us understand the alternative outlooks in the science of mind and behaviour. Both approaches can be examined by the means of theoretical assumptions and methodology.

Psychology is the scientific “study of the mind” (Gross, 2015) and behavior, which includes the study of humans and animals. There are various approaches in modern psychology. A theoretical approach is a perspective (view) about human behavior, there may be several different theories within an approach, but they all share these common assumptions and principles. (McLeod, 2007). A theory is an attempt by theorists to try to explain behavior. Theories are not facts but can be verified by testing. Theories can then be evaluated which I aim to do through this essay, where I will briefly explain the theoretical approaches in psychology and aim to focus on an analysis for each perspective which consist of the psychodynamic, humanist, cognitive and behavioral approaches where I will analyze the strengths and weaknesses of each approach separately.

Throughout the course of history, the phenomenon of psychology has drawn countless psychologists and scientists to further comprehend the depths and fascinations of the human mind and body. Using experimentation as a source of obtaining and recording desired information regarding the new realizations of the mind, cognitive scientists continue to fathom at the intricate revelations the mind has to offer. Although the complexities of the mind have brought scientists to puzzling conclusions, scientists have used a series of experimental steps to conclude how and why the processes of the brain can change the actions and personalities of an individual.

We were four in our group and we were given a scenario of a patient who was having an anaphylactic reaction from bee sting venom. The group agreed that I will be the primary nurse. As the primary nurse, I knew that I had to lead and supervised our group in responding to the emergency situation at hand. Having played the role of a primary nurse in this simulation, I have gained meaningful experience, which I can use in my future nursing practice.

In this paper, I will argue that functionalism, specifically empirical functionalism, can explain mental states, and is thus true. Functionalism is a philosophical theory which states that inputs, outputs, and other mental states defines a mental state (109). An empirical functionalist defines mental states in terms of their casual relations as determined by psychological theories (119). Empirical functionalists prefer cognitive science theories (119).

Modelling shows that we learn through observing other peoples behaviour and this was demonstrated in Banduras Social Learning Theory. In this experiment Bandura placed children in rooms with a model. In one condition the model would just play with toys and in the other condition the model would attack a bobo doll. When the children were left alone in the rooms the results showed that they would imitate behaviours they had previously seen displayed by the model (aggressive/non aggressive.) This shows that we can learn new behaviours by observing models. Another study conducted by Rushton and Campbell (1977) showed a confederate engaging with a participant in a friendly social interaction. They were then left in the lab together and passed people asking for blood donations. When the confederate was asked

Despite the age and immensity of the Universe, we have not been visited nor been contacted by extraterrestrial beings because we are a part of a computer simulation. According to the Simulation Hypothesis, theory provided by Nick Bostrom, humans are unaware of being part of this computer generated simulation. The most compelling piece of evidence that supports this hypothesis is the fact to one can consider a sequence of possible situations which an increasing fraction of all people live in simulations becomes more accurate. (Bostrom 1)

This essay will outline and compare both biological and behavioural perspectives on human behaviour. The history, major discoveries and theories will be discussed along with some of the most influential theorists in each of these two areas of psychology. This essay will also compare the two areas strengths and weaknesses in the field of psychology.

* B. .F Skinner (1904-1990) argued that these concepts are not needed to explain behavior. One can explain behavior, he claimed, by analyzing the conditions that are present before a behavior occurs and then analyzing the consequences that follow the behavior. (operant conditioning: reinforcement)

Why people simulate the feelings, actions or behaviors of others. The reasoning behind this phenomenon is that throughout time people have been following the footsteps of others. In society there are followers and leaders. For the most part in general there are more followers. This is in our psychological makeup. People are pre disposed to act according to there individual traits even if the actions are destructive or harmful to others. In life the choice may not always be as easy as just not following along with your group, it is deeper than just walking away from a bad situation for most people. The need to be accepted, liked, and even hung around with all hinges on the fact that one cannot simply avoid the need to fit in. Consequently

The outcomes of the simulation are not determined by chance or luck. Instead, participants experience consequences that follow from their own actions.