In his article, Does psychology make a significant difference in our lives? Philip Zimbardo intends to explore whether the field of psychology has achieved any significant milestone in the lives of humankind. In this case, the author wishes to show why and how psychology matters in the lives of humankind. For example, Zimbardo has examined the role played by psychology in political polling, in which the application of sampling techniques finds use in a bid to predict the outcomes of an election (Zimbardo, 2004, p. 343).
In addition, the author explores the issue of discrimination and prejudice by assessing behavioral and emotional motivations that are often attributed to racial prejudice (Zimbardo, 2004, p. 343). The issue of humanizing of the factory work is yet another illustration of the role played by psychology at the factory setting.
In this case, the author illustrates how the psychology theory has found application in according a humanizing impact in as far as industrial work is concerned, as opposed to the dehumanizing effect of the workforce at the factory whereby they are treated as robots (Zimbardo, 2004, p. 343). Moreover, Zimbardo has evaluated the role of psychology in unconscious motivation. On the issue of parenting, the author recounts how parenting advice by psychologists appears to have changed over time, in terms of both value and quality.
The article by Zimbardo appeals to a diverse audience, ranging from scholars, parents, employees, employers, and students, among others. The authors has also endeavored to use sufficient evidence in an attempt to indicate illustrate just how psychology has been instrumental in transforming the lives of humankind.
For example, the author illustrates how psychology has found use in affording a sound comprehension of visual perception in the improvement of traffic safety. Examples here include the application of the Skinerian behavior analysis with the intention of helping to reduce at risk-behaviors, enhancing safe behaviors, and preventing the occurrence of unintentional injuries both on the road and at the place of work.
In the criminal justice system, the input of social and cognitive psychologists has been invaluable in revealing the unreliability that often characterizes testimonies by eye-witnesses (Zimbardo, 2004, p. 345).
In the field of education, psychological research helps to reveal negative impacts of social desegregation through the establishment of “jigsaw classroom”, in effect helping to reveal rampant prejudice against minority children, high tension and poor performance. In the health sector, behavioral toxicology has proved quite invaluable in revealing how a majority of the toxins targets the nervous system, resulting in symptomatic consequences, such as defective mental and behavioral processes.
The arguments presented by Zimbardo on how [psychological has been instrumental in changing the lives of human kind are logical because the author uses practical examples in everyday live that we can all identify with. In addition, the author has also organized the article in a clear and easy to read manner, meaning that the article has desisted from using a complex structure.
Also, the author has also endeavored to back his claims on the various areas in which psychology has had an impact with credible evidence from scholars and authors, as well as the use of peer reviewed journals.
Furthermore, the author has also endeavored to make use of sufficient evidence in making up the arguments that he has made on the issue of whether psychology makes any significant change in the lives of humans. Moreover, his arguments are in agreement with his main point, that the field of psychology has achieved any significant milestone in the lives of humankind.
Reference
Zimbardo, P. G. (2004). Does Psychology make a significant difference in our lives? American Psychologist, 59(5): 339-351