Chapter 1
In Myers ‘Psychology’, the chapter on ‘critical thinking with psychological science’ deals with the history and science of psychology. History of psychology identifies the evolution of psychological concepts across different groups of people, classified under age, gender and cross-cultural characteristics.
Some of the historical psychological concepts placed an emphasis on intuition and common sense, an approach that influenced biasness and a limit on the scope of psychology. This historical approach failed to re-define the process of reasoning, leading to application of untested theories.
The chapter also addresses the scientific method that has been incorporated into psychology to promote behavioural change and define human characteristics. Under this approach, emphasis has been placed on the existence of a scientific theory, which must be tested under its predictions and hypothesis in order to prove its effectiveness. Survey is identified as one of the most effective scientific methods.
This is because it derives different experiences, analyses each of the concepts generated in order to generate a credible conclusion (Myers Psychology 19). Similarly, observations and revisiting actual experiences like the 9/11 and Iraq War, helps in establishing an unbiased interpretation of the concepts being investigated.
Chapter 2
One of the ideas presented in this chapter is brain functioning and memory. The chapter illustrates the complexity of the brain cells. Using an example, it also explains how a brain tumour affects an individual’s sexual behaviour. The author explains how brain functions are localised to promote communication across the cellular structures, and with other systems within the central nervous system.
The research demonstrates the issue of brain size across different organisms as well as the associated reflex speed. The brain therefore engages with other human organs to promote coordination and response to stimuli (Myers Psychology 67). The brain produces different hormones from its different regions to promote communication and influence behavioural change.
The research has also addressed cognitive development as one of its topics under the field of ‘biology of mind’. Through brain simulations, the author has identified ways through which behaviours and responses are changed. Hormonal variations in the brain have also been associated with physical and social changes, with individuals being forced to act differently according to the levels of specific hormones such as dopamine.
The brain is responsible for memory development, one of the fundamental aspects in cognitive development. Simulations in the brain, which detects movements and feelings, are responsible for promoting self-awareness. The author has also addressed cognitive prosthetics, at which computer interfaces are compared to the brain functions.
Chapter 3
The chapter deals mainly with consciousness and duality. Conciseness is a condition of self-realisation, actualisation and being in control of most body functions. The research demonstrates about sleep theories and how dreams engage the consciousness and the unconsciousness. Sleep theories explain the effects of sleep durations to associated brain functions.
The research identifies effects of addiction and the psychological aspects promoting this behaviour. Awareness is identified as being influenced by brain functions, which eventually promote consciousness. Within the brain functions, an individual conceptualises the visible objects and becomes aware of situations within which the body is exposed to (Myers Psychology 139).
Dual processing is identified as the process under which the brain is subjected to different stimuli, creating a challenge on which activity to prioritise. Driving while making a call is one example of dual processing, where the brain is tasked with the challenge of driving reflexes and interpreting the conversation.
Within this concept, the research differentiates choice blindness and inattention blindness, the former being controlled by the brain and the latter being influenced by multitasking. Humans have the choice to change their behaviour, characters and feelings, depending on the stimuli arriving to the brain.
Works Cited
Myers, David. Psychology. 10th ed. 2010. New York, NY: Worth Publishers. Print.