Historical Foundations in the Field of Psychology Essay

Abstract This final assignment is a reflective paper in which the historical, philosophical, and empirical foundations of the subject area of learning in psychology and its applications will be discussed. Additionally, there will be a discussion of the ways that history has helped to process important contemporary learning theories and issues.Lastly, the paper will leave an explanation of how specific topics and information such as slavish conditioning techniques and the usefulness of incompatible learning styles may impact my personal and professional life and how the different aspects of the ield of learning have added value to my body of noesis as a disciple and future professional in the field of psychology. Historical Foundations Of the Field of Learning & Shaping Important Contemporary Issues It is a natural course of action for the field of learning to fall under the umbrella of the field of psychology.A branch of philosophy and science, the field of learning, Just as t he field of psychology, was created finished the movements of empiricism and rationalism, on with the takement of evolution theory (Terry, 2009). These movements fostered interest in scientific investigation thus giving way to pistemology, which means, theory of knowledge. Questions concerning nature and nurture sparked interest in how we came to have knowledge, which is the main tenet of the field of learning (Terry, 2009). In the field of psychology, the learning theories forget a way to explain how we learn and attain knowledge how we think.While philosophers agreed with the basic definition of knowledge and learning, which is defined as the acquisition of knowledge, their opinions varied in how acquisition come abouts (Terry, 2009). Descartes suggested that although we learn, other sources of knowledge exist. He introduced the ideas of nativism and rationalism. He proposed that we have innate knowledge of our ideas of God, infinity, and perfecton (Terry, 2009). Also, that o ther knowledge is derived by a reasoning, logical, and intuiting mind (Terry, 2009). Additioally, this knowledge is present and independent of particular experiences with the world (Terry, 2009).Therefore, he believed in the process of learning, but he didnt believe that all knowledge had to be learned. However, John Locke introduced the idea that knowledge is actually learned by dint of our experiences, and through use of our senses, which is the idea of empiricism (Terry, 2009). This phenomenon is later known as cause and effect. The ideas of Descartes and Locke influenced researchers toward an empirical view of learning through seeking out how knowledge is acquired through what is experienced in the environment. This gave way to the scientific methods of association learning, conditioning, and verbal learning (Terry, 2009).Each of the historical thoughts on learning is continuous and useful in to a greater extent or less way today. There are upstart theories that have built up on the ideas of conditioning and behavior modifications, etc. One (2006), provide a modern approach to treating phobic disorders, as well as other anxiety isorders. Their research starts with the traditional premise that what can be learned can be unlearned, and possibly prevented (Mineka Zinbarg, 2006). However, they support modern criticism that traditional learning approaches do not adequately account for the diverse factors involved in the origins of peoples anxieties.To support this claim they provide an example of two clients with phobias of dogs. The phobias were developed due to experiencing attacks by dogs. The first client actually was out walking her pet dog when she was attacked and later developed an transmitting due to the bite. However, the second client only experienced her clothes being torn before the owner was able to grab the dog before each serious injury occurred, although both clients developed phobias (Mineka & Zinbarg). They argue that traditional learni ng approaches do not adeqatly explain why the client that was not bitten developed the phobia as well.Additionally, they provide another concern that traditional views do not explain why many individuals that have had traumatic experiences do not develop phobias. Furthermore, they go on to say that contemporary learning approaches are better grounded in the theories and ethods of experimental psychology, and they provide more comprehensive formulations of the etiology of anxiety disorders. Also, that they provide a more explicit analysis of factors promoting or inhibiting the deeopment of different anziety disorders (Mineka & Zinbarg).With that being said, there have indeed been great advancements in the field of learning and psychology, along with growing technological advances. Learning involves observable changes in behavior objective evidence, and traditional researchers such as Pavlov, Watson and Skinner have paved the way for providing a scientific foundation for psychology an d learning. Psychology is a science because it is objective and quantifiable. Learning and memory themselves are not observed directly they are processes that occur in the nervous system (Terry, pg. 5, 2009). Therefore, contemporary research has taken advantage of the use of PET scans and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to look at head teacher functions to explain behaviors ( Raichle, 1994). These modern avenues of research have allowed researchers to become a step closer to relating psychological theory to headspring functions and research. For example, todays research may include brain scans and case studies of brain damaged soldiers. Even more so, recent research on post traumatic stress disorder examines the use of exposure therapy on preventing the reoccurenc of PTSD (Massad et. l, 2006). This research is most arouse because the researchers examine the understanding of reducing fear responses because associations with the stimuli are not unlearned. Their research concludes that unless exposure treatment regimens are maximized the put on the line of renewal of PTSD is high (Massad et. al, 2006). Such advances are very important to the quality of life that our existence depends upon. Knowledge is necessary for our daily lives even more so now than ever. This very research can be instrumental in a military soldiers life as we are currently in war time.The topics in the field of learning that have had the most impact on me personally include learned taste aversions and the development of specific phobias For probably will not cause the child to cry. However, through the pairing of the needle with the unpleasant sensation of having a vaccination the sight of the nurser may come to upraise symptoms of fear and anxiety, even if the child is not receiving a vaccination. I personally found this interesting Just because I am a mom and it is interesting to use such information while rearing children.The second type of learning that I found interesting in the behaviorist tradition is instrumental or operant, conditioning. This type of learning requires that an organism operate on the environment to achieve a goal (Terry, 2009). So then, behaviors are learned as a function of the consequences of those behaviors. Of course, this type of reinforcement is useful in the classroom as well as rearing children. Additionally, social learning theory focuses on data-based learning, and modeling. Social learning researchers are concerned with how expectations, memory, and awareness influence the learning process (Berk, 2008).