M7 A3 Psy492

1

Undergraduate Studies ePortfolio

Diane Garcia-BeckerBA Psychology, 2011

Personal Statement of Diane Garcia-Becker

Personal Statement of Diane Garcia-Becker

I am very interested in continuing my education after undergrad at the Argosy University Inland Empire Campus in the

Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology/MFT graduate program. If accepted I will start the graduates program this fall in October 2011.

I am certain that furthering my education will help guide me into becoming a successful Counselor. The Master of Counseling Psychology

graduate program offered at the Argosy University Inland Empire Campus provides some very important options that I can work with in

my busy schedule as being a mother of four and veteran still in recovery can be challenging.

Counselors are mandated to follow ethical codes, in which outline standards of excellence in practice in the field of

counseling. “The primary purpose of a counseling code of ethics is to support the idea that a counselor will do nothing to harm the client”

(American Counseling Association, 2011).These values are extremely important to me, therefore I am committed to furthering my

education so that I can follow all of the ethical codes and guidelines contained in the American Counseling Association. I am looking

forward to learning how to protect client confidentiality, nondiscrimination, and seeking supervision when necessary.

Throughout the last two years as an undergraduate student, I have had the opportunity to work with children, families, and

individuals and have been able to help them as well learn from them in the process. For me serving my country was a privilege and it

comes natural to me to continue to serve others and pursue a career in counseling. I am patient, hardworking and no matter how difficult

any situation may be I always do my best to provide support and loving advice when someone comes to me for help. I have been able to

incorporate what I have learned throughout many psychology classes I have completed in several personal situations with my friends and

family. This past year I volunteered and worked with children and was moved by the interactions I shared with them they are truly the

most significant individuals to work with.

Personal Statement continued

When I was an assistant to the teacher, I worked with as a Catechists Volunteer I was privileged to interact

with many children. This experience provided me with some exposure to how some parents demonstrated how they cared

for their children including parents with poor conditions that to me did not look as if they cared about the well-being of their

children. I have always wondered why some parents are the way they are and why some bring a child into this world; if it is

merely just to let them suffer? I am an adult child of an alcoholic, and I can remember as young as 12 years old that my

mother was a closet alcoholic. I have suffered a lot which is why I can empathize with children that are not cared for. I was

abused as a child both mentally and physically and a lot of what I have endured has caused me to experience both negative

and positive challenges in my life.

The consideration of dedicating my life to children like myself has never been an issue; I am ready to get that

aspect of my life accomplished with the education that I am getting and as well as working with children of veterans like my

own. My experiences as a service member and a mother of children that have been affected by my personal sacrifices makes

it even more a reason to want to devote my life to helping overcome challenges in which affect service members and

families. I believe my personal qualities will benefit my career in the future, my commitment, loyalty, hard work, and

understanding will give provide me with the ability to be a successful counselor in the near future when working with

veterans and their families.

Being a veteran and mother has also given me the opportunity in getting to know other amazing families

from different diversities and cultures that are all going through similar changes in the process of deployments.


It has not been an easy task challenging a military career and being a mother and there have been countless sacrifices along

the way my family and I have endured. But in spite of those challenges, I have been able to learn more about families and

children of diverse backgrounds, and that has given me the opportunity in learning more about diverse cultures and beliefs in

general.

In the process of learning how to adjust and support my own family as a service member in the military gives

me the advantage of being able to successfully and effectively be connected with others experiencing similar challenges. I

believe that deployments affect the entire family unit emotionally, whether single or married with children. This to me is an

important issue that I would want to have an opportunity to address in my graduates program. Being able to make a change

in the way professionals can help military families and children is a priority that all those in the mental health profession

should be experienced in. Deployments are very difficult to deal with and can be emotionally draining in relationships, those

directly affected need to have faith and support from others in order to get through the months in which there loved one’s are

deployed.

Military children take a big toll in trying to understand why their Mom’s or Dad’s leave during a deployment.

For this matter and for having had first experience moves me to stepping in for military families. I would like to help lift the

burdens that deployments impact on military families. Especially in families where the mother is the primary caretaker of

their children, it can be especially difficult to leave their children behind . A study conducted in female veterans of Operation

Desert Storm, who had children reported higher rates of emotional problems and mental illnesses in their children.


They also experienced a greater decrease in their quality of life after deployment than males or women serving without

children. The children of these moms in service also showed higher levels of emotional disturbance during her absence

(Women Veterans of America, 2011). Even though I am not a veteran of this era I have experienced the same similar stigma

in my own family after my deployment in Operation Iraqi Freedom. I am thankful for the fact that my current spouse a

veteran as well as myself understands the challenges involved in military service. He has been extremely supportive in my

recovery and has been involved when my children and I struggle. The Department of Veteran Affairs has recently given him

a certification to become my family caregiver during my recovery. My husband is provided with education, information and

support so that everyday it helps enable me to continue to live with dignity and autonomy in my own home. I am optimistic

that in time the environmental challenges that I have will decrease and I will be able to continue and complete my academic

goals and will be able to apply my life experiences in the area of my future career.

As a current undergraduate student in the brink of receiving a degree in Psychology, I have had both many

struggles and successes as a student. I have experienced the countless pleasures of writing psychology papers that will

benefit my future, and my studies. The long dedicated hours of reading lectures has allowed me the honor of being

nominated in to “The National Honor Society of Collegiate Scholars.” My strengths as an undergraduate is knowing how to

balance my work load, reading lectures and having the enthusiasm in writing whereas my weakness are known and obvious

in my math abilities.

The method in which I have used to improve my abilities in math has been by hiring a tutor and being able to

take more time in studying and focusing on the subject to become better at understanding the concepts found in math. I

distinguish it as learning a new concept or theory in the field of psychology where I am applying those very same methods in

the mathematical terminology.


In order to pursue my goal in this graduate program I will be required to continue following my own treatment

plan and by participating in the Vocational Rehabilitation Program. In addition, financial aid and the subsistence allowance

provided on a monthly basis will facilitate this process for me.

I am prepared for the challenges that come across in this preparation of being considered a student in this

graduate program at the Argosy University Inland Empire Campus. I am prepared to let go of the things in my life that have held

me back so that I can become a successful counselor, in military children and families population. I will be able to provide for

my family and give my children the example that anything is possible in life as long as you are determined and ready to go on to.

Resume of Diane Garcia-Becker

Diane Garcia-BeckerVictorville, California 92395(760) [email protected]

PROFESSIONAL PROFILE:

I am applying for a position as Marriage and Family Therapists where I can make the most of my interpersonal skills in working

with families and children in a counseling/therapy setting, my long term goal is to complete my Master’s of Arts in Counseling. Additionally with a service-focused

commitment to helping the needs of Veterans and their Families, and the special-needs populations to include children with disabilities.

EMPLOYMENT HISTORY:

California Army National Guard, Bell, California August 1996- Present

Human Resource Specialists primarily helping Soldiers develop Army careers, and providing personnel support and assistance to all divisions of the Army. Preparing

and processing awards for recommendations and decorations and arranging for awards and ceremonies. Ability to organize, updates, and coordinates requests for

evaluations, which include responding to evaluation inquiries. Evaluate personnel qualifications for special assignments and process requests for transfers or

reassignment. Secondary specialty in operating all wheel vehicles and equipment over varied terrain and roadways for support of combat operations. Managing

entrucking and detrucking of personnel being transported and providing guidance to subordinates in accomplishing their duties. Organize and participate in convoys,

dispatch vehicles; and verifying vehicle logbooks.

GMAC Mortgage, Costa Mesa, California December 2004- August 2006

Sr. Cancellations Specialists primarily processing every denied/canceled transaction by meeting federal and state laws as well as company requirements. Duties included

gathering and processing Adverse Action Letters, and processing Credit Score Disclosure/Notices to home loan applicants within 30 days of denial. Additional tasks

included assisting with legal and customer service issues pertaining to canceled files and all other corporate support as needed.

EDUCATION:

American Intercontinental University, Hoffman Estates, Illinois April 2007- August 2008

Associates of Arts in Business Administration

Argosy University Phoenix, Arizona September 2009 - August 2011

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology

REFERENCES PROVIDED UPON REQUESTS

mailto:[email protected]

Reflection

Reflection

As a current undergraduate student on the rim of receiving a degree in Psychology will have to admit that I

have experienced some struggles as well as some successes as a student. I have experienced numerous delights in writing

psychology papers that have and will greatly help me in my future, my studies; lengthy hours of evaluation enabled me the

honor of being nominated into the National Honor Society of Collegiate Scholars.

My strengths as an undergraduate are that I am able to discern my work load, I enjoy reading intuitive lectures

and I have an enthusiasm for writing whereas my weakness is in my mathematical abilities which is not as great as I desire.

The method in which I have applied to help improve my skills in math has been by hiring a tutor and by taking

more time studying and focusing on growing and understanding mathematical concepts. I distinguish it as learning a new

perception or theory in the field of psychology where I am just applying that same method but in a mathematical expression.

I have academically learned a lot throughout my courses as an undergraduate student and also in various of my

psychology classes such as children and violence and substance abuse in the family. I believe that my passion is in learning

more about families and children going through military separations, abuse and violence and most importantly helping those

affected to overcome the barriers involved that often times interfere in the quality of living life.

Knowledge of applied Psychology and

Foundations of the field of Psychology

By Diane Garcia-Becker

Table of Contents

1. Cognitive Abilities: Critical Thinking and Information

Literacy

2. Research Skills

3. Communication Skills: Oral and Written

4. Ethics and Diversity Awareness

5. Foundations of Psychology

6. Applied Psychology

7. Interpersonal Effectiveness

**Included work samples and projects with a Title

Page and organized accordingly to demonstrate

each of the Program Outcomes mentioned above**

Critical Thinking

Effect Size

Psychological Statistics PSY210 UF

Module 8 Assignment 1

Diane Garcia-Becker

Argosy University Online

Critical Thinking

The expression "effect size" is referred to the amount of the effect below the alternating hypothesis. The nature

of the “effect size” can fluctuate from an individual statistical formula to another it can be a distinction in treatment rates, or a

standardized mean distinction, or a correlation coefficient; however its purpose in a power analysis is very similar with all

measures.

There are situations in psychology that as a research psychologist you may need to be apprehensive when

effect size is at risk. The “effect size” must symbolize the smallest effect that would be of scientific or substantive meaning,

and for this rationalization it can vary from one study to the next.

Role of Effect Size in Power Analysis

In theoretical trials for instance, the collection of the effect size can take into relation the rigorousness of a

condition being taken care of or a treatment effect that reduces death by one percent that might be clinically vital. As with the

treatment effect that can decrease transient asthma by 20% may be of little interest). It may take a relative existence of

alternating treatments, if alternate treatments even exist, an innovative treatment would necessitate outdoing these extra

treatments to be significant.

For instance, a research psychologist may account "If the treatment increases the recovery rate by 20

percentage points the study will have power of 80% to yield a significant effect". In addition to the similar model size and

alpha, if the treatment effect is a smaller than the 20 points then the power will be less than the 80%. However if the correct

effect size surpasses 20 points, then the power will go above 80%. The collections of an effect size reflect the want for

balance among the magnitude of the effect that can detect the resources accessible for any study.

Critical Thinking

Estimating effect of acupuncture in relieving fatigue

A psychologist is conducting a research on the effects of acupuncture and is

concerned about the effect size. This study was an uncontrolled, Phase II study that concerned

terms of acupuncture in fatigue. The populations of the study were breast cancer survivors the

study was roughly about 8 weeks long.

In a second study also using acupuncture the effect of acupuncture was also studied

in relation to the effect size relieving fatigue in a population of those without breast cancer. This

research acknowledged two extra studies.

Critical Thinking

References

Power and Precision. (2010). What is Power Analysis, Retrieved October 26, 2010, from

http://www.power-analysis.com/effect_size.htm

MEERA. (2010). How do I calculate effect size, Retrieved October 26, 2010, from

http://meera.snre.umich.edu/plan-an-evaluation/plonearticlemultipage.2007-10-30.3630902539/power-

analysis-statistical-significance-effect-size

BioMed Central. (2010). Evidence-based effect size estimation, Retrieved October 26, 2010, from

http://www.biomedcentral.com/1472-6882/9/1

Thompson, B. (2000). A suggested revision to the forthcoming 5th edition of the APA publication manual:

Effect size section. (Solid, clear advice and recommendations regarding the need for social sciences to

shift towards effect size reporting.)

Research Skills

Research Methods PSY 302 XD


Professor: Michelle Oliver

July 13, 2011

Research Skills continued

According to Swan (Service Women Action Network), “Women veterans are especially vulnerable to homelessness.

Over 13,000 women veterans are homeless in the United States. Women veterans are more likely to be homeless than their male

counterparts. One factor that increases their risk of homelessness is mental health conditions resulting from Military Sexual Trauma

(MST). MST often leads to long-term debilitating psychological conditions, including Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and

major depression. Moreover, veterans who have experienced MST face overwhelming obstacles when applying for disability

compensation from the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA). Rejection by the VBA often leads to intense feelings of betrayal,

triggering further trauma and illness among veterans with MST, (2011 P1 Para 4&10).

In viewing the information from a quantitative approach to research gives, the reader a better picture for the reader. It

does seem that most people are visual people and when they see numbers that seem extreme to them the more likely it is to get the

attention of the reader. Education is beneficial in that before a female veteran returns home from war that their family have that

information ready, when she arrives, the knowledge the VA and their hesitancy to treat the female veteran and their lack of

appropriate doctors that treat female gender issues. This is another article focuses their attention on one story of which is powerful

and believable.

According to Shaughnessy, Zechmeister & Zechneister conducting a good observational study involves choosing how

to sample behavior and events to observe, choosing the appropriate observational method, and choosing how to record and analyze

observational data.


Studies are usually conducted with samples of people. In my study, I must apply a basic logic and a technique

of sampling, the sample that I would use is a “Probability Sample.” I believe that this sample could generalize how women

veterans as the population are affected by sampling the types of behaviors that are associated to the contribution of their

disorder and their comorbidity that can be examined using a probability sample that covers trauma history, substance abuse,

and demographic variables.

Probability sampling consists of some random selection when choosing an element. For my study, a greater

confidence could be placed in the representativeness of the probability samples. The type of sampling involves a selection

process in which each element in the population has an equal and independent chance of being selected. My next step would

be to have a good sampling frame. A sampling frame is a list of units of analysis from which I will take a sample and to

which I will generalize. There are four main methods which comprise of: 1) simple random, 2) stratified random, 3) cluster,

and 4) systematic.

There would be no exclusion criteria; the goal of this examination is to highlight emerging issues relevant to

the development of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among women veterans. “Female service members are likely to

mirror those of the majority male Veteran population; this newest generation of women Veterans face unique threats to their

mental health” (Clinical Psychology Review, Volume 29, Issue 8, December 2009, Pages 685-694).


Statistics have proven that when female service members from both the active and reserve/national guard components return

home from a combat environment they often develop a significant number psychiatric/psychosomatic disorders. Many of

these returning women veterans are treated in primary-care offices or in hospitals (Marvasti JA., 2011).

Some potential ethical issues involved while conducting the research maybe that women veterans may not

want to participate in the study, because of their misperceptions and neglect of their personal experience of war. Therefore, for

this potential issue reassuring all women involved in the study that adequate protection will be provided to them, will

eliminate any ethical issues.

Conclusions point out that trauma exposure is rather common for many women, and even though women

experience fewer traumatic events compared with men, women are more susceptible in developing chronic PTSD (Post

Traumatic Stress Disorder) than would men. Findings reveal a number of variations in the expression and course of PTSD for

both men and women. In addition there are also some preliminary evidences that have pointed out that today more women are

likely to seek out for treatment, and that women react better to treatment compared with men”, (Vogt, D 2007 P 1 Para 1).

Findings from Vogt,(2007) the National Co morbidity Survey indicate that slightly more than half of all

women in the US will be exposed to at least one traumatic event in their lifetime. (7) Findings further suggest that women are

slightly less likely to experience traumatic events than men are. (7-9) National Co morbidity Survey estimates of the lifetime

prevalence of trauma exposure revealed that 51% of women and 61% of men had experienced at least one traumatic event in

their lifetime. (7) Findings from another probability sample found that women reported an average of 4.3 distinct traumatic

events compared with 5.3 traumatic events for men. (10)


While women report exposure to a range of traumatic events, findings indicate that women are especially

vulnerable to experiences of sexual assault (in both childhood and adulthood). Although estimates vary, findings suggest that

somewhere between 17% and 34% of women will experience a rape at some point in their lifetime, (11-12) and women are at

higher risk for experiences of rape and sexual assault compared with men. (7,8,13) Findings indicate that women are also at

higher risk for sexual molestation, childhood parental neglect, childhood physical abuse, domestic violence, and the sudden

death of a loved one. (7, 9), (P 1 Para 3&4). This may seem to be large numbers for women affected by PTSD, and to think

that these numbers are based on self report. Women experience trauma in the home and work place that we will never hear

about, because they are afraid of doing more harm than good or putting themselves at greater risk for more intensified trauma.

Vogt, (2007), goes on to list risk factors for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder after having been exposed to the

trauma. The following are the risk factors:

“ Pre-existing mental health problems (e.g., depression or anxiety disorder) severity of the event type of event extent to which the event involved injury dissociation during the event additional life stressors Quality of available social support” (P 1 Para 8).


Proposed Methods

This research study is about the effects of military experience among female veterans exposed to trauma during combat

deployments and how women cope with traumatic experiences compared to male veterans. The proposed method in this research is primarily in the

development and course of PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), and any other difficulties that may have resulted from military service in women

veterans whom are mothers of young children. The eligible participants for this study are OIF/OEF female veterans. The appropriate participants

will be selected by sampling after gathering records from the National Center for PTSD and then later sending out a survey to their home of record.

Participation in this study is voluntary and there are no known direct benefits for being in this study. This research is not a treatment study and for

this reason, it would not change any current treatment that a subject (female veteran) is currently in process of receiving. Any information collected

for the purpose of this research study will be kept confidential as required by law. The results obtained after this study could be published for

scientific purposes, but records and identities will not be revealed unless required by law. All information on participants will be protected in the

following way. All indentifying information will be password protected if stored electronically and all information on paper will be stored in a

locked cabinet. All participants will be indentified as subject numbers, and not by names. The procedure would begin by contacting those selected

that have responded to consenting contact and by asking them to complete a packet of surveys and an interview. The survey will ask about

background, day-to-day life, war experiences, sleep habits, emotions, and use of health care services. The survey administered to participants will

require participants to give information concerning their background in their race, origin, status, and education. Other questions would also include a

health questionnaire for participants to complete in a multiple-choice form. In total, 2,000 women veterans are expected to participate in this study.

Ethical Issues

The ethical issues could be the possible risks and discomforts to answering questions about military experiences and any current psychological and

personal life problems. This could be uncomfortable for some participants. Participants completing study surveys or interviews can refuse to answer

any question they do not feel comfortable answering. It may possible that some participants might experience greater than before distress as result of

thinking of past experiences and current life circumstances. Should this become a worry participants will have access to contacting a clinical

psychologist that is available throughout the procedure at any time or point during or after the study.

Communication Skills: Oral and Written

Interview with a Special Education Teacher

Disabilities PSY420

By Diane Garcia-BeckerArgosy University Online

Communication Skills

What is a Special educator

Special education teachers work with students who have an assortment of disabilities. There is very limited amount of special education teachers that

work with students that have severe cognitive, expressive, and or physical disabilities. Special educations teachers mainly focus on teaching life

skills and basic literacy. The greater part of special education teachers work with kids that have mild to moderate disabilities, they primarily use or

modify the general education curriculum to help meet every individual child's needs. Most special education teachers teach at preschool, elementary,

middle, and secondary school levels. Special education teachers are employed by public schools and non-public schools. According to Bureau of

Labor Statistics, all 50 States and the District of Columbia require special education teachers to be licensed. The State board of education or a

licensure advisory committee usually grants licenses, and licensure vary by State. In some States, special education teachers receive a general

education credential to teach kindergarten through grade 12. These teachers then train in a specialty, such as learning disabilities or behavioral

disorders. Many States offer general special education licenses across a variety of disability categories, while others license several different

specialties within special education (http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos070.htm).

Interview

The individual that I have selected to interview has accepted to participate in the questions asked concerning his job and his duties

as a special education teacher by email. His name is Daniel Jauregui, and he’s held his position as Special education teacher for over 14 years. He is

employed by the Los Angeles Unified School District. He teaches at an elementary school level.

The type of students he serves is students with moderate to severe Autism. When I asked him what types of discrimination his

students tend to encounter he replied with “Sometimes what I observe and feel as discrimination is the staring of others, they just do not understand

how or why special education students do the things they do”. The instructional formats used by Daniel in his classroom are a little bit of everything.

There is some whole class, individual and group work. Sometimes the student group sizes vary, and every student in a group has a particular job or

assignment to complete. Daniel characterizes his classroom atmosphere with good discipline, and structure he also tries to make his classroom a

place where it's non-threatening or non-intimidating for all students. He states that he wants all his students to always share their feelings and

encourages them to always discuss their feelings. He feels most of his students feel very contented when they come into his classroom because of his

abilities to teach them.


Another question I asked Daniel was if he has ever had to advocate for any of his students to receive accommodations required by law. He responded that

“Some of my student’s parents have asked me to call certain people such as doctors, lawyers, and social workers to support them with requests for services

in accommodations for their children’s disabilities.

The primary disability laws and regulations that are related to Daniels job as a special education teacher are any that relate to a student’s

education, and may times working with regional centers to help make modifications or recommendations on student’s IEP (Individual Education Plan) that

can result in a student receiving additional services and accommodations with their education.

I asked Daniel what type of ongoing training he receives to stay current with disability laws that pertain to his students. He stated that

there are many ongoing professional developments offered in school districts where teachers are employed that keep special education teachers up to speed

with all new programs and practices pertaining to teaching children with Autism and other disabilities.

There a many different styles when it comes to learning in school I asked Daniel how he determines this in his classroom he replied with

that he takes his time to figure out all of his students out. From the first day of school to the present he is always getting to know his students. He comments

that the best way to notice is by just watching students during different assignments. For example some students respond fine to watching a movie, and

learning from it while others just like getting up and acting something out.

When asked what the most challenging part of his job was he said the “challenge of finding out the best way to get students to learn, it’s a

slow process but once they get it, it’s amazing. I asked Daniel if being a teacher has always been his primary job he said it was not his first choice, but now

after so many years, he could not imagine doing anything than being a teacher. He loves his job, the challenges, and his students.

Personal reflection on interview

This interview shows how demanding special education classrooms can be. Special education teachers are often faced with diverse

classrooms that are filled with children who contain special learning styles and unreliable skill levels. Special education teachers handle pressure well and they

manage to keep up with other regular classrooms. Accommodations in the classroom are maintained and the needs for diversity as well. During my interview I

have gained a different appreciation towards a special education teacher because there are times that there will be limited resources available at school for

students and if it wasn’t for the advocating voice of teachers in this field most students would be without accommodations in obtaining modifications in their

education. My son has struggled to maintain learning capabilities both in a special education classroom and in a non-public school setting.


The accommodations are unlimited and once a student obtains the appropriate learning environment their learning potential can

improve. My son has been in placement under AB2726 and the quality attention that he obtains from his educators is profound. He has been able to

learn new strategies in school and his special education teacher is amazingly motivating like my interviewee. Special education teachers truly have

a passion for teaching children with disabilities. This particular teacher I have interviewed seems to have a balance in juggling the high end

demands of being a teacher. In closing I hope this interview provides some insight into how working with special needs children is like.

References

Argosy University. (2010). PSY420: Module 2: Federal laws, state laws, IDEA, and ADA. Retrieved November 11, 2010 from

http://myeclassonline.com/

Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition , Teachers—Special

Education, Retrieved November 13, 2010, from http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos070.htm

Ethics and Diversity Awareness

The Difference Ethnicity Makes

Sociological Persp Class Ethnicity & Gender SOC416

Diane Garcia-Becker



When a person identified with two distinct racial groups the first and most important question is do those two

groups get along? The answer to this can determine what level of social interaction that the biracial individual is allowed

within one or both groups, if any at all. A second question would be, since each of the person’s two races is defined by a

parent, which parent do they identify more with? A preference for one parent over the other can further manifest as a

preference for that parent’s race over the others. Does either race have a tradition or lifestyle that the other would find

distasteful or taboo? Trying to satisfy the demands of one may exclude the person from the other. Which of the two races is

dominant in their local area? A stronger racial presence means a greater scope of community and racial exposure to one or the

other. Does either race have a predisposition for certain allergies or medical conditions and does the biracial individual suffer

conditions from both, or neither of the two races? In this case it could be the best, or the worst of both worlds.

As the article featuring the experiences of Nicole Sprinkle points out, being racially ambiguous is highly

advantageous. Being exposed to multiple cultures and multiple languages at an early age makes partaking in and mastering

them both a great deal easier than trying to study a “foreign” language later in life. Additionally if one can identify with the

predominant race of an area, they can avoid the negativity that generally accompanies racism, and yet at the same time the

dual heritage also allows them to reap the benefits of a minority status at the same time such as financial aid. Racial ambiguity

also provides for career opportunities in fields where a candidate can be accepted or declined based on looks such as acting,

modeling, or culturally themed establishments. Identifying with a particular race can also potentially elevate a person’s gender

or age status as one race may be more mindful than the other of such factors as respect for women or respect for the elderly

(Times).


A person born of multiple races will have difficulty in developing a solid personal racial identity. To any who know of their multiple heritages, including themselves, they will always be an outsider who is never truly or fully accepted into any of the worlds that they claim access too, this can often lead to severe emotional strain (King, O.). Even though multicultural exposure is generally beneficial, it is at the same time confusing as multiple answers conflict in their head as the proper word for an object, or the proper level of etiquette when visiting a friend’s house. Furthermore the relatives of either parent, or sometimes even the parent themselves will attempt to polarize a child exclusively toward the tenants of that one race exclusively.

This will generally cause a reaction on the other parents’ side to counteract and override the efforts of the first side with things as simple as encouraging nudges, or as forceful as outright orders. All the while the child is caught in the middle. Unless it is the case that the child genuinely favor’s one parents’ side over the other, then most likely they will be torn between satisfying the demands of both as each parent tries to claim racial superiority, knowingly or otherwise. Additionally, if there are any unresolved tensions, especially racial tensions between the two sides of the family, then the child is reduced to an object. That is, the biracial child becomes a weapon to be utilized in some fashion by each side against the other, worsening the child’s self-image with every volley.

If a biracial individual chooses to forsake one race and cleave to the other, then they will, at least from their own perspective eliminate all of the negative aspects of being biracial. They will be able to develop a stronger racial and cultural identity since they are focused solely upon the mastery of one racial heritage. With an abundant usage of discretion they should even be able to pass for a “pureblooded” member of that race gaining them full acceptance both mentally and socially. There will be an issue however if the parent of the other heritage favors their own race or otherwise disfavors the race of the other parent. If either of these two instances is the case, then the parent of the excluded heritage will often be angry or frustrated. Such frustration could take on any number of manifestations including direct anger at or disappointment in the child. A biracial individual who chooses to walk a path of exclusion should be prepared to tread very lightly as their decisions could ultimately result in the alienation of a parent.

References

King, O. (2006). Diversity: We All Have a Little Dual Heritage Somewhere. New Statesman

[Magazine] Retrieved April 14, 2011 from

http://www.newstatesman.com/200608070027

Sprinkle, N. (2009). A Child of Two Worlds. The New York Times [Newspaper] Retrieved April

14, 2011 from http://parenting.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/04/09/raising-a-biracial-child/

What Being Biracial Means Today: Letters to the Editor (2011). The New York Times

[Newspaper] Retrieved April 14, 2011 from

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/06/opinion/l06race.html


Foundations of Psychology

THE HUMAN BRAIN

Module 2 A2-PSY350 UI



Part I: The Brain

The Brain is made up of Cells

The brain is in your head which protects it from physical damage. The cranium is a part of your head that surrounds your brain. The

cranium is made up of 8 bones that have fused together. The way the inside of your brain is protected from is from the inside surroundings

of your body by the blood brain barrier (BBB). The brain is collected completely of groupings of cell bodies, nerve tracts and blood vessels.

The blood in your head is dependable for stirring bits and pieces in the region of your body. The nerve fibre tracts form the white matter of

the brain and take a collection of neurons to and from a range of regions called ‘nuclei’ or ‘centres’. These regions are composed from the

groups of cell bodies and synapse that together develop the grey matter of the brain. The tracts attach a variety of ‘nuclei’ collectively and

connect the brain and spinal cord.


Part II: The packaging of the brain

Outer covering of the brain and cerebrospinal fluidThe brain is sheltered by the skull. Within the skull, the brain is covered up by cranial meninges that have an outer layer

called dura mater. The dura mater is an extremely thin middle layer called arachnoid which also has an inner layer called pia mater. Cerebrospinal fluid and Liquor cerebrospinal is a plain bodily fluid that absorbs the subarachnoid and the ventricular

system in the region of and in the brain. The cerebrospinal fluid absorbs the space among the arachnoid mater (the center coating of the brain covering, the meninges) and the pia mater (the coating of the meninges nearby to the brain). The isotonic solution operates as a "pillow" or barrier for the cortex, which also provides a vital mechanical and immunological guard for the brain inside the skull.

The blood brain barrier is a membrane formation that operates mostly to guard the brain from elements in the blood, which allow vital metabolic function. It is composed of endothelial cells.

The outside of the blood vessels in the brain are made of cells that are VERY tightly packed together. These cells prevent large, unwanted molecules from entering the brain. Unless they are lipids - then they easily pass through. In essence the brain is also composed entirely of groups of cell bodies, nerve tracts and blood vessels.

This is an outside view of the brain. The brain is split into the left and right hemispheres by the longitudinal fissure. The different brain areas are segmented by deep grooves, called sucli, and by functional aspects. The largest part of the human brain is the cerebral cortex.


Part III: Divisions of the Brain

The 5 significant divisions of the brain

The brain is functionally made up of three interrelated sections.

(a) The cerebrum

(b) The cerebellum

(c) The brain stem (composed of the medulla, pons, mesencephalon and thalamus).

Cerebrum: - Is the largest part of the brain as a whole. Here in the cerebrum is where effects like perception, imagination, thought, judgment, and decision occur. The exterior of the cerebrum -- the cerebral cortex -- is collected of six lean layers of neurons, which sit on top of a big group of white matter pathways. There are two hemispheres in the cerebrum that split in two from front to back. These two halves are intimately linked together with an arch of white matter called the corpus callosum. (http://webspace.ship.edu/cgboer/genpsycerebrum.html).

Motor areas: - are the output areas of the cortex where motor impulses are initiated to pass to voluntary muscles via descending tracts originating in the white matter of the cerebrum.

Basal ganglia: - Is the region of the forebrain that contains the cell bodies that receive motor neurons from areas of the cortex that pass on impulse towards the reticular formation. When there is damage to the basal ganglia it can produce the trembling of the hands in individuals. This is most often associated with a condition called Parkinson’s disease, which is a form of muscle paralysis.


Diencephalon: - Is the subsequent section of the forebrain and it contains dorsal and lateral regions from the thalamus. This section forms the hypothalamus. The pineal body takes place in this section. Thalamus: - Is a large mass of gray matter that is deeply located in the forebrain. There is one on either side of the midline. Sometimes they are interconnected at the Massa intermedia. Functions: Motor Control, receives auditory, somatosensory, visual sensory signals, and relays sensory signals to the cerebral cortex. Hypothalamus: - Is the part of the brain that lies below the thalamus. It forms the major portion of the ventral regions of the diencephalon and functions to regulate body temperature, certain metabolic processes, and other autonomic activities. It is also the main coordinating and control centre for the autonomic nervous system. It receives sensory neurons from all the visceral receptors and taste and smell receptors. The hypothalamus is the main vascular region of the brain. Mesencephalon: - Has two divisions- the tectum and the tegmentum. The tectum ("roof") is the dorsal surface of the midbrain. The tectum consists of four corpora quadrigemina and these functions have visual and auditory reflex centers. The tegementum is the division of the mesencephalon ventral to the tectum. Metencephalon: Is the dorsal section of the metencephalon which forms the cerebellum and the ventral region forms the pons.

Cerebellum: - is a plum-sized portion of the brain located below the cerebral hemispheres and behind the brain stem. The cerebellum's main claim to fame is that it contains half the neurons of the brain despite being only 10% of its size. This is because its main constituents are tiny granule cells. The cerebellum is what controls the coordination, voluntary motor movements, balance and equilibrium. If there is ever any damage to the cerebellum injury can result in bouncy, badly controlled movement. The cerebellum is very significant to the control of all rapid muscular activities like running, speaking and typing. The activities of the cerebellum are all involuntary and can involve learning (http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-the-cerebellum.htm).

Myelencephalon: - Is the posterior portion of the brain stem. The medulla is composed largely of tracts carrying signals between the rest of the brain and the body. It is a complex network of about 100 tiny nuclei that occupies the central core of the brain stem from the posterior boundary of the myelencephalon to the anterior boundary of the midbrain. In the medulla the rising and sliding nerve fibre tracts cross over from left to right and vice versa. In the eighth thru twelfth cranial nerves that initiate from the medulla contain central reaction controls for the directions of autonomic activities such as the controlling of the heart rate, blood pressure, ventilation rate, ingesting, and salivation, sneezing, vomiting and coughing (http://www.ruf.rice.edu/~lngbrain/cglidden/myelen.html).


References

Carlson, Neil. (2010). Physiology of Behavior. (10th Ed.) Pearson Education, Inc.

Faqs.org. (2010). The Nervous System, Retrieved September 19, 2010, from http://www.faqs.org/health/Body-by-

Design-V2/The- Nervous-System-Design-parts-of-the-nervous-system.html

Lang brain. (2000). Language and Brain: Neorocognitive Linguistics, Retrieved from

http://www.ruf.rice.edu/~lngbrain/cglidden/myelen.html

Time Magazine. (2010). The Brain Structure, Retrieve from

http://cognitrn.psych.indiana.edu/busey/Q301/BrainStructure.html

Foundations in Psychology

The aging process

Developmental Psychology PSY300 XF




The aging process and its effect on development

As we all become older, we all turn out to be physically less like our peers. And that’s generally because we are all the sum of our own life experiences. The age-related physical changes in late adulthood are very recognized. Some physical changes can be a laugh line or two, graying hair, and weight around the midsection. Changes, such as loss of muscles and blood vessels, lose their elasticity and most often go unnoticed, in this stage of life. Aging affects every part of the body and often seniors are oblivious to these changes even though they're happening. The heart becomes less efficient, bones become weaker and the metabolism deliberately slows down. If seniors could understand the aging process better they may be able to delay or prevent age-related conditions or certain body changes. But by this stage in life most individuals already developed and maintain lifestyles that later turn out to impact physical conditions, which can be equally negative and positive.

Minimizing the effects of the physical aging process, and the mental capabilities

Living a healthy lifestyle is always the best advantage. If all seniors modify their food consumption to healthier foods and drink more fluids it can also minimize effects. Having proper nourishment is very beneficial to the aging body and being physically active can also greatly influence risks of disease. As an adult becomes older their dietary needs also have to change. Being cautious of nutrients that were important in younger years can now be dangerous at high doses in late adulthood so it’s important to minimize intake.

The environment can also have an effect on health, and where an individual works and lives at and how much contact they have to infectious diseases. The aging process is ultimately universal, and each and every one of us experiences it in several diverse ways.

Integrity vs. Despair – Wisdom

Erikson said that much of an individual’s life is spent on getting prepared for late adulthood and its reflection. Some seniors, often reflect on their past with integrity which is related to gratification and accomplishment and when feeling this way it is because they led a significant life and made a contribution into society. While other seniors are completely opposite and have feelings of despair because of the occurrences and disappointments in their past. When they feel despair they most often do so because they are fearing death and are struggling to find a purpose within their lives, wondering “What was the point of life? Was it worth it” (Learning Theories, 2008).


According to Karen Crawford health is a strong predictor of well-being in late adulthood. When people face illness or chronic disabilities, they feel a loss of personal control. Not only does helplessness increase, but social isolation increases, too. Then as an individual’s mental health begins to decline, it begins to affect one’s physical health, and people begin to eat inadequately, get out less, and divert themselves less from their ailments. If a senior ends up moving into to a convalescent home, there will be a redefinition of their identity. Successful aging occurs when elders have developed many ways to minimize losses and maximize gains. Social contexts can foster successful aging. Better in-home help, adapted housing and sensitive nursing home care could make a difference in aging, too.

References

Crawford, K. (nd). Emotional and Social Development in Late Adulthood, Retrieved August 15, 2010, from http://webcache.googleusercontent.com

Learning-Theories.com. (2008). Erikson’s Stages of Development, Retrieved August 15, 2010, from http://www.learning-theories.com/eriksons-stages-of-development.html

PNAS November 1, 1981 vol. 78 no. 11 7124-7128, Retrieved from, http://www.pnas.org/content/78/11/7124.short

Santrock, J. (2009). Life Span Development: Twelfth Edition. New York, NY: McGraw Hill Companies.

Knowledge of Applied Psychology

Divorce, Children, and Substance Abuse

Substance Abuse in the Family PSY482




For children, divorce is usually frightening, confusing, and extremely painful to experience. Children are usually likely to see their parents’ divorce as a direct threat to their security. Divorce can cause some children to believe they were the reason conflicts between their parents occurred. Some children try to bring their parents back together and often times by sacrificing themselves which then leads up to them using drugs or alcohol. It is estimated that 20-25 percent of children of a divorce family can show signs they are not dealing well with the change in their family structure. These children can be at risk for many negative outcomes, including substance abuse.

Some associations between divorce and substance abuse that make some children use substances are often because they want to relieve physical pain they enduring in the turmoil of their parents’ divorce. Other associations in children of divorced or separated parents are the lack of presence of both their parents in their lives. This then causes them to associate themselves with peers of certain groups that can be influential and then involve them in drug and substance abuse. Some children of divorced and or separated parents have expressed that using drugs help them feel complete and happy from the pain and discomfort they feel. “Risk of drug abuse increases greatly during times of transition, such as changing schools, moving, or divorce” (http://www.drugabuse.gov/scienceofaddiction/strategy.html).

Parents can help their children reduce the risk of substance use by talking openly with them about the dangerous consequences of drug and substance abuse. Parents should be non- judgemental and should avoid using insensitive and critical words when speaking with their children. Most importantly, parents should demonstrate to their children that they support and care about them and show them love. In addition, parents could seek professional help from either a psychiatrist or psychologists in situations when they do not know what to do. Each one of these actions can assist to decrease the risks of children linking them to drug and substance abuse.

References

National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2011). Preventing Drug Abuse: The Best Strategy, Retrieved from http://www.drugabuse.gov/scienceofaddiction/strategy.html

MSN Health. (2011). Teen Alcohol and Drug Abuse, Retrieved from http://health.msn.com/health-topics/addiction/teen-alcohol-and-drug-abuse-5


Job Satisfaction and Job Performance

Industrial Organizational Psychology PSY320




Research found no strong relationship between job satisfaction and job performance — Iaffaldano and Muchinsky, 1985.However, job satisfaction remains one of the most researched topics in I/O psychology.

Even though research has found no strong relationship between job satisfaction and job performance, researchers have put a significant amount of effort into trying to show that the two are absolutely connected in particular: “a happy worker is a good worker”. Researchers

do continue to disagree that results are equally indecisive with the hypothesis and that there is no such relationship because of the uncertainty, therefore the relationship continues to stimulate research and re-examination of prior attempts. According to Porter and

Lawler (1968) job satisfaction and job performance are not directly linked but effective job performance leads to job-related rewards, such as pay increases, promotions, or a sense of accomplishment. If the process for offering these rewards is perceived as fair, receiving

these rewards leads to job satisfaction and also to higher and higher levels of performance (Riggio, 2008, pg. 223).

Job satisfaction is one of the most essential factors for the reliability of employees. An indicator of satisfaction that an employee gains from his work job satisfaction is very important to organization because it can assist a organization to reduce costs from high employee turn-over rates and in addition can add a boost to efficiency. Job satisfaction also concludes the stage of satisfaction that an individual has with his or hers organization. The more discontented or dissatisfied an employee is with his job the more likely that he or she will leave their jobs.

I believe in order to increase job satisfaction; organizations need to include practices that are intended to accommodate the needs of their employees. They should be more flexible and should provide their employees with more rewarding incentives. Studies have revealed that job satisfaction is determined by factors that include the level of pay and benefits, professed fairness of promotion systems, the quality of working conditions, leadership and social relationships, and the job itself. “If a company implements a program aimed at increasing employee job satisfaction, and if management is perceived by employees to be taking positive steps toward the improvement of the workplace, job satisfaction will likely improve immediately after the introduction of the program” (Riggio, 2008, pg. 239).

Reference

Riggio, R. E. (2008). Introduction to industrial/organizational psychology (5th ed.).

Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson.

My Future in Learning

I am certain that I will grow into becoming a lifetime learner for the reason that I am a veteran and mother

and have had the experience of learning to overcome the challenges that are involved in a military way of living.

By continuing to further my education at the graduate level and receiving a Master of Arts in Counseling

Psychology/MFT it will support me to come to terms with how to help perspective clients and how to be an

effective social therapist in the future.

Even though I will not be starting graduate school until the second session of fall of 2011. I will continue to

review from my current undergraduate books, workshops, children and military families that surround me so that I

stay prepared when I begin my Masters of Counseling Psychology/MFT graduate program and begin my

internship with the Department of Veteran Affairs in Loma Linda, California.

Contact Me

Thank you for viewing my ePortfolio.

For further information, please contact me at

the e-mail address below.

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M7 A3 Psy492

Technology

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