Psychology

IntroDUCTORY psychology

Assignment #2

Due Week 5

Answer the following questions in a thorough manner. Your responses must be typed (Word document, 1” margins, 12pt Times Roman, double spaced) and submitted on Blackboard. You will be evaluated on the quality and accuracy of your responses. Follow the Guidelines for Writing Assignments. Points may be deducted if the guidelines are not followed. Make sure that you answer all parts of each question.

#1. Time is an important variable in many psychological concepts.

A. Define each term/concept listed below.

B. Describe a specific example that clearly demonstrates an understanding of each of the following concepts and how it relates to or is affected by time. Use a different example for each concept.

• Brain plasticity

• Critical period

• Sensory adaptation

• Depth perception

• REM sleep

#2. A two-year old child finds a piece of brightly colored hard candy and puts it in his mouth. He recognizes the sweet taste and he really likes candy. Later, he picks up a piece of brightly colored plastic and puts it in his mouth but quickly spits it out because it tastes bitter. Later, his parents notice that the boy avoids putting plastic in his mouth but still enjoys candy.

A. Describe the way a behaviorist would explain how learning had occurred, using Skinner’s theory of operant conditioning. Discuss how the following concepts apply to this example: positive reinforcement, punishment, generalization, and discrimination.

B. Describe the way a cognitive psychologist would explain how learning had occurred, using Piaget’s theory of cognitive development. Discuss how the following concepts apply to this example: schema, assimilation, and accommodation.

C. Finally, explain what the principle difference is between the way Skinner and Piaget view learning.

Approximately 2-3...