Psyc - Week 3 Assignments

1. What are some examples of ways in which observational learning has benefited you in your life? Are there instances in which observational learning has worked to your disadvantage? (Chapter on Learning)

 When I first got involved in the computer business, I didn’t know anything at all about how computers worked, functioned, and much less how they’re repaired. One of my close acquaintance was the one the one that taught me what I’ve now turned into a small business.

The biggest drawback and disadvantage I’ve faced thanks to observational learning was audio engineering. I learned by watching others produce and engineer music but when it was crunch time, I couldn’t do it. It took sometime to realize that I need hands on experience to fully grasp it and not observing others, as seeing that music is felt in the soul.

2. As an eyewitness to a crime, how could you use information in this chapter to improve your memory for specific details? If you were a juror, what would you say to the other jurors about the reliability of eyewitness testimony? (Chapter on Memory)

As an eyewitness to a crime, I would need to list what I remember happened, review it for accuracy, make visual aids, and even rehearse before stating the facts.

I have never been in the seat of the jury, but I would review the facts carefully before making a decision, perhaps investigate thoroughly, and gather as much evidence as possible. The witness isn’t always correct, and it is not correct to guilt an innocent person

3. During problem solving, do you use primarily algorithms or heuristics? What are the advantages of each? (Chapter on Thinking, Language, and Intelligence)

Both have advantages and are useful for different situations and each relies on different type of knowing. Objective knowing, which uses systems and logic, is better paired with algorithmic problem solving. This includes formulae and theorems that have been tested and proven to work. Algorithms are used when there is a...