Author Archives: Sadaka Maisah Archie

Problem Solving

Problem solving is an important component in everyday life. Some may be simple to solve, others may take some time. Similarly to an example provided in the book, one of the biggest problems that recently occurred is deciding on which graduate school I want to attend and in what city. Considering, I’ve never lived away from home, this has become one problem that will need to be resolved and become a reality. A problem is defined as an obstacle that occurs between a present state and goal, yet it is not obvious to handle the obstacle (Goldstein, 2011). Frankly, I’m uncertain as to how I am going to accomplishing narrowing down my options and, ultimately deciding on a graduate school to attend.

Problems are classified into two different types: well-defined and ill-defined. Well-defined problems have a correct answer. When applied correctly, the procedure will lead to solution and/or correct answers; whereas, ill-defined problems are those that occur in every-day life and does not necessarily have a final answer. Furthermore, the solution and path is unclear (Goldstein, 2011). The example provided, which graduate school to attend, can be a well-defined problem because a career path is known and present; there will be certain procedures taken and will concluded to a solution that fits best. Well-defined problems have been researched by psychologists. Therefore, there are methods to solving well-defined problems.

Gestalt psychologists identify two factors to resolve problem solving: the representation of the problem in one’s mind and how solving a problem consists of a reorganization and restructuring of the representation (Goldstein, 2011). Many approach looking into graduate schools differently. This demonstrates how we perceive the problem in the mind. For example, there are certain criteria that are being looked into, like which school has the overall best program or admissions requirement; these factors may not appeal to all individuals specifically those looking to join an athletic program. Furthermore, restricting a problem involves insight, sudden realization of a problem’s solution (Goldstein, 2011). A critical element leads to the overall solution of the problem. Those solving their problem tend to experience insight because solutions occur suddenly (Goldstein, 2011). Although Gestalt psychologists apply insight to well-defined problems, insight appears to apply more to ill-defined problems. I would imagine every-day, life problems. A well-defined problem seems to be solved with care and as the text describes an all of the sudden solution as an “Aha!” moment, it would be difficult to apply insight to a well-defined problem.

As problems are presented in life, there are strategies in solving these problems. Generate-and-test, means-end analysis, and working backward are domain-independent strategies that can easily be applied to every-day problems. Generate-and-test techniques consist of providing numerous solutions then testing to see if they are successful. For example, college visits can solve the problem of which college to attend. Comparing goals with a starting point, closing the distance, and ultimately choosing the best path is a means-end analysis. Working backwards is the problem solving strategy I tend to use the most; starting at the goal wanting to be achieved and working step-by-step backwards until the goal is reached. Working backwards is opposite of means-end analysis, which leads to the ultimate goal. For example, as I’m looking into graduate programs, I have set an ultimate goal that’s to be achieved. Since I have yet to achieve the goal, I’m taking each step to reach the ultimate goal. Working backwards is most effective and is more efficient (Pennsylvania State University, 2014). We can apply problems to every-day life, whether they are minimal like what to wear for the day or solving a complex physics problems. Similarly to previous lessons, problems are associated with the mind. In order to solve our problems, individuals must know how the problem is represented in the mind.

References:
Goldstein, B. (2011). Cognitive Psychology: Connecting Mind, Research and Everyday Experience, 3rd Edition.Wadsworth, Inc.

The Pennsylvania State University (2014). Commentary. Lesson 13: Problem Solving. Retrieved from https://courses.worldcampus.psu.edu/sp14/psych256/001/content/14_lesson/10_page.html

Dementia and Memory

According to the text, memory can be defined as a process that involves retaining, retrieving, and using information about stimuli, events, images, ideas and skills after the original information is not present (Goldstein, 2011). Furthermore, working memory refers to a brain function that temporarily stores and manipulates information necessary for cognitive tasks such as language, learning, and reasoning (Baddeley). Memory is very important to life, in general. The brain allows people to encode, store, and retrieve information that’s occurred in past and present time. Although our memory is very important, it is a function of our brain that is not eternal. Many situations can interfere with retaining, retrieving, and using information such as accidents, alzheimer’s disease, and dementia. For the past two years, I have had the privilege of helping an elderly couple with chores around the house and the wife was previously diagnosed with dementia. Unfortunately, I have been able to observe her deteriorating mobility, inability to make decisions and completing normal daily tasks.

Dementia is an overall name for a group of symptoms caused by disorders that affect the brain. People with dementia may be unable to complete normal, everyday tasks such as getting dressed and eating which I have been able to see on a firsthand basis. Although memory loss is a common symptom of dementia, other symptoms include the inability to solve problems, control emotions, and have serious problems with two or more brain functions (National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke).

As I have conducted research, dementia affects several functions of the brain. For example, the temporal lobe of the brain is involved in object and face recognition and damage to the temporal lobe can result in memory deficit (PSU, 2014). As of now, I believe the elderly woman still recognizes who I am. I have not had a feeling of her being uncomfortable or scared around me. I feel these will be determining factors to her inability to recognize faces. After comparing the affects of dementia to the commentary information, I have concluded that that damage to the temporal lobe contributes to the symptom of memory loss. To add, the overall localization of function that contributes to dementia appears to be the frontal lobe. The frontal lobe consists of three separate regions. The motor cortex directs voluntary movements and fine motor control and the pre-motor cortex pertains to planning these movements (PSU, 2014). Considering I have been helping the couple for two years, I have been able to visual see how the woman simply cannot move much. She needs help getting out of her chair and she is unable to feed herself. Lastly, the pre-frontal cortex involves executive functioning which includes planning, making decisions, creating and using strategies, and inhibiting inappropriate behaviors (PSU, 2014). The main executives functioning present are planning and decision making. Overall, someone with dementia is insufficient to make decision for themselves due to the deterioration of their brain function(s).

Dementia is only one disease that can affect one’s memory and overall well-being. It is also important to note dementia does not come with old age and in fact, another diseases or medical condition like multiple sclerosis can cause dementia. Sadly, dementia is not preventable but there are ways of reducing the risks of dementia like quit smoking and controlling high blood pressure. It’s become very important to me how valuable memory is. I can relate both the mind and memory together because I feel these are two brain functions we take for granted. Although these medical are not preventable, there are many ways to reduce the risks of developing these debilitating conditions.

References:
Baddeley, A. (1992). Working memory. Science, 255(5044), 556-559.

Goldstein, B. (2011). Cognitive Psychology: Connecting Mind, Research and Everyday Experience, 3rd Edition.Wadsworth, Inc.

Pennsylvania State University (2014). Introduction to Cognitive Psychology Commentary. Lesson 2: Cognitive Neuroscience.

The Mind

The mind is a very extraordinary part of the human body and has many functions. After reading the text, the mind is defined in many different ways. The mind creates cognition, “the mental process such as perception, attention, memory…that are what the mind does” (Goldstein, 2011). I always remember my grandfather telling me “to think and use your mind because you need to stimulate your mind.” As I watch my niece and nephews mature, I began to realize how valuable and remarkable the mind really is; I would describe the mind as one’s own personal gem.

I remember being my niece’s age, six years old and in first grade and think of how my mind has advanced over the years and continues to develop every day. I’ve learned how to understand my perception, and perception of others’ in different situations. I’ve had to use my mind more now than ever before; I’ve learned new languages, felt different emotions, and much more. My perception of life has drastically changed, as it should because I’ve become more exposed to the outside world and experienced much in life than I would’ve at the age of six.

After viewing the text definitions of the mind, the main definition I believe applied most to my personal experiences and exploration is the mind “a system that creates representations of the world so that we can act within it to achieve our goals” (Goldstein, 2011). The mind actively works to act upon and achieve goals, but does not tell us how it is done. As I’ve began to explore many career options, everything from fashion design to pastry chef, psychology was my final decision. Most importantly, the process of achieving this decision is unknown. The mind works in mysterious ways and can “change course” throughout life. I believe the mind will never be able to be fully understood; everyone’s mind is different, some may function normally or abnormally. Now, I’m able to express to my niece the importance of the mind.

References:
Goldstein, B. (2011). Cognitive Psychology: Connecting Mind, Research and Everyday Experience. 3rd Edition.Wadsworth, Inc.