In the First Chapter of the Textbook, What Is Psychology

question 36

Essay

In the first chapter of the textbook, What Is Psychology?, one of the critical thinking guidelines that we learned about was "Consider Other Interpretations." Before settling on one interpretation of the evidence, critical thinkers generate as many interpretations as possible. For example, an athlete wears a new pair of socks and then surpasses her own record for the number of baskets made during a game. Her socks become "lucky" and she makes sure to wear them for each basketball game. What type of reinforcement (from Chapter 7, Learning and Conditioning) explains the fact that she clings to her socks as a lucky charm? What other interpretations should she consider?

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Definitions:

Job Knowledge Analysis

The process of evaluating and detailing the specific knowledge required to perform a job, including tasks, skills, and understanding needed for successful execution.

Person Analysis

A process in human resources development identifying employees' skills, knowledge, and abilities to target training needs.

Task Analysis

The process of breaking down a job into its component tasks to identify necessary skills, knowledge, and behaviors for effective performance.

Organization Analysis

Examination of the environment, strategies, and resources of the organization to determine where training emphasis should be placed.