Psychology of Everyday Life: Theories and Relevance - Arden University

This portfolio provides a comprehensive overview of the psychology of everyday life, addressing various theories and their application to daily issues. It covers topics such as dependent and independent variables in research, qualitative data analysis, and the evolutionary and behaviorist approaches to understanding human behavior. The assignment also delves into social psychology research methods, offering insights into how psychologists study social behavior and the factors influencing people's actions in social situations. This resource, contributed by a student and available on Desklib, aims to demonstrate the relevance of psychological theories in understanding and interpreting everyday experiences and behaviors.

Psychology of Every Day Life
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Contents
Question-1........................................................................................................................................3
Question -2.......................................................................................................................................6
Question -3.......................................................................................................................................9
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................13
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Question-1
a).
A dependent variable is what researcher can measure in the experiment and what is the affected
at the time of experience. Generally, a dependent variable responds to the independent variable.
That’s why, it is known as dependent variable (Thiecke and et.al., 2020). On the other hand, the
dependent variable refers to the being tested and measured in an experiment. This is exactly
perform what it sound like. In the experiment, it is something that depends on the other factors.
According to the given case scenario of Dr. Jones, The dependent variable in the experiment is
“Driver performance” which means that during driving test, the overall performance of driver
can be identified after consumption of fizzy drink, where how much they drink and performance
at the time of test.
b).
The independent variable is the variable in given experiment manipulate or change and it is
directly assume to have effect on the dependent variable. On the other hand, independent
variable refers to psychology experiment that is manipulated or changed according to the
researcher during analysis (Washington, 2020). Therefore, it is looking at the significant effect of
experiment on test scores, identifying independent variable.
An experiment activities was performed by Dr. Jones, The independent variable in the
experiment is fizzy Drink. It means that driver performance are dependent on the Fizzy drink
where how they can perform well. But Fizzy drink does not dependent on anything in driving
test. That’s why, Fizzy drink is an independent variable within experiment.
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c).
An extraneous variable is a term that is not investigating potentially affect dependent variable of
research study. Extraneous variable is also known as confounding variable and not affect the
dependent but it is always related to the independent variable (Thiecke and et.al., 2020). It can be
identified the extraneous variable such as Weather, distractions, experience and road condition.
these are consider an important extraneous variables which plays important role in driving test.
Extraneous variables-
 Weather- weather is an extraneous variable in driving test experiment because the overall
performance of driver depends on the weather condition. Sometimes, it affect on the
driving test skill and create a lot of distraction during tests.
 Distraction- it is the most commonly used extraneous variable which means that create a
distraction for individual participants at the time of driving test. It is affecting the driver
performance, who had previously consumed a fizzy drink.
 Experience and Road condition- these are identified the extraneous variables in
experiment. It also analysed that affect on the driver performance when they were giving
a driving test.
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d).
Research Aim-
 To test the predication that consumption of fizzy drink would show a superior driving
performance.
Research questions-
 How could test predication that consumption of fizzy drink would show a superior
driving performance?
e)
Qualitative data is basically defined as the information or data that approximates and
characterizes. This kind of data can be recorded and observed systematically (Lobe, Morgan and
Hoffman, 2020). In context of qualitative, it is representing non-numerical in nature and
collected information through observation, semi-structure interviews process. Qualitative data is
one of the statistics approach which is known as categorical data that can be arranged on the
basis of attributes. Within research study, Qualitative data plays important role in identifying the
particular frequency of characteristics and traits of sample. It allows the researcher to create a
strong coordination in the form of different parameters with the help of large data sets (Lobe,
Morgan and Hoffman, 2020). For purpose of research, collecting and gathering qualitative data
that help in answering questions like, who are different participants, what issue or problem they
are facing.
The participants in the qualitative study which is often involve small number of tool
which include and utilize semi structure interviews questions. In this way, research can be
conducted in best way to find accurate answer. It is not well suited to generalize but helping to
generate accurate result or outcome.
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Strength
Main strength of qualitative data is to refine information with proper format or structure.
Researcher will use qualitative data because it can help to explain complex data within proper
manner. The data collection in qualitative is becoming cost efficient. Moreover, multiple
technique or method for collecting data on the sensitive objects.
Weakness
The weakness of qualitative data is that it cannot be generalized the finding on the basis
of study population or community. At some point, it may arise problem and difficulty to analyse,
do not fit in particular standard categories. In some situation, data collection process will be time
consuming.
Question -2
a). The Evolutionary Approach
Evolutionary approach is basically used the evolutionary idea, assumption and belief on
the adaption, reproduction, natural selection on the basis of explaining human behaviour. The
purpose of this approach is to bring functional ways of thinking about the biological mechanism.
For example- By using evolutionary approach, it can be identified the immune system in context
of psychological level. Usually, Evolutionary approach also influence decision-making, level of
aggressiveness, fear and making patterns.
According to theory of evolution by natural selection, Charles Darwin’s book as origin of
Species in 1859. It is mainly focused on the organism how it can evolve over generations
because of physical inheritance as well as behavioural traits (Hodgetts and et.al., 2020). With
reference to Natural selection theory, it has been used the evolutionary approach which premise
that within a population. It has found a lot of variation in traits of human. According to the study
of Darwin, Individuals with appropriate traits that allow them to adapt flexible environment. It
help them to survive and become more offspring, which will inherit multiple traits. Darwin can
select the “natural selection” and directly compare with artificial selection. It simply explained as
descent with certain modification and examine origin of human being.
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To understand the origin of human, it needs to improve more understanding of how
natural selection works. It can alter an individual in small ways, causing a large population
where they can change size, colours and over generations. This is a process or method happen
over a relatively short time intervals. For Example- Each and every humans have a different
physical and behavioural traits. It may be represented the unique traits and personality. But in
context of psychology, the behavioural changes that make natural selection which is possible due
to the level of DND, Gene with sperm, egg cells through which passes on genetic materials.
That’s why, it should be considered the natural selection in evolutionary process, preserving and
adding more advantage or benefits mutation or rejection (Sydorova and Smal, 2019). In some
situation, Natural selection is not completely adapt mechanism by evolution of human. For
example- genes can be transferred from one population to another. Frequently, it automatically
change its random condition which is known as genetic drift.
To make natural selection more concrete, let’s consider as simplified example- A group
of human with identified different variation on the gender role development. It has just moved
into a new areas where represent black, white body colours. This is depending on the gene or
DNA of parents. For analysis, it will be represented body color as genetic trait (Sydorova and
Smal, 2019). After several generations of selection, population might have changed genetic
feature and also consider as an example of evolution. The gender role development process
relates to Evolutionary approach in which looking at how social norms, standards, power and
structure impact on the human being. It great opportunity to category group of human in both
women and men. A leading to an evolutionary approach in context of sexual selection which is
expected to find better result or outcome. The appeal of evolutionary explain important part
within simple scientific validity but it plays important role consistently with long standing,
stereotypes about roles of women and men.
b). the Behaviourist Approach
The behaviourist approach is based on theory related to learning which states all
behaviours through interaction with external environment through process such as Conditioning.
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Thus, a behaviour is simply show a response to the current environment stimuli. It is also
concerned about the observable stimulus response which can be analysed in systematic manner.
Behaviourism emphasizes the significant role of environmental factor in influencing behaviour,
attitude.
Behaviourists plays important role in context of response to a stimulus. It can be assumed the
certain goals but identify by environment. Behaviourists are consider the uniqueness among
psychologists in believing that it is unnecessary aspect related the internal mental process. This
will help to explain behaviour and attitude of individual people (Højholt and Schraube, 2019).
By using behaviourist approach, it is mainly focused on the person to learn a new thing and how
to respond the stimulus that way. On the basis of behaviourist, it can be used the process of
learning such as classical conditioning associate with stimuli’s when they occur together.
The Evaluation of behaviourist approach, main strength of this approach come from
various method it uses. The insistence on objectivity and control over variables & precise
measurement that carried out by behaviourists. It tends to be reliable and launching a scientific
technique or method in context of psychology aspect.
The Pavlov theory of classical conditioning is based on the learning process or method
that occurs through specific associations between environmental based stimulus and natural
occurring stimulus. This theory will help to support everything about the emotional responses
which is mainly identified among human being (Walters, 2020). This condition is one of
psychological factor experience on the basis of classical conditioning.
Another way, it define the skinner’s theory of operant conditioning, which is mainly
represents positive reinforcement. If in case, a person behave positive response by rewards,
leading to maintain repetition of desired behaviour (Walters, 2020). This type of reward is
usually reinforcing stimulus. According to Skinner’s theory, it reviews slightly less extreme than
other. The advantage of theory is to establish believe on mind, but it is simply represent more
productive improvement in behaviour of human.
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On the other hand, Classical and Operant Conditioning are two important concept in term
of behavioural psychology. As a result, it will be representing a better learning aspects and
process which are quite different. To understand the concept of behaviour change by using
classical and operant conditioning. These are different from one another. Classical conditioning
is basically used to identify the response of involuntary and a stimulus. Afterwards, it influencing
behaviourist approach and associating the behavioural change activities of individual people. In
operant conditioning, a person can be rewarded with incentives while classical involves no such
kind of enticements. It is one of the important for leaner to actively participate and perform
multiple action. Therefore, it may help to decide whether an individual person can be rewarded
or punished.
For operant conditioning, the subject must display actual behaviour that can start from initial
point to end. It involves forming a strong association with sort of naturally occurring program or
event. Nowadays, both operant and classical conditioning are utilized in term of psychological
manner (Wilms, Lanwehr and Kastenmüller, 2020). In order to understand behaviour, attitude
and perception of individual people effectively.
As per analysis, it has been identified that both classical and operant conditioning are
consider an important learning concept in term of behavioural psychology. These are not only
helping to find the behavioural change activities among individual people but it also creating a
strong situation or condition of learning.
Question -3
a).
The social psychology research is based on the process or method that allows psychologists to
get better look at what causes people and engage in specific behaviour of people in social
situation. In this way, it is mainly focused on empirically study as social behaviour,
psychologists rely on the number of various scientific technique to conduct a better research on
the social psychology facts (Lombrozo, 2019). Many researcher will use social psychology
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methods to test hypotheses and theories look for establishing a strong relationship between
multiple variables.
During Covid-19, emerging the new behavioural practices, norms and standards that help
for government to find the behaviour towards current situation. Afterwards, it is conducting the
social psychological research which might offer excellence scientific description of individual
and groups.
As per consideration of social psychological research, it is targeting the individual and
group orientation to evolve regulations on the basis of “Conformity” and “Obedience to
Authority”. Conformity is based on the social influence involving a change in belief, assumption
and ideas, behaviour. In this way, it can identify the perception of group and examine how it can
fit in with society or community at the time of covid-19 situation. Because of crisis, conformity
influence involving a change in behaviour or belief. But the primary responsibility of individual
to understand the physical presence and involve social norms accordingly. It is simply define a
group pressure which may take different forms such as criticism, teasing etc.
Psychologists can be done all study on the basis of conformity which means that estimate
or calculate how many people affected due to covid-19. Usually, it will be targeting individual
and group of people, who are majorly influence with social norms, standards. The conformity
occurs when a group influence because the content of induced behaviour of people. it is majorly
focused on the actions which is composed and find the value of system (Wilms, Lanwehr and
Kastenmüller, 2020). in society, there are many powerful agents of society put pressure on the
individual and group through social norms. Usually a personal pressure needs to be adjusted with
demands and change behaviour of people within society. On the basis of evidence, psychologists
concern about the situation of covid-19 and take place conformity because of formational social
influence. Each and every normal person have a desire to do correct things in life and behave
accurately. This type of tendency is always forced individual and group for achieving desirable
goal or objective. So as, group is taught to be used social norms, standards and follows the right
regulations. In order to help other in regards and they can face a problem or issue within society.
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On the other hand, Obedience is kind of social influence where an individual and group
acts in response to establish a direct relation. It can be assumed that without such a person and
not have acted in proper manner. Psychologists have been conducting social psychological
research traditions which may offer a better discussion on the evolving regulation such as
Obedience to Authority. Obedience is compliance with instruction, command given by
authority. On the basis of social psychologist Stanley Milgram, it states the people and their
strong tendency to comply with authority aspects. Throughout the covid-19 situation,
government will participate as an important role in the society which means that inspire or
motivate individual, group to adapt the better understanding (Wilms, Lanwehr and Kastenmüller,
2020). Whenever, they can perform different tasks but it is needed to be follows all regulation
during covid-19.
On the basis of psychological aspect, it has been conducted research with participants
such as individual and social groups. The basis result in research consistently obtained a direct
relation of people and influence of an authority during crisis (Nesbitt-Larking, 2017). One
interesting application of obedience where it has been established a strong relationship between
government authority and targeted group community. It often carry out the perception of
individual people where they can believe that potentially harm could come to covid-19 in current
scenario. That’s why, it is an essential needs to conduct social psychology research and identify
the positive result or outcome.
b).
A psychology approach refers to the certain belief, assumption about human behaviour. The
important aspect of psychology approach is to offer contrasting or explaining the social issues.
Psychologists can utilise variety of different perspectives when studying how people think, feel
and behave. There is no single point that is better than another. It is simply emphasizes human
behaviour, attitude.
The Humanistic approach to leadership
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Humanistic psychology is based on the psychological aspect that emphasizes of the
perception, interest and thinking of individuals, groups. This type of approach is look at the
human behaviour through eyes of observer. According to the covid-19 situation, it is very
important to consider right approach in context of leadership (de Quiroga, 2018). That’s why,
Humanistic psychology approach help the human to understand the situation of environment.
This type of approach may adopt in seeking to encourage others, conform to the social
distancing, sheltering practices designed. Thus can help to protect or secure vulnerable members
of society. Psychologists can utilize the behavior of people through humanistic approach because
it is always influenced people to establish a good relationship with other people. It would create
a personal attachment and fulfill all essential need for people those who are unable to protect
themselves. In this way, it has analysed that humanistic approach which is primarily concerned
with response to external stimuli, experience, rather than consideration of choices, responses to
internal demand and current circumstances to be changing the behavior of human.
A humanistic approach allows for people to focus on the valuable group of society during
covid-19 crisis. There are many people who will try to encourage society where they can
improve self-image, self-actualization. It must have follows all rules and regulations which made
by authority like- social distancing, wearing mask etc. The humanism is one of the optimistic
approach or theory that focuses on what make each and every individual person unique. A great
leader, psychologist who apply a humanistic approach at the time of crisis while creating a
relationship with group of people, those are facing a lot of challenge (Wilms, Lanwehr and
Kastenmüller, 2020). It is the best aspect to understand the complex situation while using own
humanistic approach and behave like leader to influence other people. For Example- it has
designed sheltering practices for the most valuable members of society. This can possible only
because of humanistic approach which is always motivating people to help others during
complex situation. This is the best example of humanistic approach to leadership.
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