The Thought Process Homework Help

The Thought Process

How does the way in which you perceive the world influence your thought process? Provide a specific example in your response. What other factors do you think impact your thought process?

2)Is attention a limited resource? Why or why not?

Great post! You stated, “As far as diversity is concerned, human beings are different in the way that they process information (Zoltan, 2007). Therefore, people tend to make different decisions and suggestions which usually have a positive impact on a situation where several consultations and collective decision making are involved. These different perspectives are important as people look for a concrete conclusion or decision.” (Riegler & Riegler, 2008) I love the idea of different perspectives, particularly when it comes to processing information. This makes me recall my previous class where one idea was how people process information based on their perspective. I suppose someone’s cognitive abilities could also create a different perspective. 3) What are your feelings on this? It seems to make sense that a person with limited cognitive abilities might perceive things differently, might recall information that has missing pieces. What do you think?

Answer 1

            The way a person perceives the world impacts on the thought process. The two extremes which impact greatly are when the world is viewed as hostile or friendly. The two views are linked directly to a person’s socialization circumstances, their experiences and social ethos (Charles, Mather & Carstensen, 2003).  People who have been brought up in a normal family environment and have gained a healthy self- sense comprehend that the world has evils but they also see its opportunities and beauty. They are always optimistic. On the other hand, people who live in hostile surroundings where erratic behavior and dysfunction are the norm view the world negatively and develop negative thoughts and resistant patterns.

Social ethos plays a huge role in the emergence of negative or positive thought process. Experiences are deeply involved here. According to Deutsch and Deutsch(1963), a person’s ability to create relationships is considered a big factor and his thought process is the driving force. In case the social ethos show lack of compassion or social interaction is surrounded by incivility, rejection thoughts are reflected on the self- authentic projections and self- actual suppression. Acceptance as one’s self is associated with acceptance by others and freedom of expression. For example, a youth with the world perception that there are losers and winners only and this is linked to financial prosperity more as opposed to character, had his thoughts led into precarious means of achieving success and not striving through heartfelt and honest endeavors (James, 1890).

The thought process can also be influenced by role models. The present attitude toward fictitious beauty and sensationalism is affecting youths negatively. Thinking that the body needs to be totally perfect is creating health issues, and reducing time that could be spent developing long-term values or learning. The personality, past experiences and their impacts, and how the society and parents think can also influence the thinking process.

Answer 2

            There is a fixed amount of attention that diminishes depending on one’s needs. Vigilant attention (total attention capacity) varies depending on various circumstances. First, every sense modality possesses some distinct attentional resource. An auditory task disrupts a visual task minimally as opposed to a 2^nd visual task. For instance, it is easier to focus on the road ahead when talking on a mobile phone than when looking as a navigation map. However, concentrating on one modality interferes with attention to other modalities (Kahneman,1973).

The capacity of overall vigilant attention differs. Individuals who are older, bored, fatigued, or in drugs and alcohol exhibits low arousal and less attentional capacity. Moreover, normal people are affected by vigilance decrement, reduced attentional capacity after 30 minutes of concentration, from circadian rhythm effects and the 24 hour biological arousal cycles.

Answer 3

            As a result of diversity, people process information differently (Reason & Mycielska, 1982).  During a collective decision making or consultation, people offer varying suggestions and decisions which impact positively on a situation. The cognitive ability of a person can lead to a varying perspective.  Individuals with limited cognitive capacities perceive things in a different way and may remember information with missing pieces. Cognitive abilities can be improved by associating with intelligent people, reading widely and having interest. People with high cognitive abilities are generally intelligent, remember the finest details of information and are creative.

References

Charles, S.T., Mather, M., & Carstensen, L.L. (2003). Aging and emotional memory: The             forgettable nature of negative images for older adults. Journal of Experimental             Psychology General, 132 (2), 310-324.

Deutsch, J. A., & Deutsch, D. (1963). Attention: Some theoretical considerations. Psychol.             Rev., 70, 80- 90.

James, W. (1890). Principles of Psychology. New York: Henry Holt.

Kahneman, D. (1973).Attention and Effort. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-Hall.

Reason, J., &Mycielska, K. (1982). Absent-minded: The Psychology of Mental Lapses and             Every-day Errors. Englewood Cliffs, N.J.: Prentice Hall, Inc.