Freud’s theory of psychosexual development claims that as we grow up, we pass through five critical phases. Our sex drive, which Freud called the Libido, focuses on a different erogenous zone at each phase. The phases are called Oral, Anal, Phallic, Latency, and Genital. If our experience during any of these phases was traumatic, we […]
Operant conditioning is a method of learning that employs rewards and punishments to modify behavior. This concept, initially explored by Edward L. Thorndike and later popularized by B.F. Skinner, is based on the principle that behaviors can be increased or decreased based on the consequences they produce. To comprehend operant conditioning, it’s essential to recognize […]
Jean Piaget, a renowned Swiss psychologist, proposed a theory of cognitive development that outlines four stages which individuals must pass through to develop full human intelligence. These stages are: Sensorimotor Stage (0-2 years) Preoperational Stage (2-7 years) Concrete Operational Stage (7-11 years) Formal Operational Stage (12+ years) Each stage is characterized by different […]
The Pygmalion Effect is a phenomenon where higher expectations lead to an increase in performance. This can be illustrated through a cycle: OUR EXPECTATIONS about another person’s abilities influence OUR ACTIONS toward that person. Our actions then affect the other person’s self-image. This self-image impacts the other person’s actions toward us, which in turn confirms […]
Erik Erikson’s theory of psychosocial development identifies eight stages through which a healthy individual should pass from birth to death. Each phase presents different needs, new questions, and interactions with people who influence our behavior and learning. 1. Trust vs. Mistrust (Infancy: 1-2 years) In infancy, we ask ourselves if the world is a […]
Surplus value refers to the value created by workers’ labor that exceeds the cost of their labor power and is appropriated by capitalists. Although many thinkers have discussed the concept, it gained prominence through Karl Marx’s philosophy. Historical Context of Surplus Value Throughout history, societal progress has been driven by increases in labor productivity. When […]
Anarchism is a political philosophy that advocates for a society without hierarchical authority, emphasizing the abolition of the state and the organization of society based on voluntary cooperation and mutual aid. Anarchists seek to create a self-managed, stateless society where individuals freely associate and govern themselves without coercive institutions. This ideology is rooted in the […]
Sigmund Freud, the father of psychoanalysis, revolutionized the way we understand the human mind and its complexities. Born in 1856 in the Austrian Empire, Freud’s theories and methodologies have left a profound impact on psychology, influencing various aspects of modern thought and culture. To analyze Freud’s character through the lens of a personality framework, it […]
At the dawn of the 20th century, a young doctor in Vienna developed a theory that would forever change our understanding of the human mind. Using cutting-edge techniques, he delved further into the psyche than anyone had before, creating concepts such as the Id and Superego, and cataloging patterns of thinking like transference and the […]
Introduction: When discussing medications for ADHD, it is crucial to understand why they are used, their effectiveness, and the mechanisms behind them. ADHD medications have a substantial evidence base demonstrating their risk-benefit ratio and effectiveness. This includes hundreds, if not thousands, of controlled trials comparing various medications to placebos over different time intervals, extending up […]