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· For this discussion identify three topics of the course that added to your understanding of the psychology of terrorism and explain why you selected these areas.

 

TEXT:

Reading
1. Moral Psychology of Terrorism (2013) Introduction
2. Horgan, J. G. (2017). Psychology of terrorism: Introduction to the special issue. American Psychologist, 72(3), 199-204. doi:10.1037/amp0000148
Original Question:
For this week’s Forum, respond to the following:   In our final week of the course, we will take a moment to reflect on the most noteworthy aspects encountered in the past eight weeks.
· For this discussion identify three topics of the course that added to your understanding of the psychology of terrorism and explain why you selected these areas.
· In addition, identify one or two of the most meaningful interactions you have experienced in the discussion forums during these 8 weeks.
· This is an effective means of pulling together course concepts and reflecting on meaningful learning and sharing with your classmates what you believe were their contributions to shaping our classroom experience.
Reply to the following response with 200 words minimum. (please make response as if having a conversation, respond directly to some of the statements in below post. This is not providing an analysis of the original post. Respectfully address it and even ask clarifying or additional questions.)
1.
Good afternoon everyone!
Although the entire course was an enjoyable experience, I must say that the first half was more informative in my opinion from a psychological standpoint. Introducing terrorism and defining it to build a strong foundation for the course was a valuable experience and something that was required for a successful term. Additionally, where I believe that I gained the most knowledge from was week two and the motivation of a terrorist and the behaviors that they exhibit. This was my favorite week because instead of simply skimming the surface of terrorist activity we discussed in detail motivations and driving forces of the actual people that are often overshadowed by the term “terrorist”. Lastly, in terms of my favorite topics that added to my understanding of the psychology of terrorism was our discussion and work regarding suicide terrorism. I must admit that I was one of those who just assumed the actors of these actions were merely insane. However, that is not the case and I feel as though I have just as much understanding of what their process is than any one will without talking to the bombers themselves. Although it is undoubtedly very sad, it is still highly interesting and I am thankful I took the time to understand in more depth as to what is actually happening with those individuals.
 
Lastly, the most meaningful interaction I had was briefly addressed in my last paragraph. It involved week four’s suicide terrorist and the information that I read and learned about throughout the week. Making the connection that those individuals are likely not crazy and furthermore the grooming of adolescents in society to create more like-minded individuals for the future.
 
In closing, I have taken several courses here at AMU that covers the topic of terrorist and terrorism. However, nothing has come out of those courses that are any deeper than what any of us can watch on television or our computers. I enjoyed the depth at which this course took us to in our studies in the psychology of terrorism. I learned more than I had anticipated. Best of luck to everyone in their future endeavors.
 
-William
2.
I will have to say that these past eight weeks have been filled with all kinds of information and I have learned a whole different side to the term terrorism and terrorists.  With that said I would like to start off with week w Motivation and Terrorist Behavior, emotions seems to be one of the many motivators that ignites a terrorist to act out.  Motivation seems to also serve as the internal forces that helps to drive their behavior, and it determines what is meaningful, purposeful, powerful, and can lead an individual to act out.  But in the case of terrorism however, motivation is done with a group and its ability to carry out their mission is also important to their success.  Another motivator is based on religious purposes, political, ethnic preservation, cultural explanations that these terrorists can explain as to why they commit such heinous crimes against innocent people.
Radical Political and Religious Ideology, according to our lessons for week 3, the leaders of Islamist ideology use religion as their means to help them gain supporters and to help them to revolt against any type of changes that undermines their Islamic identity.  These Islamic terrorists do not agree with Western culture and feel that it is their responsibility to wipe it off the map.  These leaders also agree with the use of violence when it comes to conflicts and disagreements.  Terrorists also believe that their act of violence is justifiable by normative and moral considerations.
Suicide Terrorism was discussed in week 4, where it states that the motivations for suicide bombers are placed into three different types of categories: ideological reasons, personal causes, and duty and obligation.  For the suicide bomber this individual is motivated by an ideological reason, and the quest for support from their families and their society.  Often times these individuals have nothing left in the world for them.  They are often jobless, homeless, and they feel the sense loneliness.  These individuals are often young people who are willing to sacrifice themselves for the greater good (Strenski, 2003).
I would have to say that I really enjoyed reading the weekly post of Christina Dye, because she was so informative and descriptive when she wrote her forum post.  For instance, when we had to read and write about suicide bombers I felt that her piece was so descriptive especially when she described what a suicide bomber is.  She puts it as a person who commits violent attacks upon others in which they will take their own life.  A terrorist who becomes a suicide bomber is able to conceal a bomb on themselves with the knowledge of anyone knowing anything about it, therefore, they are able to carry out their mission successfully.
April Pierotti
Works Cited:
Strenski, I. (2003) Sacrifice, Gift, and the social logic of Muslim “human bombers” Terrorism and Political Violence, 15, 1-34 http://edge.apus.edu/portal/site/366636/tool/d1feb059-3c2c=4776-9
3.
First of all, I cannot believe that this is the last forum post we will have in this course. The time has flown by so quickly, although I have to say that I truly enjoyed this course. Working in the field that I am in has opened my eyes to terrorism and made me very aware of some of the things that the government looks for as far as a threat to national security. The reason I took this course was to broaden my knowledge of terrorism and gain useful information, and I am very glad I did because this course gave great insight that I can also apply daily at work. One topic that added to my understanding of the psychology of terrorism is that of political and religious ideology. The reason this stood out for me is that Roshandel, (2013) points out that these beliefs usually come with a leader that possesses a certain ego, like that of a God like figure, one who likes to hold the power over the group. These ideologies are very much like that of a cult, in their ways of thinking. Another topic that was discussed which stood out to me was that of a suicide terrorist. When I would think of a terrorist prior to this course, I would not think of someone acting alone, or as a “lone wolf”. The readings and discussions really opened my eyes about how someone acting alone can easily fall into a terrorist organization. Lastly, I would have to say that the discussion about counterterrorism is the discussion that I enjoyed the most. I thoroughly enjoyed the article about Abdurahman Khadr and reading what it was like for him to live among the terrorists that planned the attack of 9/11. I also thought it was fascinating that he ended up working with the CIA and did not share many of the same feelings about the attacks of 9/11 that the others in his group felt.
I would have to say that the one of the most meaningful interactions I have experienced in the forums was that about counterterrorism. I liked seeing how my classmates also felt when they read Abdurahman Khadr’s feelings about his father, Osama Bin Laden, and the attacks on 9/11. Another one of the most meaningful interactions I experienced in this course was when we were discussing the motivations of a terrorist and everyone interacted with one another giving their insight on theories such as those of Sigmund Freud and Jean Paul Sarte. Although I chose these two discussions, it was really hard to just pick two out of all of the topics and discussions that we had throughout the course. I really enjoyed all of the discussions with my classmates, as the different viewpoints from everyone makes me look at some things in a different light. Another thing that I really did not think much about before this course is the fact that many other countries look at the United States as though we are terrorists, just as we do them. It was very nice meeting everyone, and I wish you all the best of luck in your future endeavors!
Reference:
Roshandel, J., & Lean, N. (2013). The Moral Psychology of Terrorism: Implications for Security. Cambridge, England: Cambridge Scholars Publishing.


** Please don’t just rephrase their info, but respond to it. Remember to answer question at the end if there is one. **
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Discussion Response Lifespan

Unit7PeerDiscResponse

Response Guidelines

Read as many of your peers’ posts as time allows, and respond to at least two of them. Try to choose posts that have had the fewest responses.
Your responses to other learners are expected to be substantive in nature and to reference the assigned readings, as well as other theoretical, empirical, or professional literature to support your views and writings. Use the following critique guidelines:

  • The clarity and completeness of your peer’s post.
  • The demonstrated ability to apply theory to practice.
  • The credibility of the references.
  • The structure and style of the written post.

M.Pendergrass (peer 1)
Adolescents go through various changes as they emerge.  Significant concerns of adults in the young and middle years are the need for intimacy and generativity.  These are forms of expression and the development of the self.  (Broderick & Blewitt, 2015)
“From a developmental perspective, then, the period of young adulthood should be a time when identity issues are resolved sufficiently to allow a person to make significant progress on two major tasks: The first is establishing and strengthening bonds with people who will accompany him on his life journey, and the second is becoming a productive worker” (Broderick & Blewitt, 2015, p. 439).  It would appear that young adults are not often afforded these opportunities in today’s society, as there are significant challenges in relationships and in the workforce.
Finally, a major consideration in development would be the impact of the attachment theory.  Often times, attachment theory has been related primarily to the bond between mother and child or caregiver and child during the infancy or toddler years.  However, attachment theory extends into the adult life as well.  There are several aspects to consider when trying to gain understanding of this impact.  In the nuclear family tradition, the idea is to gain understanding which attachment was developed in early childhood and how it carries through life, and how they might affect caregiving for the individual’s own children.  Furthermore, the peer/romantic partner tradition examines adult peer attachments.  Romantic and friendship relationships could be influenced by the previous attachments. (Broderick & Blewitt, 2015).
Reference
Broderick, P. C., & Blewitt, P. (2015). Life Span, The: Human Development for Helping Professionals, 4th Edition. [Bookshelf Online]. Retrieved from https://bookshelf.vitalsource.com/#/books/9781269907422/
L. Fields (peer 2)
Adult attachment theory focuses on relationships that were formed between the young adult and caregivers when the young adult was an adolescent (Broderick, & Blewitt, 2014). It states that these relationships can be detrimental to relationships formed as adults with others (Broderick, & Blewitt, 2014). One research study found that attachment to an authority figure such as a parent and the temperament of the child play a huge role in how an adult attaches themselves to others in different types of relationships and how they act in the relationship (Hendrick, & Hendrick, 1994). The challenges that the research encounters are the different types of temperament that a child has with a caregiver and also if the relationship or attitude of the caregiver and child changes (Hendrick, & Hendrick, 1994). They suggest that these variables also play a role in the type of attachment experienced and shown by adults. It also states that one type of relationship could be very different from another and can also play a role in determining the type of attachment style (Hendrick, & Hendrick, 1994). This can also influence how well an adult can hold a relationship.
Broderick, P. C., Blewitt, P. (01/2014). Life Span, the: Human Development for Helping Professionals, 4th Edition. [Bookshelf Online]. Retrieved from https://online.vitalsource.com/#/books/9781269907422/
Hendrick, C., & Hendrick, S. S. (1994). Attachment theory and close adult relationships. Psychological Inquiry, 5(1), 38-41. doi:10.1207/s15327965pli0501_6

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Personality Theory at Work in Popular Media: re-examining the major theoretical approaches studied in the class  (psychodynamic, behavioral, learning, trait and type, and humanistic

 PSY615:Prior  to beginning work on this discussion, read the required article by  Appel and Kim-Appel (2010) and watch the Episode: 118 – Inside Out: An  Introduction to Psychology – The Enduring Self video excerpt, which is  accessible through the ProQuest database in the Ashford University  Library.  For this discussion, you will build on your experience in the  “Personality Theory at Work in Popular Media” discussion from last week  by re-examining the major theoretical approaches studied in the class  (psychodynamic, behavioral, learning, trait and type, and humanistic)  within the realm of social networks. In addition to these five domains,  you will also consider the theoretical approaches related to complex  models. Your initial post will be presented in a video format. Please  see the instructions for this below.  To begin, choose a social networking site (this may be Facebook  (Links  to an external site.)Links to an external site., LinkedIn (Links to an  external site.)Links to an external site. or Twitter  (Links to an  external site.)Links to an external site.). Choose someone you know in  your personal or professional life who has a profile on one of these  three social networking services. It is important in your posts and  responses not to disclose identifying information about your subject.  You may choose a pseudonym by which to identify your selected subject in  this discussion.  Choose one of the five domains (psychodynamic, behavioral, learning,  trait and type, and humanistic) and create a personality profile based  on your current knowledge of your chosen subject using the framework of  your selected domain. Then, review the online profile or feed of your  subject in your chosen social networking site and create a personality  profile based on the information your subject has published on the site  using the framework of your selected domain.  Compare and contrast the two different personality profiles. Provide an  analysis of any differences between the two profiles. Select one of the  models with the complex models domain. Explain the reasoning for the  differences between the real world and online personality of your  subject using your selected model within the complex models domains.  Research a minimum of two articles on your chosen model and use these to  support your statements. Evaluate and describe the usefulness of  complex models as they pertain to this exercise in personality theory.  You may create your initial post as a screencast video presentation or a  video blog using the software of your choice. Quick-Start Guides are  available for Prezi (Links to an external site.)Links to an external  site., Screencast-O-Matic (Links to an external site.)Links to an  external site., and YouTube (Links to an external site.)Links to an  external site. for your convenience. Be sure to include all the required  material from the instructions above in your presentation or video  blog. Once you have created your video, please include the link in your  initial post. In your initial post, please include citations for your  references and a brief reflection on the differences between creating a  written post and having to present the material via screencast/video.
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ego defense mechanism

Week 2 Quiz
Read each question and select the correct answer.
1. Susie has never felt comfortable with her therapist. While she has no reason for her feelings, she is easily angered by his questions and feels as though he is judging her. Susie has often thought that the therapist reminds her of her father. This is a case of
a. An ego defense mechanism
b. Countertransference
c. Transference
d. Insight
2. Choose the correct development process for Freud’s mental structures.
a. Id, superego, ego
b. Ego, superego, id
c. Ego, id, superego
d. Id, ego, superego
3. Choose the example of operant conditioning.
a. Anxiety when an abusive person walks into the room
b. Hesitance to touch a light switch because of previous shocks
c. Children rising from their seats to go outside when a bell rings
d. Improvement in writing skills from praise and positive coaching
4. Choose the example of classical conditioning.
a. Continuing to play the slot machine after hitting a small jackpot
b. Staying on a diet
c. Walking out of an elevator when the door opens, regardless of the floor
d. Driving the speed limit after getting a ticket
5. An effective interviewing behavior during an assessment includes the following.
a. Paraphrasing
b. Confirming
c. Probing
d. Silence
6. Which of the following is a multicultural issue for any of the psychological instruments customarily used in the United States?
a. Level of acculturation
b. Preconceived notions
c. Theoretical orientation
d. Distortion of information
7. One of the common concerns associated with IQ testing is that
a. a wide variety of human behaviors is being measured
b. a person’s performance is compared against others’ performances
c. testing is used to learn about cognitive strengths and weaknesses
d. there is a possibility of racial bias
8. Larry is a single, 40-year-old male who runs his own business. Lately, he feels tired all the time, lacks motivation and appetite, and is not enthusiastic about anything. Based on his symptoms, which type of interview is most appropriate to use?
a. Termination
a. Crisis
b. Mental status
c. Diagnostic
9. Which of the following is a potential threat to effective interviewing?
a. Time of day
b. Interviewer bias
c. Structured interviews
d. Self-monitoring
10. Examples of objective personality tests include all but this test.
a. MMPI
b. Rorschach
c. MMPI- 2
d. Sixteen Personality Factors
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psychologist Neil Bearden found the best working answer to the question, how many people should you date to get a good sampling of who’s compatible before you settle down?

In 2006, psychologist Neil Bearden found the best working answer to the question, how many people should you date to get a good sampling of who’s compatible before you settle down?
His approach, applied to a pool of 10 people, will on average get you someone about 75 percent perfect; in a pool of 100 candidates, the figure is around 90 percent.
Step 1: Estimate how many people you could date in your life, n
Step 2: Calculate the square root of that number, √n
Step 3: Date and reject the first √n people; the best of them will set your benchmark.
Step 4: Continue dating people and settle down with the first person to exceed the benchmark set by the initial √n dates.
Extracted from Discover (13 February 2015). How Math Can Help You Find True Love. Retrieved from http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/d-brief/2015/02/13/mathematics-true-love/
Apply the relevant psychological theories on attraction to the extract and discuss how they can explain Bearden’s formula on interpersonal relationships. Cite at least three relevant theories in your response.

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In the discussion below, identify the two most valid criteria and the two least valid criteria. Provide an argument for your position, stating your rationale for your choices.

Your textbook lists seven criteria that psychologists use when labeling someone’s behavior as “disturbed” or “abnormal.” Review the list from your textbook.
Psychologists may use a combination of these criteria for determining that behavior is disturbed or abnormal. Of the seven criteria for abnormal behavior, which two do you think are most valid? Which two are the least valid?
In the discussion below, identify the two most valid criteria and the two least valid criteria. Provide an argument for your position, stating your rationale for your choices.
Please be sure you address each question, using terms and concepts from your text. A good initial discussion response should be at least 150–250 words in length.
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Erikson and Freud are two of the few theorists who have developed a lifespan approach to development. Freud’s approach to development was psychosexual while Erikson’s was psychosocial. Even though Freud’s theory is better known, Erikson’s theory remains a leading and very much applied model in personality and developmental psychology today.

Erikson and Freud are two of the few theorists who have developed a lifespan approach to development. Freud’s approach to development was psychosexual while Erikson’s was psychosocial. Even though Freud’s theory is better known, Erikson’s theory remains a leading and very much applied model in personality and developmental psychology today.
When considering these two stage-oriented theories, you can directly compare the majority of their stages. These are matched in the following table:
(see doc for table)
When considering Erikson’s eight stages of development, the way a person moves through each stage directly affects their success in the next stage. Their personality is being built and shaped with each stage. At each stage, there is a turning point, called a crisis by Erikson, which a person must confront.
In this assignment, you will observe or interview two different people, each at a different stage of development. For a third observation, take a look at yourself and the stage that you are in (this stage must be different from your other two observations).

  • Record your three observations in a template. Include the following information:
    • Name
    • Age
    • Gender
    • Current developmental stage
    • Status within the stage (i.e., identity achievement or role confusion)
    • Events that have lead to this status

Download a Development Template to record your observations.

  • Summarize what you have learned about psychosocial development through these observations/interviews.
  • Summarize the trends you see in your observations/interviews regarding psychosocial development.
  • How does movement through Erikson’s stages influence personality development? Again, be specific.
  • How do Erikson’s stages of development compare to Freud’s stages? How are they similar? How are they different?
  • Between these two theories, which one do you feel best explains your own personality development? Justify your answers with specific examples.

Write a 3–4-page paper in Word format. Insert your chart at the end of your paper. Apply APA

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Realistically, do you think it is possible to be congruent and to extend empathy and unconditional positive regard to these clients in a psychotherapeutic context? Why or why not?

Similar to Freud, Carl Rogers developed his theory from his extensive work with his patients. However, unlike Freud, he believed that people are typically healthy; being mentally healthy is the normal state. Although there are unhealthy people, they are not the norm or what one has to accept and live with throughout one’s life. Furthermore, Rogers believed that each person has one primary motivation—to realize his/her full potential or to be self-actualized. Finally, he posited that neurosis stems from incongruence between one’s real self and one’s ideal self. He applied this to his theory of counseling in the development of three therapeutic criteria that he felt were both necessary and sufficient to help the patient. These three qualities are now the foundation for modern person-centered therapy.
The three qualities that form the foundation of Rogerian therapy are empathy, congruence, and unconditional positive regard. These will be relatively easy to express for people you naturally like but can be difficult to express for people whom you do not like nor agree with.
Imagine that you are a psychologist working with a population of individuals that tend to be more difficult to work with, such as sex offenders, elderly patients with dementia, or mentally challenged children. Use the Internet, Argosy University library resources, and your textbook to research the concepts of Rogerian therapy and respond to the following questions:

Write your initial response in 4–5 paragraphs. Apply APA standards to citation of sources.

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Describe how you went about creating the test, and how you decided on the types of test items to include. Provide an assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of the test created based on question content and type. In addition, include a basic guideline that could be provided to someone interested in creating a psychological test, including the basic steps and considerations in this process

Determine an attribute, skill, trait, or attitude you are interested in measuring. Develop a 10 item test measuring various aspects of the chosen topic. Describe how you went about creating the test, and how you decided on the types of test items to include. Provide an assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of the test created based on question content and type. In addition, include a basic guideline that could be provided to someone interested in creating a psychological test, including the basic steps and considerations in this process. The test and analysis should be included in one document in APA format. The analysis and guideline should be at least three pages in length.
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Describe the social and cultural conditions that led to Gestalt psychology's disappearance. Then analyze the basic assumptions of psychoanalysis and Behaviorism for any traces of Gestalt psychology. What elements of Gestalt psychology do you recognize as existing in the basic premises of psychoanalysis and Behaviorism

 
Discussion #1.Describe the social and cultural conditions that led to Gestalt psychology’s disappearance. Then analyze the basic assumptions of psychoanalysis and Behaviorism for any traces of Gestalt psychology. What elements of Gestalt psychology do you recognize as existing in the basic premises of psychoanalysis and Behaviorism?
Discussion#2.Describe the social and cultural conditions that led to the rise of cognitive psychology. Argue whether cognitive psychology represents further growth in the field of psychology or the development of a new science
Discussion #3.Design a study you would like to explore in your future or current career that could be analyzed with ANOVA. To help design the study, please answer the following:
· What is the independent variable? What are your levels of the independent variable?
· What is the dependent variable?
· What do you expect to find if you ran the study? Please list this out both in statistical language (feel free to make up some numbers for the results) as well as real-world language.
· What would you expect to find with post hoc analyses? Which groups might be significantly different from which other groups?