M7 A3 Psy492

1 Undergraduate Studies ePortfolio Diane Garcia-Becker BA Psychology, 2011

Personal Statement of Diane Garcia-Becker

Personal Statement of Diane Garcia-Becker I am very interested in continuing my education after undergrad at the Argosy University Inland Empire Campus in the Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology/MFT graduate program. If accepted I will start the graduates program this fall in October 2011. I am certain that furthering my education will help guide me into becoming a successful Counselor. The Master of Counseling Psychology graduate program offered at the Argosy University Inland Empire Campus provides some very important options that I can work with in my busy schedule as being a mother of four and veteran still in recovery can be challenging. Counselors are mandated to follow ethical codes, in which outline standards of excellence in practice in the field of counseling. “The primary purpose of a counseling code of ethics is to support the idea that a counselor will do nothing to harm the client” (American Counseling Association, 2011).These values are extremely important to me, therefore I am committed to furthering my education so that I can follow all of the ethical codes and guidelines contained in the American Counseling Association. I am looking forward to learning how to protect client confidentiality, nondiscrimination, and seeking supervision when necessary. Throughout the last two years as an undergraduate student, I have had the opportunity to work with children, families, and individuals and have been able to help them as well learn from them in the process. For me serving my country was a privilege and it comes natural to me to continue to serve others and pursue a career in counseling. I am patient, hardworking and no matter how difficult any situation may be I always do my best to provide support and loving advice when someone comes to me for help. I have been able to incorporate what I have learned throughout many psychology classes I have completed in several personal situations with my friends and family. This past year I volunteered and worked with children and was moved by the interactions I shared with them they are truly the most significant individuals to work with.

Personal Statement continued When I was an assistant to the teacher, I worked with as a Catechists Volunteer I was privileged to interact with many children. This experience provided me with some exposure to how some parents demonstrated how they cared for their children including parents with poor conditions that to me did not look as if they cared about the well-being of their children. I have always wondered why some parents are the way they are and why some bring a child into this world; if it is merely just to let them suffer? I am an adult child of an alcoholic, and I can remember as young as 12 years old that my mother was a closet alcoholic. I have suffered a lot which is why I can empathize with children that are not cared for. I was abused as a child both mentally and physically and a lot of what I have endured has caused me to experience both negative and positive challenges in my life. The consideration of dedicating my life to children like myself has never been an issue; I am ready to get that aspect of my life accomplished with the education that I am getting and as well as working with children of veterans like my own. My experiences as a service member and a mother of children that have been affected by my personal sacrifices makes it even more a reason to want to devote my life to helping overcome challenges in which affect service members and families. I believe my personal qualities will benefit my career in the future, my commitment, loyalty, hard work, and understanding will give provide me with the ability to be a successful counselor in the near future when working with veterans and their families. Being a veteran and mother has also given me the opportunity in getting to know other amazing families from different diversities and cultures that are all going through similar changes in the process of deployments.

Personal Statement continued It has not been an easy task challenging a military career and being a mother and there have been countless sacrifices along the way my family and I have endured. But in spite of those challenges, I have been able to learn more about families and children of diverse backgrounds, and that has given me the opportunity in learning more about diverse cultures and beliefs in general. In the process of learning how to adjust and support my own family as a service member in the military gives me the advantage of being able to successfully and effectively be connected with others experiencing similar challenges. I believe that deployments affect the entire family unit emotionally, whether single or married with children. This to me is an important issue that I would want to have an opportunity to address in my graduates program. Being able to make a change in the way professionals can help military families and children is a priority that all those in the mental health profession should be experienced in. Deployments are very difficult to deal with and can be emotionally draining in relationships, those directly affected need to have faith and support from others in order to get through the months in which there loved one’s are deployed. Military children take a big toll in trying to understand why their Mom’s or Dad’s leave during a deployment. For this matter and for having had first experience moves me to stepping in for military families. I would like to help lift the burdens that deployments impact on military families. Especially in families where the mother is the primary caretaker of their children, it can be especially difficult to leave their children behind . A study conducted in female veterans of Operation Desert Storm, who had children reported higher rates of emotional problems and mental illnesses in their children.

Personal Statement continued They also experienced a greater decrease in their quality of life after deployment than males or women serving without children. The children of these moms in service also showed higher levels of emotional disturbance during her absence (Women Veterans of America, 2011). Even though I am not a veteran of this era I have experienced the same similar stigma in my own family after my deployment in Operation Iraqi Freedom. I am thankful for the fact that my current spouse a veteran as well as myself understands the challenges involved in military service. He has been extremely supportive in my recovery and has been involved when my children and I struggle. The Department of Veteran Affairs has recently given him a certification to become my family caregiver during my recovery. My husband is provided with education, information and support so that everyday it helps enable me to continue to live with dignity and autonomy in my own home. I am optimistic that in time the environmental challenges that I have will decrease and I will be able to continue and complete my academic goals and will be able to apply my life experiences in the area of my future career. As a current undergraduate student in the brink of receiving a degree in Psychology, I have had both many struggles and successes as a student. I have experienced the countless pleasures of writing psychology papers that will benefit my future, and my studies. The long dedicated hours of reading lectures has allowed me the honor of being nominated in to “The National Honor Society of Collegiate Scholars.” My strengths as an undergraduate is knowing how to balance my work load, reading lectures and having the enthusiasm in writing whereas my weakness are known and obvious in my math abilities. The method in which I have used to improve my abilities in math has been by hiring a tutor and being able to take more time in studying and focusing on the subject to become better at understanding the concepts found in math. I distinguish it as learning a new concept or theory in the field of psychology where I am applying those very same methods in the mathematical terminology.

Personal Statement continued In order to pursue my goal in this graduate program I will be required to continue following my own treatment plan and by participating in the Vocational Rehabilitation Program. In addition, financial aid and the subsistence allowance provided on a monthly basis will facilitate this process for me. I am prepared for the challenges that come across in this preparation of being considered a student in this graduate program at the Argosy University Inland Empire Campus. I am prepared to let go of the things in my life that have held me back so that I can become a successful counselor, in military children and families population. I will be able to provide for my family and give my children the example that anything is possible in life as long as you are determined and ready to go on to.

Resume of Diane Garcia-Becker Diane Garcia-Becker Victorville, California 92395 (760) 596-3736 Garciadiane76@msn.com PROFESSIONAL PROFILE: I am applying for a position as Marriage and Family Therapists where I can make the most of my interpersonal skills in working with families and children in a counseling/therapy setting, my long term goal is to complete my Master’s of Arts in Counseling. Additionally with a service-focused commitment to helping the needs of Veterans and their Families, and the special-needs populations to include children with disabilities. EMPLOYMENT HISTORY: California Army National Guard, Bell, California August 1996- Present Human Resource Specialists primarily helping Soldiers develop Army careers, and providing personnel support and assistance to all divisions of the Army. Preparing and processing awards for recommendations and decorations and arranging for awards and ceremonies. Ability to organize, updates, and coordinates requests for evaluations, which include responding to evaluation inquiries. Evaluate personnel qualifications for special assignments and process requests for transfers or reassignment. Secondary specialty in operating all wheel vehicles and equipment over varied terrain and roadways for support of combat operations. Managing entrucking and detrucking of personnel being transported and providing guidance to subordinates in accomplishing their duties. Organize and participate in convoys, dispatch vehicles; and verifying vehicle logbooks. GMAC Mortgage, Costa Mesa, California December 2004- August 2006 Sr. Cancellations Specialists primarily processing every denied/canceled transaction by meeting federal and state laws as well as company requirements. Duties included gathering and processing Adverse Action Letters, and processing Credit Score Disclosure/Notices to home loan applicants within 30 days of denial. Additional tasks included assisting with legal and customer service issues pertaining to canceled files and all other corporate support as needed. EDUCATION: American Intercontinental University, Hoffman Estates, Illinois April 2007- August 2008 Associates of Arts in Business Administration Argosy University Phoenix, Arizona September 2009 - August 2011 Bachelor of Arts in Psychology REFERENCES PROVIDED UPON REQUESTS

Reflection As a current undergraduate student on the rim of receiving a degree in Psychology will have to admit that I have experienced some struggles as well as some successes as a student. I have experienced numerous delights in writing psychology papers that have and will greatly help me in my future, my studies; lengthy hours of evaluation enabled me the honor of being nominated into the National Honor Society of Collegiate Scholars. My strengths as an undergraduate are that I am able to discern my work load, I enjoy reading intuitive lectures and I have an enthusiasm for writing whereas my weakness is in my mathematical abilities which is not as great as I desire. The method in which I have applied to help improve my skills in math has been by hiring a tutor and by taking more time studying and focusing on growing and understanding mathematical concepts. I distinguish it as learning a new perception or theory in the field of psychology where I am just applying that same method but in a mathematical expression. I have academically learned a lot throughout my courses as an undergraduate student and also in various of my psychology classes such as children and violence and substance abuse in the family. I believe that my passion is in learning more about families and children going through military separations, abuse and violence and most importantly helping those affected to overcome the barriers involved that often times interfere in the quality of living life.

Knowledge of applied Psychology and Foundations of the field of PsychologyBy Diane Garcia-Becker

Table of Contents Cognitive Abilities: Critical Thinking and Information Literacy Research Skills Communication Skills: Oral and Written Ethics and Diversity Awareness Foundations of Psychology Applied Psychology Interpersonal Effectiveness **Included work samples and projects with a Title Page and organized accordingly to demonstrate each of the Program Outcomes mentioned above**

Critical Thinking Effect Size Psychological Statistics PSY210 UF Module 8 Assignment 1 Diane Garcia-Becker Argosy University Online

Critical Thinking The expression "effect size" is referred to the amount of the effect below the alternating hypothesis. The nature of the “effect size” can fluctuate from an individual statistical formula to another it can be a distinction in treatment rates, or a standardized mean distinction, or a correlation coefficient; however its purpose in a power analysis is very similar with all measures. There are situations in psychology that as a research psychologist you may need to be apprehensive when effect size is at risk. The “effect size” must symbolize the smallest effect that would be of scientific or substantive meaning, and for this rationalization it can vary from one study to the next. Role of Effect Size in Power Analysis In theoretical trials for instance, the collection of the effect size can take into relation the rigorousness of a condition being taken care of or a treatment effect that reduces death by one percent that might be clinically vital. As with the treatment effect that can decrease transient asthma by 20% may be of little interest). It may take a relative existence of alternating treatments, if alternate treatments even exist, an innovative treatment would necessitate outdoing these extra treatments to be significant. For instance, a research psychologist may account "If the treatment increases the recovery rate by 20 percentage points the study will have power of 80% to yield a significant effect". In addition to the similar model size and alpha, if the treatment effect is a smaller than the 20 points then the power will be less than the 80%. However if the correct effect size surpasses 20 points, then the power will go above 80%. The collections of an effect size reflect the want for balance among the magnitude of the effect that can detect the resources accessible for any study.

Critical Thinking Estimating effect of acupuncture in relieving fatigue A psychologist is conducting a research on the effects of acupuncture and is concerned about the effect size. This study was an uncontrolled, Phase II study that concerned terms of acupuncture in fatigue. The populations of the study were breast cancer survivors the study was roughly about 8 weeks long. In a second study also using acupuncture the effect of acupuncture was also studied in relation to the effect size relieving fatigue in a population of those without breast cancer. This research acknowledged two extra studies.

Critical Thinking References Power and Precision. (2010). What is Power Analysis, Retrieved October 26, 2010, from http://www.power-analysis.com/effect_size.htm MEERA. (2010). How do I calculate effect size, Retrieved October 26, 2010, from http://meera.snre.umich.edu/plan-an-evaluation/plonearticlemultipage.2007-10-30.3630902539/power-analysis-statistical-significance-effect-size BioMed Central. (2010). Evidence-based effect size estimation, Retrieved October 26, 2010, from http://www.biomedcentral.com/1472-6882/9/1 Thompson, B. (2000). A suggested revision to the forthcoming 5th edition of the APA publication manual: Effect size section. (Solid, clear advice and recommendations regarding the need for social sciences to shift towards effect size reporting.)

Research Skills Research Methods PSY 302 XD By Diane Garcia-Becker Professor: Michelle Oliver July 13, 2011

Research Skills continued According to Swan (Service Women Action Network), “Women veterans are especially vulnerable to homelessness. Over 13,000 women veterans are homeless in the United States. Women veterans are more likely to be homeless than their male counterparts. One factor that increases their risk of homelessness is mental health conditions resulting from Military Sexual Trauma (MST). MST often leads to long-term debilitating psychological conditions, including Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and major depression. Moreover, veterans who have experienced MST face overwhelming obstacles when applying for disability compensation from the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA). Rejection by the VBA often leads to intense feelings of betrayal, triggering further trauma and illness among veterans with MST, (2011 P1 Para 4&10). In viewing the information from a quantitative approach to research gives, the reader a better picture for the reader. It does seem that most people are visual people and when they see numbers that seem extreme to them the more likely it is to get the attention of the reader. Education is beneficial in that before a female veteran returns home from war that their family have that information ready, when she arrives, the knowledge the VA and their hesitancy to treat the female veteran and their lack of appropriate doctors that treat female gender issues. This is another article focuses their attention on one story of which is powerful and believable. According to Shaughnessy, Zechmeister & Zechneister conducting a good observational study involves choosing how to sample behavior and events to observe, choosing the appropriate observational method, and choosing how to record and analyze observational data.

Research Skills continued Studies are usually conducted with samples of people. In my study, I must apply a basic logic and a technique of sampling, the sample that I would use is a “Probability Sample.” I believe that this sample could generalize how women veterans as the population are affected by sampling the types of behaviors that are associated to the contribution of their disorder and their comorbidity that can be examined using a probability sample that covers trauma history, substance abuse, and demographic variables. Probability sampling consists of some random selection when choosing an element. For my study, a greater confidence could be placed in the representativeness of the probability samples. The type of sampling involves a selection process in which each element in the population has an equal and independent chance of being selected. My next step would be to have a good sampling frame. A sampling frame is a list of units of analysis from which I will take a sample and to which I will generalize. There are four main methods which comprise of: 1) simple random, 2) stratified random, 3) cluster, and 4) systematic. There would be no exclusion criteria; the goal of this examination is to highlight emerging issues relevant to the development of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among women veterans. “Female service members are likely to mirror those of the majority male Veteran population; this newest generation of women Veterans face unique threats to their mental health” (Clinical Psychology Review, Volume 29, Issue 8, December 2009, Pages 685-694).

Research Skills continued Statistics have proven that when female service members from both the active and reserve/national guard components return home from a combat environment they often develop a significant number psychiatric/psychosomatic disorders. Many of these returning women veterans are treated in primary-care offices or in hospitals (Marvasti JA., 2011). Some potential ethical issues involved while conducting the research maybe that women veterans may not want to participate in the study, because of their misperceptions and neglect of their personal experience of war. Therefore, for this potential issue reassuring all women involved in the study that adequate protection will be provided to them, will eliminate any ethical issues. Conclusions point out that trauma exposure is rather common for many women, and even though women experience fewer traumatic events compared with men, women are more susceptible in developing chronic PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) than would men. Findings reveal a number of variations in the expression and course of PTSD for both men and women. In addition there are also some preliminary evidences that have pointed out that today more women are likely to seek out for treatment, and that women react better to treatment compared with men”, (Vogt, D 2007 P 1 Para 1). Findings from Vogt,(2007) the National Co morbidity Survey indicate that slightly more than half of all women in the US will be exposed to at least one traumatic event in their lifetime. (7) Findings further suggest that women are slightly less likely to experience traumatic events than men are. (7-9) National Co morbidity Survey estimates of the lifetime prevalence of trauma exposure revealed that 51% of women and 61% of men had experienced at least one traumatic event in their lifetime. (7) Findings from another probability sample found that women reported an average of 4.3 distinct traumatic events compared with 5.3 traumatic events for men. (10)

Research Skills continued While women report exposure to a range of traumatic events, findings indicate that women are especially vulnerable to experiences of sexual assault (in both childhood and adulthood). Although estimates vary, findings suggest that somewhere between 17% and 34% of women will experience a rape at some point in their lifetime, (11-12) and women are at higher risk for experiences of rape and sexual assault compared with men. (7,8,13) Findings indicate that women are also at higher risk for sexual molestation, childhood parental neglect, childhood physical abuse, domestic violence, and the sudden death of a loved one. (7, 9), (P 1 Para 3&4). This may seem to be large numbers for women affected by PTSD, and to think that these numbers are based on self report. Women experience trauma in the home and work place that we will never hear about, because they are afraid of doing more harm than good or putting themselves at greater risk for more intensified trauma. Vogt, (2007), goes on to list risk factors for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder after having been exposed to the trauma. The following are the risk factors: ,[object Object]

extent to which the event involved injury

Quality of available social support” (P 1 Para 8).,[object Object]

Communication Skills: Oral and Written Interview with a Special Education Teacher Disabilities PSY420 By Diane Garcia-Becker Argosy University Online

Communication Skills What is a Special educator Special education teachers work with students who have an assortment of disabilities. There is very limited amount of special education teachers that work with students that have severe cognitive, expressive, and or physical disabilities. Special educations teachers mainly focus on teaching life skills and basic literacy. The greater part of special education teachers work with kids that have mild to moderate disabilities, they primarily use or modify the general education curriculum to help meet every individual child's needs. Most special education teachers teach at preschool, elementary, middle, and secondary school levels. Special education teachers are employed by public schools and non-public schools. According to Bureau of Labor Statistics, all 50 States and the District of Columbia require special education teachers to be licensed. The State board of education or a licensure advisory committee usually grants licenses, and licensure vary by State. In some States, special education teachers receive a general education credential to teach kindergarten through grade 12. These teachers then train in a specialty, such as learning disabilities or behavioral disorders. Many States offer general special education licenses across a variety of disability categories, while others license several different specialties within special education (http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos070.htm). Interview The individual that I have selected to interview has accepted to participate in the questions asked concerning his job and his duties as a special education teacher by email. His name is Daniel Jauregui, and he’s held his position as Special education teacher for over 14 years. He is employed by the Los Angeles Unified School District. He teaches at an elementary school level. The type of students he serves is students with moderate to severe Autism. When I asked him what types of discrimination his students tend to encounter he replied with “Sometimes what I observe and feel as discrimination is the staring of others, they just do not understand how or why special education students do the things they do”. The instructional formats used by Daniel in his classroom are a little bit of everything. There is some whole class, individual and group work. Sometimes the student group sizes vary, and every student in a group has a particular job or assignment to complete. Daniel characterizes his classroom atmosphere with good discipline, and structure he also tries to make his classroom a place where it's non-threatening or non-intimidating for all students. He states that he wants all his students to always share their feelings and encourages them to always discuss their feelings. He feels most of his students feel very contented when they come into his classroom because of his abilities to teach them.

Communication Skills Another question I asked Daniel was if he has ever had to advocate for any of his students to receive accommodations required by law. He responded that “Some of my student’s parents have asked me to call certain people such as doctors, lawyers, and social workers to support them with requests for services in accommodations for their children’s disabilities. The primary disability laws and regulations that are related to Daniels job as a special education teacher are any that relate to a student’s education, and may times working with regional centers to help make modifications or recommendations on student’s IEP (Individual Education Plan) that can result in a student receiving additional services and accommodations with their education. I asked Daniel what type of ongoing training he receives to stay current with disability laws that pertain to his students. He stated that there are many ongoing professional developments offered in school districts where teachers are employed that keep special education teachers up to speed with all new programs and practices pertaining to teaching children with Autism and other disabilities. There a many different styles when it comes to learning in school I asked Daniel how he determines this in his classroom he replied with that he takes his time to figure out all of his students out. From the first day of school to the present he is always getting to know his students. He comments that the best way to notice is by just watching students during different assignments. For example some students respond fine to watching a movie, and learning from it while others just like getting up and acting something out. When asked what the most challenging part of his job was he said the “challenge of finding out the best way to get students to learn, it’s a slow process but once they get it, it’s amazing. I asked Daniel if being a teacher has always been his primary job he said it was not his first choice, but now after so many years, he could not imagine doing anything than being a teacher. He loves his job, the challenges, and his students. Personal reflection on interview This interview shows how demanding special education classrooms can be. Special education teachers are often faced with diverse classrooms that are filled with children who contain special learning styles and unreliable skill levels. Special education teachers handle pressure well and they manage to keep up with other regular classrooms. Accommodations in the classroom are maintained and the needs for diversity as well. During my interview I have gained a different appreciation towards a special education teacher because there are times that there will be limited resources available at school for students and if it wasn’t for the advocating voice of teachers in this field most students would be without accommodations in obtaining modifications in their education. My son has struggled to maintain learning capabilities both in a special education classroom and in a non-public school setting.

Communication Skills The accommodations are unlimited and once a student obtains the appropriate learning environment their learning potential can improve. My son has been in placement under AB2726 and the quality attention that he obtains from his educators is profound. He has been able to learn new strategies in school and his special education teacher is amazingly motivating like my interviewee. Special education teachers truly have a passion for teaching children with disabilities. This particular teacher I have interviewed seems to have a balance in juggling the high end demands of being a teacher. In closing I hope this interview provides some insight into how working with special needs children is like. References Argosy University. (2010). PSY420: Module 2: Federal laws, state laws, IDEA, and ADA.Retrieved November 11, 2010 from http://myeclassonline.com/ Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition, Teachers—Special Education, Retrieved November 13, 2010,from http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos070.htm

Ethics and Diversity Awareness The Difference Ethnicity Makes Sociological Persp Class Ethnicity & Gender SOC416 Diane Garcia-Becker Argosy University Online

Ethics and Diversity Awareness When a person identified with two distinct racial groups the first and most important question is do those two groups get along? The answer to this can determine what level of social interaction that the biracial individual is allowed within one or both groups, if any at all. A second question would be, since each of the person’s two races is defined by a parent, which parent do they identify more with? A preference for one parent over the other can further manifest as a preference for that parent’s race over the others. Does either race have a tradition or lifestyle that the other would find distasteful or taboo? Trying to satisfy the demands of one may exclude the person from the other. Which of the two races is dominant in their local area? A stronger racial presence means a greater scope of community and racial exposure to one or the other. Does either race have a predisposition for certain allergies or medical conditions and does the biracial individual suffer conditions from both, or neither of the two races? In this case it could be the best, or the worst of both worlds. As the article featuring the experiences of Nicole Sprinkle points out, being racially ambiguous is highly advantageous. Being exposed to multiple cultures and multiple languages at an early age makes partaking in and mastering them both a great deal easier than trying to study a “foreign” language later in life. Additionally if one can identify with the predominant race of an area, they can avoid the negativity that generally accompanies racism, and yet at the same time the dual heritage also allows them to reap the benefits of a minority status at the same time such as financial aid. Racial ambiguity also provides for career opportunities in fields where a candidate can be accepted or declined based on looks such as acting, modeling, or culturally themed establishments. Identifying with a particular race can also potentially elevate a person’s gender or age status as one race may be more mindful than the other of such factors as respect for women or respect for the elderly (Times).

Ethics and Diversity Awareness A person born of multiple races will have difficulty in developing a solid personal racial identity. To any who know of their multiple heritages, including themselves, they will always be an outsider who is never truly or fully accepted into any of the worlds that they claim access too, this can often lead to severe emotional strain (King, O.). Even though multicultural exposure is generally beneficial, it is at the same time confusing as multiple answers conflict in their head as the proper word for an object, or the proper level of etiquette when visiting a friend’s house. Furthermore the relatives of either parent, or sometimes even the parent themselves will attempt to polarize a child exclusively toward the tenants of that one race exclusively. This will generally cause a reaction on the other parents’ side to counteract and override the efforts of the first side with things as simple as encouraging nudges, or as forceful as outright orders. All the while the child is caught in the middle. Unless it is the case that the child genuinely favor’s one parents’ side over the other, then most likely they will be torn between satisfying the demands of both as each parent tries to claim racial superiority, knowingly or otherwise. Additionally, if there are any unresolved tensions, especially racial tensions between the two sides of the family, then the child is reduced to an object. That is, the biracial child becomes a weapon to be utilized in some fashion by each side against the other, worsening the child’s self-image with every volley. If a biracial individual chooses to forsake one race and cleave to the other, then they will, at least from their own perspective eliminate all of the negative aspects of being biracial. They will be able to develop a stronger racial and cultural identity since they are focused solely upon the mastery of one racial heritage. With an abundant usage of discretion they should even be able to pass for a “pureblooded” member of that race gaining them full acceptance both mentally and socially. There will be an issue however if the parent of the other heritage favors their own race or otherwise disfavors the race of the other parent. If either of these two instances is the case, then the parent of the excluded heritage will often be angry or frustrated. Such frustration could take on any number of manifestations including direct anger at or disappointment in the child. A biracial individual who chooses to walk a path of exclusion should be prepared to tread very lightly as their decisions could ultimately result in the alienation of a parent.

Ethics and Diversity Awareness References King, O. (2006). Diversity: We All Have a Little Dual Heritage Somewhere. New Statesman [Magazine] Retrieved April 14, 2011 from http://www.newstatesman.com/200608070027 Sprinkle, N. (2009). A Child of Two Worlds. The New York Times [Newspaper] Retrieved April 14, 2011 from http://parenting.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/04/09/raising-a-biracial-child/ What Being Biracial Means Today: Letters to the Editor (2011). The New York Times [Newspaper] Retrieved April 14, 2011 from http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/06/opinion/l06race.html

Foundations of Psychology THE HUMAN BRAIN Module 2 A2-PSY350 UI By Diane Garcia-Becker

Foundations of Psychology Part I: The Brain The Brain is made up of Cells The brain is in your head which protects it from physical damage. The cranium is a part of your head that surrounds your brain. The cranium is made up of 8 bones that have fused together. The way the inside of your brain is protected from is from the inside surroundings of your body by the blood brain barrier (BBB). The brain is collected completely of groupings of cell bodies, nerve tracts and blood vessels. The blood in your head is dependable for stirring bits and pieces in the region of your body. The nerve fibre tracts form the white matter of the brain and take a collection of neurons to and from a range of regions called ‘nuclei’ or ‘centres’. These regions are composed from the groups of cell bodies and synapse that together develop the grey matter of the brain. The tracts attach a variety of ‘nuclei’ collectively and connect the brain and spinal cord.

Foundations of Psychology Part II: The packaging of the brain Outer covering of the brain and cerebrospinal fluid The brain is sheltered by the skull. Within the skull, the brain is covered up by cranial meninges that havean outer layer called dura mater. The dura mater is an extremely thin middle layer called arachnoid which also hasan inner layer called pia mater. Cerebrospinal fluid and Liquor cerebrospinal is a plain bodily fluid that absorbs the subarachnoid and the ventricular system in the region of and in the brain. The cerebrospinal fluid absorbs the space among the arachnoid mater (the center coating of the brain covering, the meninges) and the pia mater (the coating of the meninges nearby to the brain). The isotonic solution operates as a "pillow" or barrier for the cortex, which also provides a vital mechanical and immunological guard for the brain inside the skull. The blood brain barrier is a membrane formation that operates mostly to guard the brain from elements in the blood, which allow vital metabolic function. It is composed of endothelial cells. The outside of the blood vessels in the brain are made of cells that are VERY tightly packed together. These cells prevent large, unwanted molecules from entering the brain. Unless they are lipids - then they easily pass through. In essence the brain is also composed entirely of groups of cell bodies, nerve tracts and blood vessels. This is an outside view of the brain. The brain is split into the left and right hemispheres by the longitudinal fissure. The different brain areas are segmented by deep grooves, called sucli, and by functional aspects. The largest part of the human brain is the cerebral cortex.

Foundations of Psychology Part III: Divisions of the Brain The 5 significant divisions of the brain The brain is functionally made up of three interrelated sections. (a) The cerebrum (b) The cerebellum The brain stem (composed of the medulla, pons, mesencephalon and thalamus). Cerebrum: - Is the largest part of the brain as a whole. Here in the cerebrum is where effects like perception, imagination, thought, judgment, and decision occur. The exterior of the cerebrum -- the cerebral cortex -- is collected of six lean layers of neurons, which sit on top of a big group of white matter pathways. There are two hemispheres in the cerebrum that split in two from front to back. These two halves are intimately linked together with an arch of white matter called the corpus callosum. (http://webspace.ship.edu/cgboer/genpsycerebrum.html). Motor areas: - are the output areas of the cortex where motor impulses are initiated to pass to voluntary muscles via descending tracts originating in the white matter of the cerebrum. Basal ganglia: - Is the region of the forebrain that contains the cell bodies that receive motor neurons from areas of the cortex that pass on impulse towards the reticular formation. When there is damage to the basal ganglia it can produce the trembling of the hands in individuals. This is most often associated with a condition called Parkinson’s disease, which is a form of muscle paralysis.

Foundations of Psychology Diencephalon: - Is the subsequent section of the forebrain and it contains dorsal and lateral regions from the thalamus. This section forms the hypothalamus. The pineal body takes place in this section. Thalamus: - Is a large mass of gray matter that is deeply located in the forebrain. There is one on either side of the midline. Sometimes they are interconnected at the Massa intermedia. Functions: Motor Control, receives auditory, somatosensory, visual sensory signals, and relays sensory signals to the cerebral cortex. Hypothalamus: - Isthe part of the brain that lies below the thalamus. It forms the major portion of the ventral regions of the diencephalon and functions to regulate body temperature, certain metabolic processes, and other autonomic activities. It is also the main coordinating and control centre for the autonomic nervous system. It receives sensory neurons from all the visceral receptors and taste and smell receptors. The hypothalamus is the main vascular region of the brain. Mesencephalon: - Has two divisions- the tectum and the tegmentum. The tectum ("roof") is the dorsal surface of the midbrain. The tectum consists of four corpora quadrigemina and these functions have visual and auditory reflex centers. The tegementum is the division of the mesencephalon ventral to the tectum. Metencephalon: Is the dorsal section of the metencephalon which forms the cerebellum and the ventral region forms the pons. Cerebellum: - is a plum-sized portion of the brain located below the cerebral hemispheres and behind the brain stem. The cerebellum's main claim to fame is that it contains half the neurons of the brain despite being only 10% of its size. This is because its main constituents are tiny granule cells. The cerebellum is what controls the coordination, voluntary motor movements, balance and equilibrium. If there is ever any damage to the cerebellum injury can result in bouncy, badly controlled movement. The cerebellum is very significant to the control of all rapid muscular activities like running, speaking and typing. The activities of the cerebellum are all involuntary and can involve learning (http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-the-cerebellum.htm). Myelencephalon: - Isthe posterior portion of the brain stem.The medulla is composed largely of tracts carrying signals between the rest of the brain and the body. It is a complex network of about 100 tiny nuclei that occupies the central core of the brain stem from the posterior boundary of the myelencephalon to the anterior boundary of the midbrain. In the medulla the rising and sliding nerve fibre tracts cross over from left to right and vice versa. In the eighth thru twelfth cranial nerves that initiate from the medulla contain central reaction controls for the directions of autonomic activities such as the controlling of the heart rate, blood pressure, ventilation rate, ingesting, and salivation, sneezing, vomiting and coughing (http://www.ruf.rice.edu/~lngbrain/cglidden/myelen.html).

Foundations of Psychology References Carlson, Neil. (2010). Physiology of Behavior. (10th Ed.) Pearson Education, Inc. Faqs.org. (2010). The Nervous System, Retrieved September 19, 2010, from http://www.faqs.org/health/Body-by-Design-V2/The- Nervous-System-Design-parts-of-the-nervous-system.html Lang brain. (2000). Language and Brain: Neorocognitive Linguistics, Retrieved from http://www.ruf.rice.edu/~lngbrain/cglidden/myelen.html Time Magazine. (2010). The Brain Structure, Retrieve from http://cognitrn.psych.indiana.edu/busey/Q301/BrainStructure.html

Foundations in Psychology The aging process Developmental Psychology PSY300 XF Argosy University Online By Diane Garcia-Becker

Foundations in Psychology The aging process and its effect on development As we all become older, we all turn out to be physically less like our peers. And that’s generally because we are all the sum of our own life experiences. The age-related physical changes in late adulthood are very recognized. Some physical changes can be a laugh line or two, graying hair, and weight around the midsection. Changes, such as loss of muscles and blood vessels, lose their elasticity and most often go unnoticed, in this stage of life. Aging affects every part of the body and often seniors are oblivious to these changes even though they're happening. The heart becomes less efficient, bones become weaker and the metabolism deliberately slows down. If seniors could understand the aging process better they may be able to delay or prevent age-related conditions or certain body changes. But by this stage in life most individuals already developed and maintain lifestyles that later turn out to impact physical conditions, which can be equally negative and positive. Minimizing the effects of the physical aging process, and the mental capabilities Living a healthy lifestyle is always the best advantage. If all seniors modify their food consumption to healthier foods and drink more fluids it can also minimize effects. Having proper nourishment is very beneficial to the aging body and being physically active can also greatly influence risks of disease. As an adult becomes older their dietary needs also have to change. Being cautious of nutrients that were important in younger years can now be dangerous at high doses in late adulthood so it’s important to minimize intake. The environment can also have an effect on health, and where an individual works and lives at and how much contact they have to infectious diseases. The aging process is ultimately universal, and each and every one of us experiences it in several diverse ways. Integrity vs. Despair – Wisdom Erikson said that much of an individual’s life is spent on getting prepared for late adulthood and its reflection. Some seniors, often reflect on their past with integrity which is related to gratification and accomplishment and when feeling this way it is because they led a significant life and made a contribution into society. While other seniors are completely opposite and have feelings of despair because of the occurrences and disappointments in their past. When they feel despair they most often do so because they are fearing death and are struggling to find a purpose within their lives, wondering “What was the point of life? Was it worth it” (Learning Theories, 2008).

Foundations in Psychology According to Karen Crawford health is a strong predictor of well-being in late adulthood. When people face illness or chronic disabilities, they feel a loss of personal control. Not only does helplessness increase, but social isolation increases, too. Then as an individual’s mental health begins to decline, it begins to affect one’s physical health, and people begin to eat inadequately, get out less, and divert themselves less from their ailments. If a senior ends up moving into to a convalescent home, there will be a redefinition of their identity. Successful aging occurs when elders have developed many ways to minimize losses and maximize gains. Social contexts can foster successful aging. Better in-home help, adapted housing and sensitive nursing home care could make a difference in aging, too. References Crawford, K. (nd). Emotional and Social Development in Late Adulthood, Retrieved August 15, 2010, from http://webcache.googleusercontent.com Learning-Theories.com. (2008). Erikson’s Stages of Development, Retrieved August 15, 2010, from http://www.learning-theories.com/eriksons-stages-of-development.html PNAS November 1, 1981 vol. 78 no. 11 7124-7128, Retrieved from, http://www.pnas.org/content/78/11/7124.short Santrock, J. (2009). Life Span Development: Twelfth Edition. New York, NY: McGraw Hill Companies.

Knowledge of Applied Psychology Divorce, Children, and Substance Abuse Substance Abuse in the Family PSY482 Argosy University Online By Diane Garcia-Becker

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