Learning ESP

ESP – English for Specific Purposes is specialized with its vocabulary, definitions. ESP is a different type of learning English than the usual one that is taught at schools. Special techniques are used to fulfill specialties specific needs.

Three techniques for learning ESP can be differed. First one is learning definitions. Vocabulary of various specialties is very different with many difficult expressions and words. Anyway definitions are essential for a clear understanding of the subject.

Second thing which helps to achieve better understanding of pronunciation and dialog forms is watching movies which are more or less about the issues of the subject person is involved in. The acting line of the movie can help to articulate and do some physical underline expression practice at the same time.

The last thing is actually speaking. Basic communicating skills are essential. ESP is special with its specialized form but basically it is the same English language so it is very good to speak in English in situations where it is possible.

Using these three methods learning should become easier. Definitions, pronunciation merged with basic speaking skills are the best ingredients of smooth ESP learning.

Psychology of laughter

Laughter is an emotional expression. Most common causes for laughter are sensations of joy or humor. However in some situations it can be interpreted as a symptom.

Scientifically is proved that laughter is controlled directly by brain. Although there are no known laughter centers in the brain it is known that parts of the limbic system are involved in the process of laughter. Two structures in the limbic system are involved in producing laughter: the amygdale and the hippocampus but still it is not completely cleared.

A study shows that stress-related hormones decreased during episodes of laughter, which provides support for the claim that humor can relieve stress. In other words, funny stories can relieve stress and it is scientifically proved.

Abnormal laughter as an expression is almost the same as normal. The only and the biggest difference is the cause. The causes of an abnormal laughter are diseases. In most cases the diseases are pseudo bulbar palsy and gelastic epilepsy. Laughter acts like a symptom here. In fact, huge amounts of abnormal laughter may cause a person to lose consciousness.

Laughter is a signal that either we send to others in order to get a reaction, express emotions. Otherwise it can be a signal that there is something wrong with our bodies and we need help.

References:
"Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia" http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laughter
"Psychology Today" http://www.psychologytoday.com/articles/pto-20001101-000036.html

Psychology of kleptomania

Kleptomania is a psychological disorder. In other words it can be called as stealing disease. People suffer from it no matter what nationality or religion they are.

Kleptomaniacs cannot be defined as criminals because they are suffering from a specific type of brain malfunction. They do not hurt anybody when they take things so the disorder is more embarrassing than harmful. In fact kleptomaniacs do not steal in order to get something. They do not need things they take. Pleasure of the stealing process is the purpose.



Many scientific researches had been done and it seems that kleptomania is more common in females, but there is no actual scientific evidence about this tendency. Numbers of kleptomania cases are not very exact too so the disorder is successfully hiding its extent.

In most cases kleptomania is treatable. There are two ways of treatment. First one is therapeutic. Therapy can be in group or one-on-one and it is based on behavior modification, usually aimed at dealing with underlying psychological problems that may be contributing to kleptomania. Second method is medicaments. This type is not preferred because it might have serious side-effects that would lead to even more serious problems.

Even though kleptomania is an embarrassing psychological disorder it can be treated. People have to understand that there is nothing bad searching for help and that the most important thing is to try to deal with the problem. The first step coping with it is admitting it.

References:

"Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia" http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kleptomania
"Psychology Today" http://www.psychologytoday.com/conditions/klepto.html

Analitical summary of modules 1-3

Robert S. Feldmans is a writer, whose book "Understanding psychology" is a great way to start in psychology. First Paragraph "Introduction to psychology" gives the basic information about the field of psychology and it is shortened in three modules.

Module one states that there are many sub-specialties in the field of psychology: behavioral neuroscientist, cognitive, developmental, personality, health, social, cross-cultural. In fact there are some more fields coming to our lives such as evolutionary, behavioral genetics and clinical neuropsychology. Moreover psychology can be applied in many specialties that require very good social, behavioral skills. 

The origins of psychology that are defined in module two can be seen in 1879 – the opening of laboratory of psychology in Germany by Wilhelm Wundt. The early perspectives of psychology are structuralism, functionalism and gestalt theory. Today five major perspectives can be separated in contemporary psychology: neuroscience, psychodynamic, behavioral, cognitive and humanistic. Each takes our understanding of behavior in its amazing variety.

Third module names the key issues of psychology – questions of nature vs. nurture, conscious vs. unconscious determinants of behavior, observable behavior vs. mental processes, free will vs. determinism, and individual differences vs. universal principals. Although there are major arguments regarding how best to resolve these issues psychology is a unified science because psychologists of all perspectives agree that the issues must be addressed for the field to advance. In the future psychology will become more specialized. Prevention will increase replacing treatment and will take the growing diversity of the country’s population into account more.

The field of psychology is very important to us. Now with the help of different psychological perspectives, with scientific research we are able to understand our behavior, our feelings. 

My future profession

Psychology as a study involves mental processes and behavior. Psychologists study perception, cognition, emotion, personality, behavior, and interpersonal relationships.

People who study social psychology can follow many different career paths. This is because the subject develops high levels of transferable skills which are essential for any profession. Social psychology is a great degree to get a good job and social skills are essential where communication with different types of people is involved.

After the studies of psychology there is no need to become a psychologist. I think I will consider my future after the studies because my philosophy about life and the world will change. It is always better to wait, to think, consider the pros and cons. Life is long in my point of view.

Anyway I think I will continue with Social subspecialty of psychology because it is interesting and gives the opportunity to understand people better. The better I will understand other people behavior the easier it will be for me to do things in my life.