Blog Post #10
Through this course, I have been able to learn much about cultures and how they view gender, education, developmental processes, language, emotion, and so much more. What I have learned went a lot deeper than I could imagine. A depth I would have not known if I had not chosen to take this course. I am grateful that I was able to obtain so much knowledge about these different topics and can put them to use in my day-to-day life. To understand that each culture is unique and realize that everyone has a different way of expressing themselves and that is okay. It has been unique to see how psychology and culture are so closely related, intertwined, and affect each other. To see how culture has been implemented within our world and has allowed us to be unique in our own way. From how different cultures have expressions of gratitude to how each culture interprets and views gender roles. I loved seeing how these objectives within this course came to be with just learning about this subject. Throughout this course, my attitudes have remained the same besides just learning about the different aspects. It has shaped my understanding to understand why some cultures are different from others. These aspects can definitely help me in my personal life and realize that I should be understanding of everyone’s culture.
If I were to take this course again, I would take everything that I learned and apply it to my life and how I can influence others. I loved this course and I loved learning about the topics, but I feel as if I could have done a better job of using my knowledge and analyzing how it can be applied in my day-to day life, how I can respect others’ cultures, and how I can learn to be culturally respectful. I do believe I am culturally respectful in general, but I would like to be more understanding in cultural ways that I might now be used to that are out of my normal (if that makes sense). I would also branch out to other cultures instead of just relating everything to my own personal cultural background. Instead, I would branch out and learn about different cultures I have not heard about.
Blog Post #9
Through this course, I have been able to learn about a variety of things. From different emotions among different cultures to different developmental processes. Each module brought forth new information within the area of culture and allowed me to learn something new. The top three things that I have learned from this course are: the human developmental process can change based on the environment and culture a child is raised in, we are able to learn about others better through culture, and people within different cultures share similar personality traits. One of these areas, how the developmental process can change in children based on the environment and culture, can be related to assignment take away two. In this assignment, I emphasized how American culture is founded upon a fast-paced, busy work culture. A culture that is used to staying busy, having little breaks, and encouraging to never find rest. In order for this culture to have been established within Americans as a mindset, it had to be introduced at a young age. Much of the content that has been used in this course falls into place or is similar to my other course, Reducing Public Health Disparities. This course views culture and helps identify cultures and applies them to help promote public health among different cultures. In the end, I have learned many different aspects about different cultures and through studying am hoping to learn a lot more.
This image best illustrates my organizational process. Typically, I would open my laptop to the textbook, open the PowerPoint on my iPad and begin taking notes.
Blog Post #8
Growing up around Hispanics, I have had the opportunity to encounter emotions from people from diverse cultures. From Peurto Rico to Honduras to Peru, I have had the way many express themselves in different situations. This, like any human encountering new cultures, was a concept I had to grasp. One of the cultures that stick out to me the most is Caribbean culture- particularly Cuba and Puerto Rico. My dad is from Cuba but is a bit on the more passive side when it comes to his culture. From my experience, Cubans and Puerto Ricans naturally speak in a louder voice- a voice that can sound angry, upset, or so on to those that are not familiar with the culture. For me, their actions or ways of expressing themselves were not normal for me and my immediate family. My family is very passive, very quiet, and my household will never be loud unless my 8-year-old sister is present. But, over time, I have begun to know that if I am speaking to someone from a different culture, to anticipate that they have a different way of expressing themselves than what I am used to. But for the most part, other nations that are surrounding Panama, my home country, have very similar ways in how they express themselves. For example, music and family bonding play a large part in how Latinos express themselves and are a large concept within the Hispanic culture.
For the most part, the concept of universality and cultural display rules can still be applied within our culture. It is easy to notice when an individual is upset, sad, angry, and so on by their facial expressions and the way they act. I do believe that within the Hispanic culture there are two types of people: one that is expressive about their emotions and their face easily gives it away and those that tend to hide their emotions (a concept that does not allow others to know their personal business).
Blog Post #7
Fairy tales reflect a shared sense of cultural norms and values within a society. When we begin to look at previous fairy tales from different eras, it is very much focused on that ‘damsel in distress type of scenario. Since then, fairy tales, Disney movies, and so on have evolved to form this new norm that women are strong, independent, and capable of being heroes.
Growing up, I have become a hopeless romantic because I am very much in the mindset of a man saving a woman and all is well in the world. My thoughts have, of course, evolved over the years, but I love how children, particularly young girls, are able to use these women as role models. For example, Moana had no love interest in the movie, but with determination and desire to protect her family, she saved her island. One of the movies that I believe have positively included me in a specific way would be Wonder Woman. She was a woman who never lost what she believed in or who she was fighting for, humble, hates when she is looked down upon simply because she is female, she’s bold, and so much more. I can go on and on about what a positive role model she is, especially to young audiences, but I think we would be here forever.
Blog Post #6
Autonomy, according to the self-determination theory, is when “their behavior is experienced as willingly enacted and when they fully endorse the actions in which they are engaged or the values expressed by them.” There are multiple different ways that I satisfy autonomy, competence, and relatedness academically. It is a basis of self-motivation. Being part of school online is not the easiest course of action. Much of the learning that is completed online must be done because I am self-motivated. As a student, have to take responsibility for my learning and direct myself down the correct paths. This means watching videos, listening to learning content, and ensuring that I am helping promote my education through outside experiences as well as the content that is being provided to me. Therefore since my education is important to me, I must place the required effort to ensure that I remained engaged and continue to show effort. When I do this action successfully or efficiently, then I will be showing competence within my academic work.
https://www.phusis-partners.com/freedom-autonomy-how-to-articulate-autonomy-and-an-increase-in-quality-level/
Blog Post #5
Who am I? It is a question that constantly roams amongst our society. A society where everyone is trying to figure out who they are. Maybe I am one of those people who wonder who I am or maybe I am an individual who recognizes who I am and embraces it. When I think of me, I think of someone who is free-spirited, loves nature, and is constantly on the go. I am an individual who is creative in my thoughts and actions. I am someone who loves to travel. I am strong-willed in my actions and can be a bit stubborn sometimes, but all of my actions are done for the greater good (even if it means being disliked). In this say way, I am someone who likes for things to be done correctly the first time- unless it was an honest mistake, that’s understandable. As headstrong as I am, I am also weird, in a good way, and a huge goofball. I love being able to make others laugh. In the same way, I care about others, I also take on the burden of being a huge empath for everything. Maybe at the end of the day, you can call me basic when I say I am an intelligent, independent, and loving individual, but I would not change who I am for the world.
Looking back at the descriptions that were made of me, many of my comments related to the independent construal of self. A lot of what I stated related to me personally. For example, I am intelligent, headstrong, independent, creative, a lover of traveling, and free-spirited. All of these relate to my own personality traits and interests. On the other hand, I also had interdependent statements. An aspect that I am not shocked about since I tend to be a people-pleaser and place value into my relationships with others. Examples of my interdependent self include my stubbornness,- I am very nice when I want things done in a particular way and will make a comment in a way that does not offend anyone- my need to my others laugh, showing empathy and kindness towards others, and constantly checking in on others to make sure they are okay. Based on my comments, I believe I am an independent-interdependent individual. In my terms, an individual who is very independent, but is easily affected when my actions displease others (weird I know! But, I did mention I was weird.)
There’s an English Proverb to help remember the difference between interdependent and independent construal of self.
Independent Construal of Self: “The squeaky wheel gets the grease”
Interdependent Construal of Self: “The duck that quacks the loudest gets shot”
Based on these proverbs, the one that best resonates with me is “the squeaky wheel gets the grease.” As stated, I am a go-getter and if something, such as an annoying noise, is bothering me, I will stand up and either make a comment about it or find something to get it fixed.
Blog Post #4
Throughout the first few chapters, for each module that was given, a PowerPoint was also accompanied by it. Using these PowerPoints, I would upload them to GoodNotes and would augment them while reading the chapter. Adding additional notes towards the PowerPoints allowed for me to retain more information over the chapters and placed interest in me to actually learn. This allowed me to actually learn the lessons and actively participate in my education.
Given the opportunity to review my exam allows for one to see where mistakes were made and better understand questions I was confused about during the test. Throughout the first few chapters, for each module that was given, a PowerPoint was also accompanied by it. I do believe I should have taken the time to actually review the study guide instead of cramming it all in one night. For future exams, an attempt would be made to complete study guides ahead of time, at least two weeks before the exam. This would allow for one to begin to refresh your mind over previous topics and correlate them with the newer topics. I believe that if I take this strategy, it would be beneficial because it would bring ease to mind and the answers to the questions would come more naturally while taking exams.
Blog Post #3
My results on how I stack up to the five major demensions of personality (openness, conscientiousness, agreeableness, extraversion, and neuroticism) were nethertheless similar to my beliefs but distinct in some aspects.
For Neuroticism, I was described to be “sensitive, emotional, and prone to experience feelings that are upsetting.” In all honesty, this one I cannot argue with. I am known to become emotional when my emotions reach a high- particularly when I am angry. I tend to experience heightened emotions in certain and small events, compared to those around me.
As for Extraversion, I am described to be “extraverted, outgoing, active, and high-spirited. [I] prefer to be around people most of the time.” This is a statement that I believe is extremely true. I am very outgoing with those around me and am always in high spirits. Often, my co-workers have described me to always be happy and in good spirits when around me. Although this all may be true, I truly dislike being around people when the option is given to me. I would prefer to work in quietness in my room or even work solo on projects. I describe myself best and an “extroverted-introverted,” an extrovert that is an introvert as well.
In the area of Openness, I am described to be “practical, but willing to consider new ways of doing things. [I] seek balance between the old and the new.” For this topic, I geniuely agree with. I know that I have my way of doing things and that are done within a particular order, but if an individual were to show me a new and efficient way of doing things, it is likely I would begin to work in that way. As my high school anatomy instructor once taught me, “work smarter, not harder.” That is a motto that I try to follow since often my ways of doing things are a bit more difficult and tend to burn me out.
Agreeableness, an area where I have been described to be “generally warm, trusting, and agreeable, but [I] can sometimes be stubborn and competitive.” For this one, I have no argument. It is definitely me. I am a very nice person and well-liked amongst most, but am often stubborn in some of my ideas and feel as if I am always competing. It is not that I tend to be, it is just an area of my life that I continue to work and remind myself on.
Lastly, for conscientiousness, I am described to be “dependable and moderately well-organized. [I] generally have clear goals but am able to set your work aside.” As for this statement, I agree with. I take my responsibilities very seriously and never want to leave anyone hanging unless absolutely necessary. It has come to the point that I feel bad for calling out of work if I am sincerely not feeling well. I am also very organized, unless I hit my stressed out time-periods. Thus, moderately organized is a perfect term. I also have a lot of goals for the future, but know that I have to set some of that progress aside to continue working in the present.
Blog Post #2
Life is a peculiar thing and with it comes many valuable values that should be established. When it comes to values that are important to me for my future career, there are quite a few I can list. First, I must remain driven, organized, passionate, selfless, and compassionate. These are just a couple of the values that I must maintain and that are very important to me. These qualities were not only established for my well-being or to ensure that I would be successful in the future, but for my family.
My family plays a large role in who I am today. Because of them, they encouraged me to do well in my studies from the beginning. They were the first to attend all my award ceremonies, even if it was just for honor roll, to attending my larger successes such as graduation. Every milestone that I have met, is through encouragement from my family. I must give credit to my grandmother though; she was the one who introduced the medical field to me in a different light. Since then, I have pursued my dream of one day being able to help others. If it were not for my family, I do not know if I would have attended college on my own. But, I am forever grateful to have been gifted such a family that has given me the opportunity and support to do so.
As a student studying in coffee shops has become my go-to. Especially since I find it hard and distracting to study at home. Thus, I always try to attend cute coffee shops that match my vibe.
Blog Post #1
Culture and psychology are two essential concepts that are needed within this era in 2022. We live in a very diverse world where many people come from different backgrounds and cultures. With this, it is important we learn the psychology behind everyone’s thoughts, actions, and beliefs so we can understand each other to a fuller extent. I believe by learning about cultural diversity and how it can impact our life, it would allow me to better communicate with others. Secondly, I would also be able to see how culture can influence our lives. Coming from a Hispanic household and attending a Hispanic church, I hope that the concepts and lessons that I learn from this course would allow me to overall be a better human being. In order to ensure that I am successful in this course, I open the PowerPoint from each module and read through the textbook adding colorful notes. This allows me to, in the future, read back without having to reread the whole textbook again.
