Running head: RELECTION ON SIGNIFICANT LEARNING IN PSYCH 1010

Reflection on Significant Learning in Psych 1010

Jack Chatas
Salt Lake Community College

RELECTION ON SIGNIFICANT LEARNING IN PSYCH 1010

In my time during Psychology 1010, I have learned much about importance of the student
learning objectives to respect and use critical and creative thinking, skeptical inquiry, and when
possible, the scientific approach to solve problems related to behavior and mental processes and
to make connections between material provided in the class and text and the "real world" with
practical applications and relate class information to self, family, social groups, and humankind
in general.
I have learned during our discussion on research and the scientific method to look at all
studies and stories I see or hear with a healthy dose of skepticism. It is vital to not take any story
at face value and to look deeper into the veracity of the article in order to remain as accurately
informed as possible. A failure to look at studies critically can lead to misinformation such as the
assertion that vaccines are linked to autism, despite the fact that study has been thoroughly
discredited and the data were blatantly manipulated by the researchers. This had led to
resurgence of diseases that were presumably eradicated which can pose serious dangers to many
children. If people had looked at the study with a greater deal of skepticism, this might not be the
public health issue it is today. It is vital to always think with regards to the scientific method
when investigating a study in order to remain as objective as possible.
The topics discussed during the semester have many implications in the real world. The
topic of social psychology revealed just how powerful groupthink can be when one is trying to
conform. Social psychology also revealed to me the danger of stereotypes, and how our
expectations can cause people to engage in behaviors that perpetuate certain stereotypes. It is
important to understand the numerous reasons why a person acts in a certain way. It can allow
for communication on a much deeper level. I have also learned the importance of development
and how ones early childhood can have a significant impact on one later in life. I was introduced

RELECTION ON SIGNIFICANT LEARNING IN PSYCH 1010

to the importance of the neuroscience of the brain and the importance of certain parts of the brain
in regard to behavior.
In conclusion, my experience in this course has taught me much about human behavior
and the method of scientific inquiry. These skills will continue to be applicable throughout my
college career and the rest of my life.
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