Psychology permeates every human endeavor, and its rich field of study boasts many specialties that address psychological matters from varied perspectives. The American Psychological Association (APA) recognizes no fewer than 15 subfields, ranging from the individual to the organizational.
The University of Texas Permian Basin’s online Bachelor of Arts in Psychology program—ranked among U.S. News & World Report’s Best Undergraduate Psychology Programs—enables you to customize your degree to your interests with one of four optional focus areas drawn from the most popular specializations in the field. Each of these areas has a designated set of courses that give you deeper insight into the specialization:
Here we’ll look at each of these focus areas in greater depth to help you understand whether they align with your professional goals and desired psychological studies. We’ll also highlight why you may want to consider a career in psychology and why earning a BA in psychology may be a smart move no matter what career you intend to pursue.
Clinical psychology is a multifaceted and intricate field within the broader scope of psychology. It deals with a wide array of mental, emotional, and behavioral issues, blending psychological science with strategies for preventing, evaluating, diagnosing, and addressing various complex human challenges. Clinical psychologists offer clinical or counseling assistance aimed at assessing and managing mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders. Their approach involves merging psychological science with problem-solving methodologies to foster positive changes.
Developmental psychology is central to understanding the processes of learning, maturation, and adjustment in humans. Individuals undergo distinct developmental stages throughout their lives, and developmental psychologists examine how people evolve, develop, and adjust during these phases. Research in this field aims to help individuals reach their maximum abilities, such as investigating disparities in learning approaches between infants and adults. Developmental psychologists’ work encompasses physical, cognitive, social, intellectual, perceptual, personality, and emotional development.
This emerging discipline utilizes psychological principles in forensic assessment. It offers a spectrum of in-demand services and specialized knowledge used by social welfare agencies, law enforcement agencies, the military, and judicial bodies. As often depicted in mainstream media, forensic and public service psychologists hold positions within public safety and legal frameworks, though they work in other sectors as well. They perform assessments that shape legal proceedings and may appear in court to testify and provide professional guidance to the proceedings.
Health psychology investigates the impact of biological, social, and psychological elements on health and disease. Professionals in this field analyze the factors that empower individuals to stay healthy, reclaim their health following illnesses, or manage chronic conditions. They also endeavor to understand the motivation behind healthy lifestyle choices. Health psychologists work at the nexus of health and behavior and are sought-after members of healthcare teams, collaborating with other healthcare professionals to address individuals’ holistic needs.
One fact that too few people understand is that a psychology degree provides a route to a wide variety of careers within psychology and beyond. A Bachelor of Arts in Psychology is so marketable and versatile because it helps you develop broadly applicable career skills, such as:
These are among the skills that authoritative sources including the Department of Labor, Forbes, and Indeed say today’s employers seek. Many employers consider soft skills to be more crucial than “hard” skills, yet they often have difficulty finding qualified job candidates. Developing these skills through our psychology program can give you an edge at hiring time for a diverse range of jobs.
See potential careers and salaries related to this degree.
If your ultimate goal is to become a psychologist, you’ll need additional education and licensure after completing this degree. The focus areas of our BA in psychology provide a strong foundation for both. By earning your BA in psychology, you’ll be on track to enter a rewarding career field that’s growing at a faster-than-average rate of 6% and has median annual pay of $85,330.
Our online Bachelor of Arts in Psychology—available online exclusively from this UT System institution—is a valuable degree no matter what direction you may take professionally. Our asynchronous online format enables you to complete your degree from any location, on your own schedule, while maintaining your personal and professional commitments. And our tuition rates are acknowledged as some of the most affordable of accredited institutions.
What’s holding you back? Get more details or apply now!
Note: Focus areas are optional. If you elect to pursue a focus area, it will not appear on your degree or student transcript.
Sources:
https://www.apa.org/
With a staggering 457 million people claiming Spanish as their first language, the Spanish language emerges as a cultural powerhouse that’s influenced the fabric of societies worldwide. Its impact spans from literature to education, influencing diverse and vibrant literary traditions while integrating into academic curricula worldwide.
Today, we delve into the intricate interplay between language, culture, and the shared human experience that defines the profound impact of the Spanish language.
Originating over 700 years ago from traditional spoken Latin, the Spanish language emerged in the Iberian Peninsula, encompassing present-day Spain and Portugal. Its roots can be traced to the Castile region of Spain, leading to its alternate name, Castilian.
As Spanish conquerors and missionaries embarked on global journeys, they carried their language across continents, spreading it to Africa, the Americas, and Asia. Therefore, it’s unsurprising that while the Spanish language maintains a core unity globally, there exists significant social and geographical variation.
Below, we explore how the Spanish language has influenced our everyday world.
Roughly 10% of the world’s countries (21, to be exact) recognize Spanish as their first language. These countries span the globe from Latin America to Europe. While nations like Spain and Chile boast distinct topographies, cuisines, musical preferences, architectural influences, and cultural celebrations, the common thread that binds them together is the Spanish language.
Serving as a unifying force, their shared language enables communication, cultural exchange, and understanding among all Spanish-speaking nations. The connection of a language creates a sense of belonging, strengthening a unique bond that extends past geographical and cultural differences.
The legacy of Spanish literature is vast, with an impact noticeable across the global literary landscape. For example, consider Miguel de Cervantes’ novel “Don Quixote.” Published in the early 17th century, many consider it one of the first modern European novels. Authors of today still draw on the novel’s central character, Don Quixote, who teeters between delusion and reality.
Moving forward to the 20th century, we find the modern musings of Pablo Neruda’s passionate poetry. Neruda was a Chilean Nobel Prize-winning poet, renowned for his verses that explore themes of love, politics, and the human experience, and his works are beloved by people across the world.
As it stands, the Spanish language itself has left a permanent mark on global literature. Many contemporary authors incorporate Spanish phrases, idioms, or cultural references into their works, reflecting the linguistic and cultural diversity inspired by the Spanish-speaking world.
Have you ever caught yourself tapping your foot to the enchanting beats of Latin music? Perhaps you stumbled upon a Spanish-speaking television series and found yourself captivated by the romantic twists and turns on the screen. Whatever the scenario, the Spanish language has left a considerable mark on countless artforms, providing a glimpse into its profound cultural influence.
Below, we discuss examples of how the Spanish language has influenced global media:
Salsa, reggaeton, and flamenco—these vibrant genres provide a glimpse into the rhythmic world that Spanish-speaking communities have popularized globally. Renowned musical artists like Enrique Iglesias and Shakira have played a pivotal role in introducing Latin music to an international audience, weaving a rich cultural narrative into their captivating melodies.
The Spanish equivalent of American soap operas, telenovelas are renowned for their dramatic, romance-inspired storylines. Shows like “Yo Soy Betty La Fea” and “La Reina del Sur” have garnered international acclaim, appealing to both Spanish speakers and non-Spanish speakers alike.
Beyond their entertaining dramatic flair, telenovelas offer a window into the cultural nuances and storytelling styles of Spanish-speaking regions, captivating audiences with a rich blend of drama and cultural exploration.
The influence of the Spanish language goes beyond entertainment and literature; it extends into your professional life. One in three people are expected to speak Spanish in the United States by 2050, and it has become a language widely used in various industries for communication with employees and clients.
Regardless of your current proficiency in Spanish, UTPB offers several online programs specifically designed to meet your professional needs:
Clear communication is critical in crisis scenarios. Our online Certificate in Spanish for First Responders was created to deliver a solid foundation in oral and written medical Spanish. After completing the 9-credit online program, you’ll gain the competency to work effectively with Spanish-speaking individuals in emergency situations.
Whether you’re an aspiring educator, researcher, or scholar, our online Master of Arts in Spanish is meticulously curated for individuals aiming to deepen their knowledge of the Spanish language, literature, culture, linguistics, and language teaching methodology. In today’s diverse job market, proficiency in Spanish has emerged as a highly sought-after skill, enhancing your versatility and value. Whether you aspire to advance within your current career or explore new professional horizons, our program equips you with the expertise needed for success.
Our 12-credit online graduate certificate provides condensed academic training in several aspects of the Spanish language, including its culture, literature, and linguistics. Earning this credential will complement your other degrees by providing new knowledge while improving your Spanish fluency to help you in a variety of careers and work settings.
UTPB offers the only online Bachelor of Arts in Spanish program in the UT System!
Choose the path that’s right for you and apply today to embark on a journey of linguistic and cultural proficiency with UTPB.
Sources:
https://www.worlddata.info/languages/spanish.php
https://www.newsdle.com/blog/brief-history-of-spanish-language
https://www.mondly.com/blog/spanish-speaking-countries/
https://theconversation.com/guide-to-the-classics-don-quixote-the-worlds-first-modern-novel-and-one-of-the-best-94097
https://www.forbes.com/sites/soniathompson/2021/05/27/the-us-has-the-second-largest-population-of-spanish-speakers-how-to-equip-your-brand-to-serve-them/
Not even a week has passed since you stored away your Christmas decorations, and signs of the next big holiday are already on the rise. Pink and red heart-shaped boxes and a plethora of lovestruck stuffed animals line the shelves in every store.
It’s official: Valentine’s Day is approaching. Thanks to several well-planned marketing strategies, companies far and wide are promoting the upcoming cuddlefest event of the year, hoping to entice you to join the 52% of Americans who, on average, spend $192 on the holiday.
Grab your box of chocolates as we explore five of the top Valentine’s Day marketing ideas used for this sugary, sweetheart-filled holiday and expand on what makes those tactics so successful.
There’s nothing quite like the excitement of organizing an unforgettable Valentine’s Day for your special someone, your family, or even your friends—especially when you wait until the last minute. According to a survey by the NPD Group, that’s exactly what the majority of consumers do, with approximately 78% of people completing their V-Day shopping a week or less before the holiday. Fortunately for them, plenty of businesses cater to these last-minute shoppers and reap the monetary benefits.
There are several ways companies can capitalize on final-hour buyers:
The strategy of developing and presenting limited edition products adds a must-have touch to exclusive products, especially for shoppers with FOMO. This approach is especially impactful for well-established brands, as devoted customers often pursue the exclusivity of being among the select few to snag a seasonal product for their beloved. Whether it’s an intricately designed insulated cup adorned in pink sparkles or a limited-edition floral-scented fragrance from a renowned perfume brand, this tactic caters to the desire for special and distinctive offerings.
Many people love to show off their Valentine’s Day goodies to, well, anyone who’s willing to watch. That makes user-generated content (UGC) a prime Valentine’s Day marketing strategy. Instead of having the brand market itself, UGC highlights content created by customers, including images, videos, testimonials, and reviews of a brand’s products.
There are several ways you can implement UGC for Valentine’s Day, including:
When you think of personalization, you might recall the classic customized coffee mug that explicitly expresses your partner’s love for you. While personalized marketing is not quite the same thing, it is a highly effective marketing tool.
Personalized marketing involves tailoring your marketing based on the data you’ve collected from your target audience, including their age, interests, purchase history, and more. With that data, you can create various forms of tailored marketing that often make consumers feel special and understood, including:
Just because it’s Valentine’s Day doesn’t mean every person will have someone to send heartfelt cards and gifts to—and that’s okay. Approximately half of the population identifies as single, and many plan to celebrate the holiday, solo or otherwise.
That’s why it’s essential to tailor your marketing efforts to multiple audiences for the holiday, including couples, people looking to buy a special gift for friends or family members, and individuals who aspire to break the mold and treat themselves the well-deserved gift of self-care.
Thanks to effective marketing strategies, American consumers collectively spent $23.9 billion on Valentine’s Day-related shopping in 2022. If you aspire to emulate the success of the marketing professionals behind such significant figures, you’ve come to the right place. The University of Texas Permian Basin provides several entirely online marketing programs, all accredited by the AACSB, that cater to different points in your career and align with your aspirational goals:
Our online Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing equips you with the skills to promote businesses using both digital and traditional strategies. In your core courses, you’ll analyze demographics and consumer behavior to build marketing strategies and explore the challenges that occur during the marketing lifecycle.
If you’d like to add a few skills in digital marketing to your resume while pursuing an undergraduate degree in a different field, consider our Undergraduate Certificate in Digital Marketing. With this credential, you’ll gain specialized knowledge in social media marketing tactics, learn the fundamentals of Google Analytics, and more.
This online master’s program, ranging from 33 to 42 credits, goes beyond your existing skillset, equipping you with the tools to enhance your leadership capabilities, all with a specialized focus on marketing management.
With three unique paths to choose from, there are plenty of opportunities to bring your career goals to life. When you’re ready, jump-start your journey and apply to the program that’s right for you.
Sources:
https://nrf.com/media-center/press-releases/consumers-plan-increase-valentines-day-spending-nearly-26-billion
https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-2013-02-06-chi-valentines-shoppers-wait-till-last-minute-poll-shows-20130206-story.html
https://www.entrepreneur.com/growing-a-business/shocking-valentines-day-stats-that-will-make-you-rethink/288417
https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/heres-how-much-americans-spend-on-valentines-day
Whether you enjoy football, basketball, or another sport entirely, you know one thing to be true—a person’s allegiance to their favorite sports team runs deep. Whether you’re an unwavering Houston Texans supporter or your devotion lies with the red, gold, and white of the Kansas City Chiefs, most fans stand by their team regardless of its season’s victories (or quickly accruing losses).
And if you dare to challenge these fans by suggesting your team is somehow superior to theirs? There’s a solid chance that the discussion will end in a heated debate. But what fuels these passionate sports rivalries? Enter group polarization, a phenomenon that sheds light on the existence of these heated conflicts.
So, grab your ball caps, sports fans, while we explain what group polarization is and how it plays a role in decades-long sports rivalries.
Group polarization describes how individuals in a group can develop more extreme views and opinions on a particular topic based on the influence of others in the group. In the realm of sports rivalries, the existence of group polarization is as clear as the freshly washed windowpanes of a luxury suite.
Let’s say you’re a lifelong Dallas Cowboys fan. You grew up watching their games every Sunday night with your family, and as you got older, you became friends with fellow Cowboys enthusiasts. Now, you have a group chat that lights up incessantly on game days. You share stories, statistics, and the occasional frustration as you argue against a ref’s bad call.
As the text thread continues, individuals in the group begin adopting more extreme views about how incredible their team is. So, regardless of how perfect or disappointing their season may be, nearly every person in the group chat believes that the Cowboys are the best team in the NFL. If you were to express any opposing thoughts on the matter, they would likely respond with strongly formed opinions as to why you’re incorrect.
You might be wondering exactly how group polarization plays into team rivalries. We’re so glad you asked. Below, we’re diving into the psychology behind how this phenomenon manifests in sports rivalries.
When you belong to a group, like a passionate bunch of sports fans who love the same team, you share a sense of belonging. The more you discuss your team’s skills and performance with your group, be it a virtual or in-person gathering, the collective agreement usually becomes more extreme in your team’s favor. This is one factor that contributes to group polarization.
On the flip side, group polarization can also give rise to heightened hostility toward fans of opposing teams, particularly rivals. Fans from other leagues may be seen as an ‘other,’ making it easier for your group to capitalize on the superiority of your team over theirs. This dynamic not only provides an opportunity to cultivate a negative attitude toward rival fans but also enhances the affection for your team, implicitly positioning it as superior.
Confirmation bias is a cognitive bias that involves believing information that confirms a person’s existing beliefs. It also lends itself to ignoring information that contradicts those beliefs. In terms of sports rivalries, let’s say you’re a Boston Celtics fan. As they’re playing the L.A. Lakers, you and your friends applaud the referee when their decision benefits your team. In contrast, you’re the first person to clap back on a ruling against the Celtics.
Who doesn’t love comparing something they love against something they, well, don’t? Sports teams are a great example. In a group setting, fans relish the heated discussions that compare their team’s achievements and players against those of rival teams. These comparisons can lead individuals in the group to form even more extreme opinions about the greatness that is their team—and the inferiority of rivals.
When you reminisce on the moment you were in the stadium watching the quarterback throw the final ball that secured your team’s Super Bowl victory, it can amplify the emotions of other members of your group. These shared emotional experiences help forge stronger bonds within the group, which can lead to extreme emotional responses against rival teams.
While group polarization may play a hefty role in influencing some of the biggest sports rivalries, your educational journey should be defined by the pursuit of a degree that aligns with your career aspirations. At The University of Texas Permian Basin, we understand the importance of realizing your professional goals.
Explore our online Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, a program designed to be your initial step toward turning your dreams into reality. Ranked among the Most Affordable Online Psychology Degrees by STEPS and #11 in Top Online Bachelor of Psychology Degree Programs by TopCounselingSchools.org, our degree provides a quality education that is both accessible and esteemed.
As a virtual student at UTPB, you can benefit from the flexibility of asynchronous courses, allowing you to complete your coursework at your convenience. And with rolling admissions, you have the flexibility to start your educational journey when it suits you best. Take the next step in achieving your academic and career aspirations by applying to The University of Texas Permian Basin today.
Sources:
https://www.simplypsychology.org/group-polarization.html
https://www.webmd.com/balance/what-is-confirmation-bias
The FBI reported that in 2017, violent crimes occurred every 24.6 seconds in the United States, including a murder every 30.5 minutes, a rape every 3.9 minutes, and a robbery every 1.7 minutes. Not to be overlooked are property crimes, which were happening at an astonishingly rapid rate—every 4.1 seconds.
So, what drives individuals to commit such heinous acts? Is it their upbringing, a mental disorder, or perhaps trauma endured during childhood?
To gain a deeper understanding of why offenders engage in violent activities, we must look beyond their motivations. Instead, analyzing their psyche becomes key to unlocking what truly motivates them.
The field of psychology focuses on analyzing the mind and behavior of individuals. Professionals in psychology-related careers, such as forensic psychologists and correctional psychologists, leverage this analytical mindset to make important contributions to the fields of criminology and criminal justice.
When we examine the behaviors of specific offenders and the underlying motivations that drive their criminal conduct, we move closer to understanding why these crimes occur—and closer to developing early intervention strategies that could help prevent some of these crimes in the future.
When someone commits a crime, there’s often one or more psychological factors contributing to their negative behavior. Below, we’ll explore some common psychological elements associated with criminal offenders:
In 2017, researchers conducted a study involving a random sampling of 228 prisoners, composed of 114 women and 114 men. Among the test subjects, 87.3% of the women and 83.3% of the men had a personality disorder at the time they committed their crime. While numerous personality disorders can impact a person’s likelihood of committing a crime, the following disorders are most often seen in people who’ve committed crimes:
Is there a direct correlation between childhood trauma and criminal behavior? Studies show that when a child undergoes a life-altering experience, such as physical abuse, neglect, or witnessing the death of a friend or family member at the hands of another, the repercussions can be long-lasting.
Sometimes, symptoms of trauma such as hostility and paranoid ideation persist into adulthood and can lead victims to engage in criminal activities. The likelihood increases with continued traumas, such as when an adolescent experiences repeat violence in their community.
Furthermore, the National Institute of Justice states that individuals are more likely to become repeat criminal offenders if they’ve experienced prolonged trauma and have adopted emotional detachment as a coping mechanism. By disconnecting from their emotions, they may be able to intentionally disconnect from the emotional impact of past traumas as well as the feelings associated with committing a crime.
In 2015, there were approximately 1.3 million individuals behind bars in the United States. A significant proportion of that number were serving sentences primarily for non-violent crimes and drug-related offenses.
So, why are so many people with substance abuse issues getting incarcerated?
Addiction affects the brain and changes its functionality, causing people to change how they think, perceive the world, and behave. Sometimes a person’s addiction leads them to committing harmful and illegal actions, such as domestic violence and theft.
Psychology and criminal behavior are closely intertwined. Understanding the relationship between the two can help professionals in both fields address, treat, and prevent criminal behavior. The question is, which field interests you professionally?
At UTPB, we offer an online Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and an online Bachelor of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice Studies, so you can choose the path that aligns with your career goals and personal interests. However, selecting one program doesn’t restrict you from exploring the other.
Once you’ve chosen the right program for you, consider enhancing your expertise by selecting a minor that complements your major. For example, if you pursue a BA in psychology, you have the option to earn a minor in criminology and criminal justice studies, or vice versa. This flexibility ensures you can tailor your education to meet your unique interests and career objectives.
Regardless of which path you choose, our programs are entirely online, giving you the flexibility to complete coursework on your schedule. In addition, we offer affordable tuition regardless of your location and provide start dates year-round, so you can begin this next chapter in your life when it’s right for you.
Not sure where to start? Contact us, and when you’re ready, your application is only a click away.
Sources:
https://ucr.fbi.gov/crime-in-the-u.s/2017/crime-in-the-u.s.-2017/topic-pages/crime-clock
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-41488081
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5742412/
https://nij.ojp.gov/topics/articles/examining-relationship-between-childhood-trauma-and-involvement-justice-system
https://www.addictionhelp.com/addiction/crime/#
Most of us are diligent when it comes to handwashing, whether it’s after using the bathroom or before chopping veggies for dinner.
Funny thing, though—it wasn’t always like that, and most certainly not in the medical world. Believe it or not, we can thank Florence Nightingale for making it commonplace to wash hands before interacting with a patient, saving numerous lives of wounded British soldiers—and countless others in the years since.
Nightingale is just one of many esteemed nurses who’ve shaped the world of nursing as we know it today. Join us as we celebrate three nurses famous for their contributions to the science of nursing.
Named after the city she was born in, Florence came from an affluent family who anticipated her following the traditional path of marriage and family life, in line with societal expectations. Much to their surprise, she conveyed that she felt a calling from God to assist the poor and sick. Despite her parents’ initial reluctance, they eventually supported her calling and sent her to study at Pastor Theodore Fliedner’s hospital for Lutheran Deaconesses.
She continued her training for years before joining a group of nurses to treat British soldiers who had been fighting in the Crimean War in 1854. Nightingale immediately took note of the overcrowded and unsanitary conditions at the camp and switched into nurse mode, bringing nutritious food and sanitary measures to the military hospital. She introduced the concept of washing hands with soap and water before working with patients and saved many soldiers’ lives, decreasing the death rate from 40% to 2% because of her team’s hard work.
Nightingale made several other contributions to modern medicine, including:
Becoming a pioneer in statistics, using her data to create pie charts documenting the causes of soldiers’ deaths during two years of war in Crimea.
Dorothea Dix made a profound impact on healthcare through her efforts to substantially enhance conditions within institutions that cared for the mentally ill. Born in 1802, she relocated to Boston at the age of 12 to live with her grandmother, engaging in formal education and later founding several schools with a curriculum of her own design. As she matured, recurring bouts of illness inspired her to undertake a journey to England with friends.
While in England, Dix encountered a group of reformers dedicated to changing how society treated and cared for the mentally ill. Upon her return to the United States, she toured numerous mental health hospitals, meticulously documenting the deplorable conditions, including floggings, starvation, physical and sexual abuse by caretakers, and inadequate sanitation.
Presenting her findings to the Massachusetts legislature, she urged a significant overhaul of the institutions. The legislature responded by allocating resources for the expansion and improvement of the state mental hospital. Dix continued her advocacy, achieving similar successes in Rhode Island, New York, and various European countries.
Like Florence Nightingale, Mary Seacole played a crucial role in providing vital care to wounded soldiers during the Crimean War. Born in Jamaica to a British Army officer father and a well-known Jamaican ‘doctress’ mother, Seacole studied reading, writing, and the healing arts of Jamaican medicine at a young age.
Balancing her training in traditional Caribbean herbal medicine, Seacole also learned about European medicine during a year-long visit to relatives in England at the age of 15. In 1853, having previously treated patients during a cholera outbreak in Panama, she learned about the conflict in Crimea. While in England a year later, she saw advertisements in need of hospital nurses in Crimea.
Officials initially rejected her, discriminating based Seacole’s skin color and citing all positions as filled. Undeterred, in 1855, she and a relative of her deceased husband opened the British Hotel, a haven for soldiers to recover. Despite adversity, Seacole often tended to wounded soldiers on the battlefield, earning the nickname “Mother Seacole” for her compassion and dedication to her patients.
Are you ready to take your nursing career to new heights and become a nurse known for making lasting contributions to the healthcare industry? Elevate your skills and impact by advancing from an RN to a BSN, opening doors to leadership roles and a heightened level of patient care.
Explore UTPB’s 30-credit online RN to BSN program, designed to help students achieve a healthy work/life balance. In our virtual classroom, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of evolving challenges in nursing, the intricacies of organizational culture, and the importance of patient-centered care. Our practical approach ensures you’ll have the ultimate skills needed to advance your career.
Seize the opportunity to join a program that aligns with your career goals and gain the expertise to become a nursing leader who drives positive change. Apply to UTPB’s online RN to BSN program and embark on a journey of professional growth and enhanced patient care.
Sources:
https://www.womenshistory.org/education-resources/biographies/florence-nightingale
https://www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/objects-and-stories/florence-nightingale-pioneer-statistician
https://www.history.com/topics/womens-history/dorothea-lynde-dix
Imagine being told you can’t do something—by law, by tradition, by those close to you—and doing it anyway. Even today, women face greater barriers to recognition and authority than men. Yet throughout history, countless women stepped beyond traditional domestic roles, often at great personal risk. This article highlights nine of the countless important women who…
“Our country has deliberately undertaken a great social and economic experiment, noble in motive and far-reaching in purpose.” -Herbert Hoover Today, speakeasies are stylish bars hidden away behind bodegas, coffee shops, and laundromats. Ordering a cocktail is as easy as walking up to the bar, and while some places still require a password, you can…
At the iron gates of Auschwitz-Birkenau, one of the most infamous extermination camps of Nazi Germany, the chilling phrase “Arbeit macht frei” (“Work sets you free”) still casts a haunting shadow. These deceptive words led into one of history’s darkest chapters. Beyond that gate, more than a million lives were brutally ended. Auschwitz-Birkenau was just…
Educators in the special education classroom use a range of strategies to ensure their students have the tools they need for success. From tried-and-true techniques like differentiated instruction to providing information in multiple modes—such as visual and auditory—teachers are constantly finding creative new ways to meet the diverse needs of their students.
As technology continues to advance, many educators are embracing more sophisticated forms of support and enhancement, particularly through assistive technology.
Today’s article explores the pivotal role of assistive technology in special education, along with some common types of technology that teachers and students are incorporating into the classroom to make learning more effective for all.
At its core, assistive technology refers to tools, devices, equipment, and software designed to support students with disabilities. Contrary to the assumption that assistive technology involves complicated devices that require significant training, the equipment used can range widely in complexity. Both more basic forms, such as audiobooks and closed-caption videos, and more advanced modalities can enhance the learning experiences for students with disabilities.
Assistive technology plays a major role in the special education classroom. From providing a personalized learning experience to offering differentiated ways to read and write, here are some of the ways it helps teachers and students:
There are numerous types of assistive technology, each tailored to meet the specific needs of students with disabilities. Devices to help students communicate? Yep. Tools to improve their motor skills? Those exist, too.
Below, we explore some of the different types of assistive technology commonly used in special education classrooms today:
Whether you currently work with students with disabilities or you’re making a pivot in your career, The University of Texas Permian Basin’s online Master of Arts in Special Education can equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to make a meaningful impact in the lives of diverse learners.
Our CAEP-accredited online program consists of 30 credits and can be completed in as little as one year if you’re taking classes full-time. In addition, UTPB participates in the Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant program, which provides up to $4,000 per year to students completing coursework that will help them begin a career in a high-need teaching field.
If you’re passionate about making a difference in the lives of diverse learners and contributing to the inclusive education landscape, consider taking the next step in your journey. Apply to The University of Texas Permian Basin’s online Master of Arts in Special Education program.
Sources:
https://www.asha.org/public/speech/disorders/aac/
Did you know you experience cognitive bias daily? For example, what’s your favorite color? Let’s pretend it’s purple. Without even hesitating, you tell me as much. It’s been purple for as long as you can remember (even if you don’t recall exactly why).
That’s an example of cognitive bias, a pattern of thinking that occurs when your brain takes a shortcut based on a past experience, belief, or feeling. Because purple felt familiar to you, you chose that color—even if you’ve recently found yourself enamored with teal or navy.
Aside from helping us come up with quick and easy conclusions about our favorite color, how else does cognitive bias affect our lives? Let’s immerse ourselves in the realm of cognitive bias, from what it is to how it impacts us and how we can make a conscious effort to reduce it in our daily lives.
Cognitive bias refers to the systematic errors in thinking that occur when the brain processes vast amounts of information. The human brain is a powerful anomaly. It can process 11 million bits of information every second. Our conscious minds, however, can only keep up with 40 to 50 pieces of information each second. Though significantly less than 11 million, that’s still an impressive amount of information to juggle at any given moment.
To help us keep up with all the bits and pieces, our brains occasionally take cognitive shortcuts to simplify information processing. The result? Cognitive biases, which serve as a quick way for your mind to make judgments based on your past experiences. So, instead of contemplating what your favorite color may be based on how you’ve decorated your home recently or the color you can’t seem to get enough of in your wardrobe, you go with the easy answer—the cognitive bias.
Cognitive bias refers to the systematic errors in thinking that occur when the brain processes vast amounts of information. Since your brain is consciously computing 40 to 50 items per second, it’s challenging to contemplate every single option 100% of the time, even when asked the simplest of questions. Even with an endless supply of information available to you at the swipe of a finger, sometimes it’s easier to take advantage of mental shortcuts.
Some of the most common causes of cognitive bias include:
Cognitive bias affects more than just our go-to responses for our favorite color. Below, we highlight some of the typical effects that cognitive biases can have on our lives:
While not all cognitive biases have negative consequences, it’s helpful to be aware of any biases you have so you can overcome them with these tips:
Curious how cognitive bias shows up in everyday life or how to keep it in check? Let’s recap the core concepts.
Your interest in the human mind and behavior doesn’t have to end with cognitive bias. With a BA in psychology, you can take your fascination (and career) to the next level. With UTPB’s online Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, you’ll gain a broad foundation of psychological science knowledge and written communication and research skills that can jump-start your career in a variety of industries.
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Sources:
https://www.npr.org/2020/07/14/891140598/understanding-unconscious-bias
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/cognitive-bias/
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