The Psychology of the Lottery: Gambling With Our Mental Limits 

“And may the odds be ever in your favor.” 

— Effie Trinket in “The Hunger Games” by Suzanne Collins 

On November 8, 2022, Edwin Castro walked into Joe’s Service Center in Altadena, California, and walked out with a winning Powerball ticket worth $2.05 billion, the largest national lottery jackpot in history.  

The odds of Castro choosing the six winning numbers? One in 292.2 million. A person is far more likely to be struck by lightning (less than one in a million) than win the lottery. Why, then, do so many Americans play? To find the answer, we’ll need to dive into the psychology of the lottery and explore how drawings like the Powerball take advantage of mental processes and limitations to keep people hooked.  

Psychology of the Lottery: A Numbers Game 

The human mind evolved under conditions in which it wasn’t necessary to comprehend large numbers, let alone lottery-sized probabilities. As they creep up into the thousands, millions, and hundreds of millions, numbers become increasingly abstract and difficult to visualize.  

What are your chances of winning when the odds are 1 in over 292 million? Mathematics and statistics professor Steven Bleiler offers this analogy: A swimming pool measuring 40 feet wide, 120 feet long, and 5 feet deep is filled to the brim with M&Ms. A single green M&M is hidden among the mass of candies. The odds of winning the Mega Millions or Powerball jackpot is comparable to wading in blindfolded and picking that single green M&M.  

Gambler’s Fallacy 

Lottery players are particularly vulnerable to “gambler’s fallacy”: the irrational belief that recent events change the odds of something with a fixed probability. Lottery drawings like the Powerball are independent events. No matter how often a number is drawn, it’s just as likely to be drawn in the future. There are no patterns, making it impossible to predict the outcome of future drawings. Keep to the same lucky numbers, or select random numbers each week. It makes no difference.  

Many everyday events are interrelated—wear an outfit Monday and you’ll have to pick a different one Tuesday—which may explain why independent events are so hard to wrap our minds around. As impossible as it may seem, the numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 are as likely to be picked as any other sequence of numbers.  

Heuristics: How Our Minds Betray Us 

We make countless small decisions every day while under a time crunch or working with limited information:  

• “It looks like rain. I’ll take an umbrella.” 
• “I’ve eaten at that restaurant. I’ll order from there.” 
• “There’s construction on the way to work. I’ll leave a little earlier.” 

Heuristics are mental shortcuts, or rules of thumb, we use to make snap decisions, freeing up cognitive resources for more complex tasks. Conscious or unconscious, heuristics help ensure we don’t get hung up on life’s endless details, but they can mislead us into acting on unfair biases, as is the case with lottery players.  

Availability Bias 

The availability heuristic helps us estimate probability by drawing on examples that immediately come to mind. We often hear news stories about a lottery winner’s life changing overnight, but what about the millions of losing players?  

By publicizing winners, lotteries promote the idea that wins are commonplace, when that couldn’t be farther from the truth. Availability bias helps explain why lottery players refuse to learn from past losses and instead spend money on what is sure to be a winning ticket—at least to them. 

Sunk-Cost Bias 

Sunk-cost bias occurs when a person makes increasing commitments to a failing course of action in order to justify the time and effort they’ve invested, leading to feelings of helplessness. Lottery players are particularly vulnerable to this process since many pick the same numbers each week. 

Imagine a lottery player named Dorothy. Every week, Dorothy plays the same numbers, and every week, she loses. She’s spent thousands of dollars on tickets over the years, which is why she can’t stop now. The thought of quitting one week only for her numbers to come up the next is enough to keep her going. She’s fallen victim to sunk-cost bias, which only becomes stronger with every passing week, month, and year.  

Illusion of Control 

Illusion of control occurs when a person overestimates the influence of their choices on outcomes, even when those outcomes are left to chance. Anyone who’s experienced a near miss—perhaps one number off from a winning ticket—and felt like they were a hair’s breadth from a payout has been influenced by this self-serving bias. Misled by the illusion of control, many lottery players believe skill can somehow tilt the odds in their favor. Players who pick their own numbers, for instance, are more confident in their odds of winning.  

Never Gamble on Your Future 

Considering the slim odds of winning and the biases and heuristics that make players vulnerable to addiction, we must insist that players contribute their hard-earned money to a more worthwhile pursuit … their education, for instance.  

The psychology of the lottery is far more nuanced than what we’ve covered here. If you’re interested in learning more about how mental processes shape our beliefs and behaviors, consider pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology online at The University of Texas Permian Basin.  

Entirely online, our BA in psychology program explores the theoretical and applied aspects of psychology. Courses like Social Psychology, which examine how our opinions and perceptions are the product of our environment, offer the chance to learn about the intricate subtleties of human behavior. Graduates, equipped with a degree and expanded skill set, are better prepared for a wide variety of careers in marketing, human resources, and public health, among many others.  

Fascinated by the human mind? Apply to our online BA in psychology program to learn all about the intricacies of mental processes and human behavior at UT Permian Basin.  

Sources: 
https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/lightning/victimdata.html
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/BF01015747
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/modern-minds/201604/6-reasons-we-keep-playing-the-lottery
https://www.businessinsider.com/powerball-odds-why-people-think-theyll-win-2018-10#even-when-we-lose-we-think-were-just-short-of-winning-3
https://www.businessinsider.com/powerball-lottery-playing-same-numbers-odds-of-winning-2018-11

People often use the titles “psychologist” and “psychiatrist” interchangeably. But while they’re separated by just a few letters, practitioners of both specialties would tell you their professions are quite different. There are certainly similarities between psychologists and psychiatrists. Both are “mind experts” who treat their patients’ mental and emotional conditions, albeit in different ways that require different qualifications. Let’s compare the two now to give you an understanding of the vital contributions each of these professionals makes toward improved mental health. 

Education, Training, and Licensure for Those Who Wish To Conduct Mental Health Therapy 

• Psychologists must earn a PhD or MA in clinical, counseling, or school psychology and sit for licensure to become a licensed psychological associate (LPA), a licensed professional counselor (LPC), or a licensed specialist in school psychology (LSSP), respectively, in their state. They are required to complete 3,000 hours of supervised experience on the job prior to sitting for their licensing exam. 

• Psychiatrists must attend medical school for four years. This includes participating in clinical rotations, typically beginning in the third year. Psychiatrists are licensed medical doctors (MDs) or doctors of osteopathic medicine (DOs) who complete a three- to four-year residency and obtain certification from the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN)—a credential they must renew periodically.   

Approach to Treatment 

• Psychologists diagnose and treat patients through individual counseling (psychotherapy), group therapy, behavior modification, and other techniques and strategies. There are different types of psychologists that treat various conditions. Psychologists sometimes treat patients in tandem with psychiatrists or other medical doctors who can provide treatment for more complex conditions. 

• As MDs, psychiatrists are authorized to prescribe medications and will often treat their patients’ conditions with one or more medications. In some cases, they may prescribe electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), which today is relatively safe and painless. Psychiatrists also offer psychotherapy and consider the impact of overall physical health on mental health.  

Terminology 

• There’s debate in the psychology world about the use of the term “patient” versus “client,” with many professionals preferring the latter. 

• Since psychiatrists are medical doctors, “patients” is the appropriate term for the people they treat. 

One Psychology Degree, Many Career Possibilities 

If you’re fascinated by psychology, considering a psychology career, or want a degree that prepares you for a broad range of careers, The University of Texas Permian Basin’s online Bachelor of Arts in Psychology may be just what you need. Built on a foundation of general education courses, our program provides a firm grounding in psychological science that will benefit you personally and professionally. You’ll develop critical abilities such as reasoning about empirical research, problem-solving, writing compelling arguments, and thinking critically on theoretical and practical facets of psychology. You’ll build “soft skills” that are in high demand among today’s employers, making your psychology degree one of the most marketable university credentials. 

When you complete your BA in psychology, you will not graduate as a psychologist. You will graduate ready for the next phase of the journey toward that profession, if you choose, or prepared to take on a variety of careers in which psychology, research, and well-honed soft skills are a core component, including: 

• Human resources professional 
• Marketing professional 
• Nonprofit professional 
• Data scientist 
• Management professional 
• Researcher 
• Case manager 

Online Learning Offers Peace of Mind 

We deliver our BA in psychology program in a 100% online, asynchronous format that offers many advantages. You can complete your classwork on your own schedule from just about anywhere in the world—from Venice, California to Venice, Italy and all points in between. No campus visits are required. This flexibility enables you to give your current professional and personal commitments the attention they deserve while earning a credential that will elevate your career prospects immeasurably. And you can begin the program at any of six start dates during the year. 

See the difference our BA in psychology can make in your future. Request more information about the program or apply now! 

Sources: 
https://www.yourhealthinmind.org/psychiatry-explained/psychiatrists-and-psychologists
https://www.apa.org/ptsd-guideline/patients-and-families/psychotherapy-professionals

“Imposter syndrome” is a popular term on the internet lately, though it has been around since the late 1970s. Georgia State University psychologists Pauline Rose Clance and Suzanne Imes coined the term “imposter phenomenon” in their 1978 study on high-achieving women who felt as though their success was not attributed to their own abilities.

What Is Imposter Syndrome?

Imposter syndrome is experienced by people “who believe that they are undeserving of their achievements and the high esteem in which they are, in fact, generally held.” While it is normal to occasionally feel self-doubt, individuals experiencing imposter syndrome constantly feel undeserving of their job, their position, education or experience—despite having success. It occurs most prevalently among high-achieving women holding positions of authority, especially women of racial and ethnic minority and those of the LGBTQ+ community. However, it can occur for anyone no matter their gender, intelligence or performance. About 70% of people experience this condition at some point in their life, and become anxious, depressed and demotivated as a result.

Imposter syndrome exacerbates existing mental health conditions. It has been linked to perfectionistic and self-effacing character traits, having a lack of role models in the workplace, as well as strained relationships and high expectations—often learned during childhood. Sexism, classism, prejudice and racism also play major parts.

Imposter Syndrome and Gender Bias

Since most reported cases of imposter syndrome are women, how does gender factor in? While social norms vary across cultures, women’s roles have largely been domestic throughout time. This dynamic changed slowly during the Second World War, when women staffed the factories while men were away on the front. In the 1960s, the US saw a surge of women entering the workforce, but traditional gender roles remained and were slow to adapt to the change. Pay inequality and lack of flexibility caused great stirs among women organizations and the union, resulting in several bills that made unequal pay unlawful.

Traditionally masculine fields like engineering and computer science are still mostly dominated by men—only 21% of engineering majors and 19% of computer science majors today are women. Those that do defy the stereotypes often feel as if they don’t fit in and are singled out.

Women holding positions of authority especially also report feeling more likely to be perceived as aggressive in situations where men would be perceived as being assertive and showing leadership. Lean In, a US organization that focuses on gender bias in the workplace, reports that men hold 62 percent of manager-level positions while women hold about 38 percent.

Safer, More Inclusive Spaces

The American Psychological Association and several other leading non-profit organizations formed the Mental Health in the Workplace initiative in 2022, which includes more than 150 groups—including nonprofit companies, governmental organizations and universities that have joined the effort in reshaping how employers approach mental wellness and equality at work.

This initiative tackles data derived from psychological research and insight to provide safer communities and well-being in the workplace—including training management in providing safe spaces and offering flexible schedules, listening to the needs of employees to improve the workflow, and reshaping policies to reflect diversity, a sense of inclusion and equity.

This includes imposter syndrome, which would be addressed at the source and not just as a mental health condition—including interviewing employees regarding their experiences with chronic underrepresentation, microaggressions and uncredited work efforts—additionally, managers may offer access to a community of non-judgmental peers. The Striving for mental health in the workplace webpage has extensive tips on how to help support mental health of employees.

The University of Texas Permian Basin is committed to the emotional well-being of its students, faculty and staff and offers a mental wellness program to provide a safe and supportive environment for everyone on campus and online.

Explore Mental Wellness With our BA in Psychology

Study with our dedicated faculty at The University of Texas Permian Basin and earn an industry-recognized, accredited degree online. Our BA in Psychology helps prepare you with the knowledge you need to help build supportive environments in the workplace and beyond—and will help you develop key skills in psychological science that you can apply in all aspects of life. Our program is entirely online, asynchronous, affordable and flexible. You will never have to step on campus—study from anywhere in the world!

With a BA in Psychology, you can expect to develop the knowledge, communication skills and research skills necessary to pursue a multitude of careers, some of which include:

• Group Therapy Facilitator
• Public Health Professional
• Data Scientist
• Management Professional
• Marketing Professional
• Human Resources Professional
• Mental Health Worker

Gain the knowledge and credentials needed to become a force for change in tomorrow’s workplaces. Apply to join our online BA in Psychology program today!

Sources:
https://leanin.org/
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/imposter-syndrome
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0191886922001672
https://www.aauw.org/resources/research/the-stem-gap/
https://genderdysphoria.fyi/en/impostor-syndrome
https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20200724-why-imposter-syndrome-hits-women-and-women-of-colour-harder
https://hbr.org/2021/02/stop-telling-women-they-have-imposter-syndrome
https://hbr.org/2021/07/end-imposter-syndrome-in-your-workplace
https://www.technologynetworks.com/neuroscience/news/imposter-syndrome-not-related-to-age-or-gender-study-suggests-362508
https://ascelibrary.org/doi/abs/10.1061/(ASCE)ME.1943-5479.0000831

“If everyone jumped off a cliff, would you?” The answer to this question isn’t as straightforward as you might think. When groups gather, invisible processes begin to work to alter attitudes, behaviors, and perceptions. What starts as a civil conversation becomes a lively debate, and soon, jumping off a cliff isn’t only rational; it’s a necessity.

This is group polarization in action, and it’s one of the most fascinating subjects in social psychology.  

What Is Group Polarization?  

Group polarization occurs when a group of like-minded people reinforce each other’s opinions, positive or negative, and these opinions become more extreme as they’re discussed. If you’ve ever walked out of a movie that let you down only to hate it after chatting with friends, you’ve experienced group polarization firsthand.  

Group polarization is thought to have two causes:

• Homophily is the tendency for people to associate with like-minded individuals, which positively reinforces certain beliefs. 
• Discursive arguments, on the other hand, are used to reason with group members and promote an agenda. For instance, a team leader might emphasize how adopting a new workflow will improve efficiency and benefit everyone, framing the change as a collective gain. 

Group members can be influenced by one or both psychological processes. Regardless, their opinions and those of their peers will tend to become more extreme.  

Why Are Our Behaviors So Suggestible? 

Every day we face decisions ranging from the mundane to the critical: what to wear, which mechanic to trust, where to buy a house, etc. If we slowed down to consider every possibility, we’d never make it through the day, so our minds use heuristics (mental shortcuts) to make snap judgments.

For example, Amazon shoppers who search by popularity are using a heuristic to arrive at a decision. The natural tendency to create mental shortcuts based on the behaviors of others is part of what makes people susceptible to group polarization.  

Something else to consider is that humans evolved to be social creatures. Ancient humans were relatively defenseless and learned to survive by banding together to fend off predators. Adaptive behaviors like conformity were essential for gaining acceptance and surviving, whereas causing trouble brought banishment and, most likely, death. Natural selection favored conformity, and over time, these social behaviors were passed through generations.

Though far removed from ancient hunter-gatherer societies, modern humans are still predisposed to follow along with the majority for fear of exclusion.  

What’s So Important About Group Polarization? 

Communities make decisions collectively. Local businesses, religious institutions, and entire governments are run by groups, all of whom are susceptible to group polarization. Swayed by the majority, individuals may say and do things they never normally would, sometimes with disastrous results.

Consider a jury deciding someone’s fate based not on logic or facts but rhetoric. Group polarization may have helped our ancestors survive, but it’s beginning to unravel our modern way of living.  

The Elephant in the Room  

Social psychologists have taken a renewed interest in group polarization in response to growing political discord and extremism throughout the world. In the U.S., liberals and conservatives shun opposing viewpoints, seek fellow party members, and have their beliefs amplified in echo chambers. Tensions between the two political parties have reached a fever pitch, and group polarization may be part of the problem.  

Social media has only added fuel to the fire. Seemingly by design, platforms like Facebook and Twitter are hotbeds of misinformation where political extremists can enter an anonymous forum and have their opinions celebrated, no matter how corrosive.

To get to the bottom of this, researchers conducted a systemic review of 121 research papers investigating polarization in social media and found evidence that: 

• Online debate is highly fragmented and polarized. 
• Social media communication is prone to manipulation. 
• Group polarization facilitates the spread of misinformation.  

Surprisingly, researchers found that while social media does create echo chambers, the diverse information on these platforms can also offer users an escape. According to researchers, group polarization is the result of: 

• How we consume and share content
• How leaders communicate on social media
• Social media platforms driven by traffic and addiction
• Spontaneous group dynamics
• Weak regulation and a lack of ethical design

Researchers concluded that while social media does contribute to increased polarization, it can’t take all the blame. We’re simply wired to follow along with people who think and feel as we do. 

Is Group Polarization Bad?  

Group polarization is neither good nor evil but a way to explain human behavior. For all the political discourse it’s caused, group polarization exists for a reason and can help groups achieve cohesion, coordinate an agenda, and overcome impossible odds. The civil rights movement of the 1950s and 1960s and the recent #MeToo movement are proof that public outrage can be a force for good. 

Back to our initial question: “If everyone jumped off a cliff, would you?” Group polarization is a powerful phenomenon, no doubt, but you’re in control of your life. Social media and other tactics used to leverage the power of group polarization can be mitigated. Stepping out of an echo chamber or leaving a group whose beliefs you no longer agree with is always your choice.  

Explore Psychology and Its Influence on Everyday Life 

Group polarization is one of the countless explanations for why we behave the way we do, and every day, psychology reveals more and more of the invisible mental world that influences our lives. If you’re looking to learn more about yourself and, in doing so, learn how to help others, consider pursuing an online Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at The University of Texas Permian Basin.  

Our online BA in psychology program provides a comprehensive view of this exciting field. If you liked reading about group polarization, our course Social Psychology will be of interest. We also offer courses on Abnormal Psychology, Experimental Psychology, and Positive Psychology, among others. As a graduate, you’ll gain in-depth knowledge of human motivation, communication, and perception. Together with a college degree, these skills will help you succeed in your career.  

Ready to explore psychology? Apply to our online BA in psychology program and learn about the mental and physical processes at work behind the scenes.  

References: 
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/after-service/201705/the-science-behind-why-people-follow-the-crowd
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0040162521003565

Nearly all of us are looking for the secret to personal success, quite literally. The self-help book “The Secret” has sold over 35 million copies worldwide by claiming success is derived from energy put out into the universe. Similarly, articles touting the “Top Habits of Successful People” promise that the key to a happy, healthy life is discipline: Make your bed in the morning, write down your goals, create a routine, etc. Can becoming successful really be so simple?

Achieving success is more complicated than visualizing goals or avoiding distractions, but it does start in our minds. Let’s look at the psychology of personal success, how our thoughts and behaviors impact our lives, and how, by understanding these processes, we may better ourselves.

Success means something different to everyone, and you’re sure to have your own definition. But for our discussion, success really means self-actualization: realizing one’s full potential. Success is sometimes fleeting, but personal fulfillment is a never-ending journey to make the most of what we’ve been given.

The Power of Belief

Manifestation, a pseudoscience that forms the basis of books like “The Secret” and “The Law of Attraction,” asserts that our thoughts, feelings, and beliefs can influence reality. Want to win the lottery? Just imagine your numbers being chosen. Easy, right?

Concepts like manifestation are so appealing and pervasive because of our innate ability to find patterns. (The neocortex, the outermost layer of the brain, contains about 300 million neurons called pattern recognizers.) If your significant other starts making dinner after you think about ordering out, you can chalk it up to coincidence—or at least a healthy relationship. While manifestation is not a true determinant of success, this doesn’t mean our beliefs and ideas don’t have a significant impact in the trajectory of our lives.

Develop an Internal Locus of Control

Locus of control refers to a person’s sense of agency, or the degree to which they believe their life is shaped by their actions. People with an external locus of control feel like a kite caught in a storm, like life is the result of chance. Conversely, people with an internal locus of control feel like life events are the direct result of their actions, and consequently, they’re more likely to be happier, healthier, and, you guessed it, successful.

There will always be things beyond your control, whether it’s something as small as a surprise bill or as profound as where you’re born. It’s your reaction to hardships that will ultimately determine your success. By refusing to see yourself as a victim, and by focusing on what you can change, you can develop a strong internal locus of control and become a more well-rounded individual.

Attain a Growth Mindset

Psychologist Carol Dweck identifies two mindsets to explain the role of motivation in personal achievement: a growth mindset and a fixed mindset. “At some point, my graduate students and I realized that a student’s mindset was at the foundation of whether [he or she] loved challenges and persisted in the face of failure,” said Dweck to The Atlantic. A person with a fixed mindset considers their abilities set in stone, whereas someone with a growth mindset accepts that they must overcome obstacles to improve. Undeterred by criticism and setbacks, individuals with a growth mindset are more likely to work toward their goals.

“[N]obody has a growth mindset in everything all the time,” said Dweck, warning against the pitfalls of a false growth mindset. Being in a growth mindset means going on a journey of self-discovery. It means reflecting on challenges that can trigger a fixed mindset and working through them. Over time, you’ll grow more comfortable with being in the growth mindset.

Think Happy Thoughts

Thoughts and feelings may not manifest winning lotto numbers, but they can manifest good company. Research by Sonja Lyubomirsky, PhD, has shown that happiness often comes before success. “This may be because happy people frequently experience positive moods,” said Dr. Lyubomirsky, “and these positive moods prompt them to be more likely to work actively toward new goals and build new resources.”

A happy person is more confident, cheerful, and lively. They’re more social and, with an expanded social network, are more likely to experience new opportunities. All told, happy people have more fulfilling relationships, earn higher salaries, are more involved in their communities, and even have a stronger immune system.

Harness the Power of Positivity

Manifestation is a pseudoscience (a fun way to say snake oil). There is, however, truth to the idea that you get back what you put out into the universe. Want to achieve your full potential? Psychology says you need to work hard and work on how you see yourself. But remember to let yourself be happy. This stuff takes time.

Concepts like personal growth, strength, and success are all explored in positive psychology: the scientific study of well-being. Positive psychology asserts that well-being can be defined, measured, and taught and that mental health is more than an absence of mental illness. However, this is just one of the many branches of psychology. If you want to learn more about psychology and how it can change your career and life, we have an online bachelor’s degree program that may interest you. 

Earn a Psychology Degree From UT Permian Basin

The University of Texas Permian Basin offers a 100% online Bachelor of Arts in Psychology program that takes an in-depth look at the mental processes that shape our experiences and lives. Through our program, students explore research methods, psychological disorders, and new psychological movements like positive psychology, which has only been around since 1998. Graduates are prepared for careers in and adjacent to the field of psychology, and many go on to pursue their master’s degree or doctorate and become clinical, counseling, research, school and industrial-organizational psychologists. Our program can be completed online anytime and anywhere, which is sure to spread some happiness.

Achieve your full potential. Apply to our 100% online BA in psychology program and explore the many branches of this weird, wonderful science.

Sources:

https://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/26/books/review/Chabris-t.html

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/mind-over-money/201910/the-psychology-success

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/click-here-happiness/202009/what-is-manifestation-science-based-ways-manifest

https://hbr.org/2016/01/what-having-a-growth-mindset-actually-means

https://www.neh.gov/article/martin-seligman-and-rise-positive-psychology

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/positive-psychology

To call some of the most famous psychology experiments of all time scary would be an understatement. The Monster Study, Little Albert Experiment, and Stanford Prison Experiment are some of the most shocking and provocative studies ever conducted. Though they’ve captivated psychologists for decades, studies like these do little to accurately describe experimental psychologists or the important work they do.

What Is Experimental Psychology?

Experimental psychology or research psychology is devoted to the study of mental processes, emotions, and behavior by way of empirical research methods. All branches of psychology that collect data and conduct research on human and animal behavior are a part of experimental psychology, so in a way, all psychologists owe their profession to this inquisitive and innovative field.

Every worthwhile endeavor begins with an idea, and psychological science is no different. It starts with a hypothesis: a testable and tentative explanation regarding the relationship between two or more variables. For example, Russian psychologist Ivan Pavlov hypothesized that dogs experienced a physical response (conditional reflex) upon seeing or hearing something they associated with food (conditional stimulus). To test his hypothesis, Pavlov developed an objective way to measure a dog’s salivary and digestive secretions once it had associated food with a precise stimulus, such as the tick of a metronome. This manipulation of variables to establish cause-and-effect relationships is at the foundation of experimental psychology.

The Frightening History of Experimental Psychology
Pavlov’s dog is often depicted salivating to the sound of a bell, a stimulus too imprecise for such an experiment. This is one of the more innocuous changes made in the retelling of Pavlov’s research. In reality, the treatment endured by his dogs would cause public outrage today. (We won’t go into detail, but Pavlov went to great lengths to measure digestive fluids.) By all accounts, Pavlov was an unpleasant man, and the experiments he conducted give credence to experimental psychology’s reputation for being cruel or inhumane, but his work at the turn of the 20th century provided the basis for much of what experimental psychology is today.

Learning From Past Mistakes.
Pavlov’s research was some of the first in experimental psychology to blur the lines between progress and recklessness, but it was by no means the last. Although experimental methods were being developed and utilized as early as the 1880s, the 1950s and 1960s were a seemingly lawless time in this field of psychology. Many of the most famous (or infamous) behavioral and social experiments conducted during these years would never receive approval today. Some like the Syphilis Study at Tuskegee can hardly be called experiments due to their unethical methods and meager results. This study, in particular, led to the formation of the National Commission for the Protection of Human Subjects of Biomedical and Behavioral Research in 1974 and the development of ethical standards that now protect the rights and welfare of human subjects.

Experimental Psychology Today
Interested in testing a hypothesis through research? Today, your research proposal must go through a rigorous approval process conducted by an institutional review board (IRB), a federally mandated group review composed of volunteers. Your study will gain approval if and only if it’s deemed ethical by the IRB. You’ll also need to abide by the American Psychology Association’s (APA) Ethics Code. Notably, Principle A of the APA’s Ethics Code states that psychologists must “strive to benefit those with whom they work and take care to do no harm.”

“Be Here Now: Perceptions of Uncertainty Enhance Savoring” contains two recent IRB-approved studies that netted impactful results without subjecting participants to undue duress. In one of these experiments, participants were handed fliers that said, “Life is unpredictable: Stop and smell the roses,” or “Life is constant: Stop and smell the roses” before being presented with a small wooden table with a bouquet of red roses. Those who were reminded of life’s unpredictability were over twice as likely to stop and smell the roses, adding to growing evidence that negative experiences help people to appreciate positives in the present moment.

Not long ago, psychology presented scientists with a new frontier to explore, where the answers to some of life’s greatest mysteries awaited. Many scientists in the past ventured into the unknown with reckless abandon, but modern safeguards are now in place to prevent the past from repeating itself.

So, is experimental psychology scary? That’s for you to decide. We can, however, tell you that the first step on a journey is often the scariest.

Psychology Is What You Make of It
The University of Texas Permian Basin offers an online Bachelor of Arts in Psychology program that will help you start your career in psychology. Our program provides a foundational understanding of psychological science and research, covering such topics as observational, correlational, and experimental research methodologies. As a student, you’ll develop an in-depth understanding of empirical research and the theoretical and applied aspects of psychology. You’ll also explore the major branches of psychology, including abnormal, cognitive, physiological, developmental, and social psychology, giving you a clearer idea of what to do with your career.

However, if you’re unsure of your career path, the knowledge imparted in our program can prove invaluable not only in psychology but in many other professional fields.

UT Permian Basin’s online BA in psychology program is an opportunity to bring positive change to your life, the lives of others, and the field of psychology. Apply now to take the first step in becoming a psychology professional.

Sources:
https://www.britannica.com/science/experimental-psychology
https://www.apa.org/education-career/guide/subfields/experimental
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/psychoanalysis-unplugged/201902/the-truth-about-three-identical-strangers
https://www.apa.org/gradpsych/2015/09/irb-approval

New parents tend to pull out all the stops to raise their children in a nurturing environment, painting nursery walls in subdued hues, praising their child’s first steps and words, and reading a favorite storybook as their child drifts off to sleep. Chances are that there’s a copy of “What to Expect When You’re Expecting” open on someone’s nightstand right now. However, even the most meticulously laid plans often do little to alter the course of nature, and parents may find their newborn’s behavior influenced more by biology than their well-meaning care.

The nature versus nurture debate has endured for thousands of years, since Ancient Greeks pondered the origins of personality. Who are we? Are we products of our genome (nature) or environment (nurture)? These questions strike at the very heart of psychology, and to answer them, we’ll be taking a closer look at these diametrically opposed ideas.

Nurture

English philosopher John Locke compared the mind at birth to a tabula rasa, or blank slate, upon which our experiences imbue reason and knowledge. This is “nurture,” the idea that a child’s environment determines whom they turn out to be.

A report published by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) affirms that informed parents are more likely to have positive interactions with their children in ways that support healthy development. By showing warmth, being responsive, and promoting other evidence-based practices, parents can improve outcomes relating to their child’s emotional, behavioral, cognitive, and social skills. Conversely, children can experience devastating, long-term changes as a result of neglect and abuse, ranging from the development of antisocial behaviors to the stunting of their growing minds.

A person’s environment is most impactful during their early years, when their brain has yet to fully develop and their experiences are shaped entirely by their home life. There’s no doubt that nature plays a critical role in deciding the trajectory of our lives. The question is, how much of our behavior is inherited?

Nature

When people talk about heredity, they almost exclusively refer to their physical traits. They might say, “I have my mother’s eyes” or “my father’s nose,” but the characteristics we inherit from our parents are more than skin deep.

The determinants of your most prominent traits are found in your chromosomes, with each of your parents contributing half of their chromosomes to the 23 pairs found in your cells. Chromosomes are composed of segments of DNA called genes. Think of genes as blueprints, carrying instructions that determine your every biological trait, including the color of your hair, eyes, and skin. Moreover, your personality, intelligence, and mental health can also be attributed, at least in part, to your genetic makeup.

Two of a Kind

Scientists have taken a novel approach to testing the effects of heredity on personality: studying twins. Identical twins share the same genes, whereas fraternal twins share half of their genes, like other siblings. By contrasting the traits of identical and fraternal twins, scientists have been able to separate the influences of nature and nurture on human behavior. In a meta-analysis of the heritability of human traits, researchers looked at over 50 years of twin studies, compiling evidence from over 2,000 publications reporting on a combined 17,804 traits and 14,558,903 twins. They found that the heritability of human traits, including temperament and personality functions, is about 50%. To put it simply, half of our unique personalities can be attributed to heredity, or nature.

Ending the Debate

Has the revelation that genetics accounts for half of our mental and physical traits—and that both sides hold equal sway over our personalities—put an end to the nature versus nurture debate? Not quite. This debate has proven more nuanced than previously thought, particularly with the revelation that genetically driven behaviors shape our environments in the same way our environments shape us. For example, parents responding negatively to their child’s antisocial behaviors may end up reinforcing those same behaviors. Complicating matters further are epigenetic changes that switch genes on and off. Traumatic experiences, in particular, can be passed on from one generation to the next. Complex factors like these continue to stoke the flames of this age-old debate.

More than opposing ideas, nature and nurture describe entwined influences that alter and build upon one another. While some argue that nature carries more weight because our genes, as opposed to our experiences, are set in stone, this is exactly why nurture is such an important concept. The family, society, and culture we’re born into are random, but not all environmental factors are beyond influence, and something as simple as reading bedtime stories to a child could make a world of difference in who they grow up to be.

Discover Who You Are

Professionals in the field of psychology define themselves by their work, whether they’re conducting research or administering care. This is a rewarding, albeit challenging, career path ideal for anyone interested in bringing fulfillment to their life and the lives of others. Nature versus nurture aside, you decide the course of your professional journey. And if you choose to become a psychologist, The University of Texas Permian Basin can help.

UT Permian Basin offers an online Bachelor of Arts in Psychology program that provides the foundational psychology knowledge you need to set yourself up for success in graduate school and beyond. Through our program, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of empirical research, mental disorders, and the application of psychological principles in the real world. Virtual courses help ensure that you can participate when it’s convenient for you, and although our program is entirely online and asynchronous, you’ll receive the same distinguished degree as on-campus graduates. From its well-rounded curriculum to its experienced professors, our program offers everything you need to excel in a diverse range of psychology roles.

Ready to pursue your passion for psychology? Apply to our online BA in psychology program to gain the knowledge and skills needed to become the psychology professional you were born to be.

Sources:
https://blogs.scientificamerican.com/observations/in-the-nature-nurture-war-nature-wins/
https://www.theguardian.com/science/2015/mar/19/do-your-genes-determine-your-entire-life
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/nature-vs-nurture
https://www.nigms.nih.gov/education/fact-sheets/Pages/genetics.aspx
https://www.childwelfare.gov/pubpdfs/long_term_consequences.pdf
https://www.cdc.gov/genomics/disease/epigenetics.htm

Psychologists devote themselves to analyzing the complex relationship between our minds, behaviors, and environments. This study of mental processes provides psychologists with insights into everyday life and, sometimes, revelations on the human condition. They are bearers of knowledge: professionals who share their understanding with others to improve their lives, especially with regard to mental health. The expertise that makes psychologists so valued in clinical and research settings, however, makes them valued across a range of professional fields, one of which is sure to pique your interest. 

Practical in its design, The University of Texas Permian Basin’s online Bachelor of Arts in Psychology program helps students qualify for careers adjacent to the field of psychology or prepare for graduate studies and ultimately careers as psychologists. This versatile degree can open the door to numerous opportunities, which begs the question: What would you do with a BA in psychology?

Choose Your Path

Divided in two—like the left and right cerebral hemispheres of the brain—the field of psychology is comprised of applied and experimental psychology. To practice psychology or conduct research, aspiring professionals must earn an undergraduate degree, and they often continue their educational journey in graduate school.

Explore Other Career Options

A BA in psychology, while a must-have for students pursuing a career in the field of psychology, can help graduates secure a rewarding, fulfilling profession in many fields. The National Center for Education Statistics reported that employment rates were higher in 2019 for individuals with higher levels of educational attainment, with 87% of 25- to 34-year-olds employed. By obtaining a BA in psychology, graduates can qualify for a number of careers requiring applicants with undergraduate degrees. Notable careers for psychology graduates include:

• Caseworker
• Disability case manager
• Human resource advisor
• Preschool teacher
• Psychiatric technician
• Psychosocial rehabilitation specialist
• Public relations representative
• Research assistant
• Veterans counselor
• Victim advocate

Obtain a Sought-After Skill Set

Not only does a BA in psychology qualify graduates for careers requiring a degree, it also empowers graduates with a unique skill set highly sought after by employers. Professionals holding psychology degrees have in-depth knowledge pertaining to human motivation, communication, and perception—the invisible forces that determine the outcome of every meeting and dealing. This acute awareness of people’s thoughts and feelings is an invaluable asset for organizations. In fact, according to Deloitte, “soft skill-intensive occupations will account for two-thirds of all jobs by 2030.”

Throughout UT Permian Basin’s online psychology program, students develop empathy and emotional intelligence. Our online course Social Psychology, for example, explores the interrelationships between individuals and their social environment. Industrial and Organizational Psychology looks at employee motivation and satisfaction, while Positive Psychology focuses on areas of personal growth among individuals, including love, optimism, and self-efficacy. Students in our online program have the added benefit of collaborating with their professors and fellow students on online discussion boards. These discussions offer the chance for students to apply what they’ve learned in a supportive online environment—a preview of the social situations psychology graduates must adeptly navigate in the workplace.

Study the Mind at UT Permian Basin

Have you chosen your psychology career path? Don’t be discouraged if you haven’t. There are numerous opportunities in and adjacent to the field of psychology that can provide you with a rewarding career. However, no matter where your career takes you, no matter whom you assist with your expertise, the first step on your career path will be to earn a BA in psychology.

UT Permian Basin’s online psychology program will empower you with a broad understanding of mental processes and human behavior, emphasizing written communication and research skills that can assist you in psychology-related professions and beyond. Entirely online, our program can be completed at your convenience and from anywhere with a Wi-Fi connection. Upon graduating, you’ll earn the same prestigious degree awarded to graduates of our on-campus program.

Interested in studying how the human mind works? Apply now to our online BA in psychology program and deepen your understanding of this scientific discipline.

Sources:
https://www.apa.org/careers/resources/guides/careers
https://www.apa.org/action/science/experimental/education-training
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/psychologists.htm#tab-2
https://www.apa.org/ed/precollege/psn/2018/01/bachelors-degree

It may be considered a soft skill by many, but being able to get along with others is perhaps the most important trait any person can have, regardless of their profession or other factors. The ability to understand others is key to interacting in positive, constructive ways in any social setting.  

Psychology is a word often used to describe the way people think and the motivations behind their actions. In terms of understanding others, why is psychology important? Let’s begin with a definition of what it is and then continue on with an exploration of the benefits of studying psychology. 

What Is Psychology? 

According to the American Psychological Association (APA), “Psychology is the study of the mind and behavior. The discipline embraces all aspects of the human experience—from the functions of the brain to the actions of nations, from child development to care for the aged. In every conceivable setting from scientific research centers to mental healthcare services, ‘the understanding of behavior’ is the enterprise of psychologists.” 

How Can Studying Psychology Help You Understand Others and Yourself? 

The benefits of studying psychology are consequential and numerous when it comes to understanding one’s self and other people. You’ll gain insight into why people think and act the way they do and into   your own behavior and motivations. You’ll learn about the internal impulses and desires that drive us all. And you’ll develop a greater sense of empathy for others based on that understanding, enabling you to limit your biases against people who act differently than you do. Knowing what motivates people goes a long way toward creating a harmonious relationship with those around you, whether they are a major part of your life or someone with whom you’re interacting only briefly, such as a cashier. 

Studying psychology can give you a better understanding of your children, helping you become a better parent as you learn to nurture their developing psyches. This, in turn, can make them well-balanced, psychologically healthy children destined to grow into well-balanced, psychologically healthy adults. 

An education in psychology can also help you become a better communicator. Communication involves not only how you speak to others but how you interpret others’ word choices, body language, tone, facial expressions, and eye contact and use that understanding to formulate appropriate responses. Understanding someone doesn’t merely mean comprehending the words they’re speaking, but the intended meaning beneath them, or subtext. All the characteristics above provide added clarity. 

If your ultimate intention in studying psychology is to pursue a career in the field, there are two routes you can take. One is going into practice, which is clinically based and focuses on helping people. As the APA states, psychologists “identify and help people overcome the obstacles that inhibit them from making better choices … Psychologists use psychological science to help people tap into their potential and help them perform at an optimal level.”  

The other path is basic research and the science of psychology. The majority of academic psychologists focus on this path, which emphasizes research methods, critical thinking, data collection and analysis, statistical modeling, and scale development. 

Are There Other Personal Benefits of Studying Psychology? 

Beyond understanding others, an education in psychology can help you live a more fulfilling life by fostering critical thinking and confidence. You’ll also gain a deeper understanding of the science of psychology. 

As Ronald E. Riggio, PhD, explains in an article in Psychology Today, studying psychology can also help you: 

• Understand basic psychological and scientific principles affecting human behavior. 
• Become a better critical thinker. 
• Gain a better understanding of relationships. 
• Be more effective in your profession. 
• Become more likely to be hired.  

What Type of Program Is Best for Studying Psychology? 

The University of Texas Permian Basin’s online Bachelor of Arts in Psychology offers a broad foundation of psychological science with an emphasis on critical written communication and research skills that are invaluable in helping professions and other careers. This intensive online program will help you cultivate important abilities, including reasoning about empirical research, writing persuasive, cohesive arguments, and thinking critically on applied and theoretical aspects of psychology. Finally, the knowledge and insight our affordable program provides can make you more competitive in your pursuit of a diverse selection of professional roles.  

Why Learn Online? 

We offer our BA in psychology program 100% online through asynchronous class sessions. This advantage enables you to complete your coursework anywhere, at your own pace. If you have work and/or family responsibilities, you’ll find that a flexible program format like ours best suits your busy schedule. You can begin the program at any of six start dates per year. All program courses last eight weeks and are taught by the same acclaimed faculty who teach them on campus. When you successfully complete your BA in psychology program, you’ll receive the same respected degree that campus-based UT Permian Basin graduates receive. 

Discover how studying psychology can help you understand others and yourself in our online Bachelor of Arts in Psychology program. 

Sources: 

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/cutting-edge-leadership/201612/7-ways-psychology-can-change-your-life
https://www.apa.org/action/careers/improve-lives

Psychology has a number of interesting applications. It can be used to alter perceptions, turn enemies into friends, and even make people ignore a man in a gorilla suit. Many individuals are first attracted to the field of psychology by the impact these incredible phenomena have on themselves and those around them. Let’s explore some of the most significant studies and findings in the field of psychology and see how they fit into everyday life. 

If you’re intrigued by how these scientific studies, hypotheses, and effects can improve your daily life, you can apply this passion to a career studying and improving the lives of others. The University of Texas Permian Basin offers an online program that allows students to earn a bachelor’s degree in psychology on their own time, at their own pace. The study of the mind is an incredible pursuit, and it begins with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology.

The Ben Franklin Effect

Ben Franklin was using psychology to turn political opponents into trusted allies back in the 1700s. In his autobiography, Ben Franklin tells the story of winning over an adversary who had delivered an impassioned speech against him. Knowing that this gentleman could one day hold substantial political power, Franklin responded in an unconventional manner: He asked to borrow a book. Specifically, he asked to borrow a rare book in a way that both flattered and inconvenienced his adversary. The adversary promptly sent the book, and Franklin returned it with a thank-you note. From that day forward, the “adversary” was far more willing to help Franklin, and the two become lifelong friends.

According to Ben Franklin, “He that has once done you a kindness will be more ready to do you another, than he whom you yourself have obliged.” Another name for this phenomenon? Cognitive dissonance. Essentially, someone who dislikes you can’t mentally process why they would allow themselves to be inconvenienced by you. To avoid discomfort, they will change their opinion of you rather than their opinion of themselves. When employing the Ben Franklin Effect in real life, remember to always use this superpower for good.

The Somatic Marker Hypothesis

“Elliot” had it all: a good job, a happy marriage, and the respect of his peers—until one day he started having headaches. The headaches became more severe, and it was later discovered that Elliot had a brain tumor. The tumor was removed, but not before it damaged the frontal lobe of his brain. Elliot began to look at every situation in his life through a purely logical lens devoid of all emotion—the dream of every procrastinator. The problem is that Elliot had effectively undergone a lobotomy, and his life crumbled soon after.

What can be learned from Elliot’s tragedy? The study of Elliot led to the somatic marker hypothesis, which proposes that emotions, not logic, are the driving force behind decision-making. When making decisions, you filter out choices based on how you feel about the imagined outcome. The next time you’re unable to find the motivation to work, clean, or create, consider why you imagine those possibilities being unpleasant. If you can be honest with yourself, you may arrive at the right decision.

The Halo Effect

In one of the most famous examples of how psychology relates to everyday life, Richard Nisbett and Timothy Wilson set out to study the halo effect, a cognitive bias that occurs when first impressions cloud a person’s perception of others. Over one hundred college students were asked to review footage of a psychology instructor. In some videos, the instructor was friendly and encouraging, while in others the instructor was cold and unlikable. Students were then asked to rate the instructor’s appearance, mannerisms, and accent. The results showed that even when participants had enough information to make an independent assessment, they were influenced by the instructor’s attributes. Students who saw the “likable” instructor rated his appearance, mannerisms, and even his accent higher. Furthermore, students were unaware that their perception of the instructor had any effect on their ratings.

The halo effect can be summed up as judging a book by its cover. When we meet others, we unconsciously allow their attractive features to influence our overall opinion of them. This presents a prime opportunity to use psychology in your daily life. When meeting new people, always try to make a good first impression by displaying confidence, being well-groomed, and not mentioning negative details about yourself. Being aware of the halo effect can also allow you to take a step back from situations and consider if your opinions are being influenced by anything other than logic.

The Invisible Gorilla

How well do you multitask? To put your multitasking skills to the test, watch this video and count how many times the players wearing white pass the ball. The answer is 16, but that’s not what the video is testing. Did you notice the gorilla? If you did, it might have been because you were expecting it, as the original selection attention test involving a gorilla is world-famous.

Did you notice the curtain change or the player on the black team leave the game?

Don’t feel bad if you didn’t. When Christopher Chabris and Daniel Simons expanded on their original experiment, the majority of participants failed to notice one or both of the unexpected events. What this study shows is that people can focus so hard on one task that they fail to notice other important details. According to Simons, “Although people do still try to rationalize why they missed the gorilla, it’s hard to explain such a failure of awareness without confronting the possibility that we are aware of far less of our world than we think.”

Similar to the halo effect, our expectations can alter our perception of reality. The lesson here isn’t that people don’t pay enough attention or that we shouldn’t multitask; it’s that people can be led astray when relying solely on their intuition. How can you use this in your everyday life? Intuition is great for things like deciding what to order for dinner, but for decisions that require an analytical approach, you’re better off giving yourself enough time to react and consider the things that matter rather than relying exclusively on your gut. 

Learn more about UT Permian Basin’s online BA in psychology program.

Sources:

https://www.brainpickings.org/2014/02/20/the-benjamin-franklin-effect-mcraney/

https://www.thecut.com/2016/06/how-only-using-logic-destroyed-a-man.html#:~:text=Before%20a%20brain%20tumor%20wounded,to%20get%20the%20tumor%20removed.

https://www.livescience.com/6727-invisible-gorilla-test-shows-notice.html

https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=126977945#:~:text=In%20their%20new%20book%20The,ago%20to%20test%20selective%20attention.