Burris PSY496 Final Project
CASE STUDY
Introduction
Ashford University boasts an accredited psychology program whose aspired outcomes equip graduates with an in depth knowledge of psychological theory and applications. Psychology is the study of human thought and behavior. Its applications are relevant for healthcare, workplace, and educational contexts. Recognizing the complexities of the human psyche and related behavior can be summed up as “need fulfilment.” There are several approaches whereby psychologists attempt to unlock the mystery of human desire and motivation. Cognitive approaches cover a broad range of sub-fields that are suited to provide insight in to the nature of thought constructions, interactions, and relational dynamics. Neuropsychologists, for example have identified physiological components (receptors and inhibitors) that are directly linked with addictive behavior patterns. Addictions are interests found in other psychology sub-fields, such as abnormal psychology and mental disorders. Overall, the discipline is an inter-connected sequence of theory and observation of human behavior.
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Personal Case Study
One example that demonstrates the competencies gained through Ashford’s program can be evaluated via a case review. The subject of this study is a female native of Honduras and is thirty-seven years of age. She is bilingual, fluent in Spanish and English, and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in English. The aim of this study sought to determine if social media could be harnessed as a relationship building tool.
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In February of 2013 the author traveled to Tegucigalpa, Honduras to participate in a medical brigade that provided medical treatment and counseling to locals. The standard of living is low; poverty conditions affect more than 50% of the national population. The subject of this study was an interpreter employed by the organization who networks with teams arriving to provide care services. Specifically, this subject was the author’s interpreter for providing care services and treatment. Introductions ensued, and brief backgrounds were mutually exchanged. Cultural biases were quickly identified and eradicated from the interpersonal interactions being engaged. The primary focus of treatment was guidance counseling.
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Very often, natives believe that immigrating to the United States is the best course of action in light of the current conditions they have to endure. Nearly fifty percent of the population is at or below the poverty level and the government is blatantly corrupt (and not very good at concealing it, which adds to the societal distrust of authority figures).
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Upon completion of service, contact information was exchanged as a means of remaining connected overseas. Email was the first medium engaged as a means of remaining connected. Both parties wrote emails to the other six out of seven days of the week for more than ten months. After the first week of written communications, phone calls were integrated into the communication regimen. Approximately one month later video calls via Skype were engaged.
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Social media is a powerful tool that is able to provide a platform for intimate relationship development, trust, and communications. Individual values play a significant role in the development of trust through these forms of communication. Words carry meanings that portray intentions and desires. Left empty and without action, such communication quickly dissolve into mere words, with no real perceived value to the recipient. Over the course of these online interactions, trust had been developed and evaluated. The nature of the relationship was unique in that it was removed from psychical distractions of face-to-face interactions. Hormones and emotional passions, for example, had far less influencing power over each party's decision making ability. In all, a year-and-a-half after having met, the subject and the author agreed to marriage, having experienced the astounding possibilities of exchanging thoughts and variables of trust digitally, actualizing closer proximity was the next obvious step (regression would have been the only other option available).
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Professional/Workplace Case Study
Working in the gaming industry can be fatiguing. Hospitality is a fundamental constant of daily operations and must be taken seriously at every moment. In many instances one is faced with ethical dilemmas whilst trying to appease paying patrons. One example is taken from promotional campaigns offered by the company. Email registrations are requested, taken, added to an all-inclusive email list, and serves as an accounting record for all promotional redemptions. Misunderstanding occur from time to time regarding the details of any promotions offered. There are however certain instances where deception is employed to gain promotional rewards. Greed is a powerful motivator that is self-focused. Cognitively speaking, an individual knows when they are lying. Very often their body language and speech indicate a front that is otherwise not present, nor necessary.
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Ethical obligations for retaining employer trust is a foundational principle of this company's and industry's operations. Legal regulations require promotions be handled in accordance with current legislation. Company policy also dictate the nature of acceptable business interactions. Indications that a guest is not being forthcoming or appears to be making false claims in order to obtain the benefit of promotional offers is a commonplace scenario staff is trained to deal with through rigorous communication protocols that emphasize accountability and honesty.
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It has been observed that the nature of guest gaming persona is linked with the likelihood that they will try to obtain promotional benefits through deceptive means. Generally, they are "low-rollers" (do not risk large sums when they are gambling). Their personal financial situation is not known to staff members, however, the nature of their game-play indicates cues about what they can realistically afford to wager. "Chasing their loss," as it is called, refers to a patron waging against the odds having already lost what they could not afford to lose. To compensate for the emotional disposition they put themselves in, they will continue wagering in a context of debt, in hope that they eventually will beat the odds. Some justify deception to gain promotional benefits as a means of compensating loss. Others view the system to be the one/thing at fault. Choice is a universal factor of when gambling. Personal responsibility is not nullified by unfortunate encounters with and "odds-based" system.
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The company understands these psycho-dynamics and attempts to compensate with other operational components of the business. A food component exists, which is harnessed as a means of building relations between staff and guests. Very often staff generosity is perceived as good-will and is an effective means of solving many problems that originate from customer choices.