Reflection on Professional Applications of Psychology

Posted: July 7th, 2022

Prior to completing the journal this week, read Assignment Homework Sample Boom Essays: Free of Plagiarism and AI, Original Custom Research Essay Pro Papers Writing – Chapter 1: Professional Applications of Psychology in the course textbook, read the APA’s Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of ConductLinks to an external site. (Introduction and Preamble), and watch Samantha Agoos’s TED-Ed Animation, 5 Tips to Improve Your Critical ThinkingLinks to an external site.. Keep these resources handy, because we will be referring back to them throughout your assignments in this course.Several areas are identified in the chapter as applicable to the requirements of a psychology professional. These include application of critical thinking, professional writing and communications, and codes of conduct. Specifically in the preamble of the APA’s Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of ConductLinks to an external site., it states that instructors are obligated to encourage ethical standards by students. Hence it is important that you illustrate that you understand the importance of these ethical practices in this course.

With this in mind, reflect on your own journey in academics by considering the following sentence starters as you write your journal:

Do you believe you have improved your level of critical thought during your time with University of Arizona Global Campus? In what ways?
Do you believe you have improved your level of professional writing standards? What improvements can you identify?
Do you utilize software that can help you edit your writing? If so, what software works best for you?
Do you double check that you have sufficiently given credit to outside authors? Was there a resource that was most helpful to you?
Do you use your own voice rather than just writing exactly what someone else said with quotes?
When you do this, do you still cite where you learned the information?
How about ethical standards associated with giving advice: Are you more careful now to not give psychological advice, without having additional education, or supported evidence?
What do our reflection resource readings tell us about applying ethics?
There are many additional considerations you may include, but the key to this reflection is to

Demonstrate a broad understanding about the importance of the responsibilities associated with graduating with knowledge in the area of psychology.
Explain the potential applications of such knowledge to your future goals.
Discuss implications associated with ethical writing practices.
Discuss the implications of offering psychological advice to others, with limited knowledge and without credentials.
(Please do not list these sentence starters in your reflection. You should simply make sure that you discuss each in a way that reflects your understanding of the significance and applications of having a psychology degree.)

Your journal this week should be two to three pages and have an introduction and a conclusion as described in the University of Arizona Global Campus Writing Center’s resource, Introductions & ConclusionsLinks to an external site.. In addition, demonstrate your understanding of Assignment Homework Sample Boom Essays: Free of Plagiarism and AI, Original Custom Research Essay Pro Papers Writing – Chapter 1 by applying ethical writing standards through the use of appropriate citations, when appropriate. Specifically, as you use the resources included in this reflection to explain your understanding, add them as a citation. Example: As suggested by Harper et al. (2020), it is important to not just accept the findings of research, but to consider the potential alternatives to what is suggested (1.1).

You should also exhibit obvious attention to critical thought and understanding of the content, as demonstrated in Samantha Agoos’s TED-Ed Animation, 5 Tips to Improve Your Critical ThinkingLinks to an external site..

As this is your personal reflection about the material this week, your journal should limit the use of quoted material. Proper grammar should be applied. Consider using the University of Arizona Global Campus Writing Center’s GrammarlyLinks to an external site. resource. At minimum, cite your text and the required websites to support your assertions within your explanation, but you may also use additional scholarly sources. The Scholarly, Peer-Reviewed, and Other Credible SourcesLinks to an external site. table offers additional guidance on appropriate source types. References should be listed following the reflection, in APA format. You will have until 11:59 p.m. on Day 6 (Sunday) to deliver this journal reflection.

The Week 1 Journal

Must be two to three double-spaced pages in length (not including the list of references) and formatted according to APA Style as outlined in the University of Arizona Global Campus Writing Center’s APA StyleLinks to an external site.
Must utilize academic voice. See the Academic VoiceLinks to an external site. resource for additional guidance.
Must use at least the required websites in addition to the course text, when applicable. Feel free to use additional scholarly sources. Need first-class papers? Get Fast Essay Writers US & urgent essay writing service Ca – Note that your personal experiences/opinions do not need to be cited.
The Scholarly, Peer-Reviewed, and Other Credible SourcesLinks to an external site. table offers additional guidance on appropriate source types. If you have questions about whether a specific source is appropriate for this assignment, please contact your instructor. Your instructor has the final say about the appropriateness of a specific source for a particular assignment.
Must document any information used from sources, if applicable, in APA Style as outlined in the University of Arizona Global Campus Writing Center’s Citing Within Your PaperLinks to an external site.
Must include a list of your references, if applicable, at the end of your reflection that is formatted according to APA style as outlined in the University of Arizona Global Campus Writing Center. See the Formatting Your References ListLinks to an external site. resource in the University of Arizona Global Campus Writing Center for specifications.

Reflection on Professional Applications of Psychology

Introduction:
Throughout my academic journey at the University of Arizona Global Campus, I have had the opportunity to enhance my critical thinking skills and develop a deeper understanding of professional writing standards and ethical practices in the field of psychology. This reflection journal aims to explore my growth in these areas, the implications of ethical writing practices, and the importance of offering psychological advice responsibly.

Improvement in Critical Thinking:
During my time at the University of Arizona Global Campus, I believe I have significantly improved my level of critical thought. Samantha Agoos’s TED-Ed Animation, “5 Tips to Improve Your Critical Thinking,” provided valuable insights and strategies that have enhanced my ability to analyze and evaluate information more effectively. I now approach psychological concepts and research with a more discerning mindset, considering alternative perspectives and questioning assumptions. By applying critical thinking skills, I have become more adept at recognizing biases, logical fallacies, and evidence-based arguments, which are essential in the field of psychology.

Enhancement of Professional Writing Standards:
My journey at the University of Arizona Global Campus has also contributed to improving my level of professional writing standards. Through coursework and assignments, I have honed my ability to articulate ideas clearly, concisely, and coherently. The emphasis on effective communication in psychology has encouraged me to pay close attention to grammar, spelling, and sentence structure. Additionally, I have developed a stronger understanding of APA formatting guidelines, which ensures consistency and professionalism in my academic writing.

Utilizing Writing Software:
To aid in editing and improving my writing, I have found that using writing software such as Grammarly has been immensely helpful. Grammarly not only assists in identifying grammar and spelling errors but also provides suggestions for enhancing sentence structure and word choice. This software has become an essential tool in my writing process, enabling me to produce high-quality work that meets professional standards.

Appropriate Citation and Giving Credit:
Throughout my academic journey, I have made it a practice to double-check that I have given sufficient credit to outside authors. The APA’s Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct stresses the importance of acknowledging and respecting the intellectual contributions of others. By adhering to proper citation practices, I ensure that I maintain academic integrity and avoid plagiarism. The APA format has been a valuable resource in guiding me on how to cite various sources accurately.

Using My Own Voice and Citing Sources:
While it is important to incorporate the ideas and perspectives of others in my writing, I also strive to present my own voice and analysis. Rather than simply quoting what others have said, I aim to integrate their insights into my own explanations and interpretations. Even when using my own voice, I consistently cite the sources from which I learned the information. This practice not only acknowledges the contributions of others but also allows readers to access the original sources for further exploration and verification.

Ethical Standards and Responsible Advice:
The ethical standards associated with giving advice in psychology have become increasingly apparent to me throughout my studies. The APA’s Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct emphasizes the importance of competence, integrity, and evidence-based practice in providing psychological advice. As a result, I am more cautious about offering psychological advice without appropriate credentials or additional education. I recognize the potential harm that misinformation or unsupported claims can cause and strive to ensure that any advice I give is grounded in sound research and expertise.

Implications of Applying Ethics:
The reflection resources emphasize the significance of applying ethical principles in psychology. By encouraging ethical standards among students, instructors play a crucial role in fostering responsible and ethical behavior in the field. Ethical writing practices, such as proper citation and respect for intellectual property, promote academic integrity and contribute to the advancement of knowledge. Similarly, offering psychological advice responsibly ensures the well-being and safety of individuals seeking guidance, promoting the credibility and professionalism of the field.

Conclusion:
My journey at the University of Arizona Global Campus has been instrumental in enhancing my critical thinking skills, improving my professional writing standards, and fostering a deep understanding of ethical practices in psychology. Through the application of critical thinking, utilization of writing software, proper citation practices, and adherence to ethical standards, I have developed the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in the field of psychology. As I move forward, I am committed to upholding the principles of ethics, using my expertise responsibly, and applying critical thinking to contribute positively to the field and achieve my future goals.