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Undergraduate Studies ePortfolio

Elisha SonsonBA Psychology with

concentration in Forensic Psychology, 2011

Personal Statement

Choosing a successful channel in life is not always simple, but luckily, for me, I have become conscious of what the field of psychology can offer. Hello, I am Elisha Sonson and my personal statement reflects the academic journey and exciting experience I had at Argosy University. When I was admitted at Argosy University, I had no clue what interest me. Everything seems overwhelming and I was intimidated that I would not perform well in my courses, especially math. My first course was “Skills for Success” and although I did not receive a high grade on my first assignment for this course, by the middle of the course, I had a better understanding of what was expected of me and I knew in order to succeed in future courses, I had to formulate a plan of short-term goals. However, even with my short-term goals on paper I was facing continuous challenges and knew I had to do something to overcome those challenges.

Resume

ELISHA SONSON4200 Sheridan Street, Apt 357Hollywood, FL 33021Home: 954-589-1366Cell: 340-690-4295le22_sonson@hotmail.com

OBJECTIVE• To provide professional support in a growth-oriented organization, utilizing diversified experience,

motivation and teamwork. • Skilled in program and organizational planning, with a firm commitment to serving the needs of

disadvantage youths and adults in a diverse community.• Proficient in psychosocial assessments, counseling, program coordination, behavioral management

interventions and the ability to deal with therapeutic/crisis intervention• Skilled at communicating effectively with customers, and addressing concerns with professional

tact. • Well versed in a set of skills that absorb new technology.• Proficient in a broad range of computer and office applications and software programs including

Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel and Email.

Reflection

As a psychology major, this has been an exciting and experienced journey for me. I have had the opportunity to explore and study the theoretical works of many psychologists and researchers alike. During the beginning of my psychology experience, I have always aspired to know what goes on the world of psychology, what makes me who I am such as my personality, character and trait as well as my development from childhood to adulthood. As I began to learn and engage more in the works of various psychologist, theorists and researchers, I gained much insight about my own personalities from various theoretical models and an in-depth understanding of the various stages of my development. When I reflect on my own childhood, it instantly refreshes my memory of the learning stages that I have experienced throughout my life. A few of my learning experiences were more like Ivan Pavlov’s theory, where I associated various sounds and formulations with various experiences. Other learning experiences came from theories of reinforcements, as in B. F. Skinner’s theory in which I learned certain things like not touching a hot surface and the small gifts I would receive when I did well on my tests or when I behaved good in public. These theories have not only enhanced my understanding on psychology but it provides me with a better understanding as I reflect on my personal and development experiences. Throughout my academic experience, I have gained a better understanding of how the different theories that teaches us about our personalities, character, values and beliefs differ within cultures, and that each person’s cultural perspective or belief is different. I saw this first hand in the plethora of discussion that was held throughout each course. Each student shared their perspective on various psychological topics as well as how their culture played into the different aspects of psychology. Although what I have always aspired to learned in the field of psychology came with many challenges, the learning experience at Argosy University was worth every bit of struggle.

Table of Contents

Cognitive Abilities: Critical Thinking and Information Literacy

Research SkillsCommunication Skills: Oral and WrittenEthics and Diversity AwarenessFoundations of PsychologyApplied PsychologyInterpersonal Effectiveness

Critical Thinking

INTERROGATION TACTICS Police interrogation are said to form a vital part of any criminal proceedings.

Police interrogations are one of the most effective ways to illicit a more detailed and vital information from a suspect regarding a criminal act. Interrogations can be difficult but it saves investigators the hassle of preparing extensive work by searching more evidences that are physical, interviewing potential witnesses, reviewing documents and applying for search warrants.

Until the 1930’s, physical force and brutality was used to extract confessions from suspects by police officers. During that era, criminal were said to be either morally or mentally deficient and were not accorded the rights of other citizens (Argosy University, 2011). However, the intricacies arise during the existence of a case where the “Miranda Rights” have originated. Today, courts have permitted police officers to use a number of tactics and theoretical tricks to persuade suspects to confess to criminal acts (Argosy University, 2011).

Critical Thinking

References

Argosy University Online (2011), Psychology & Criminal Justice Lecture Notes. Retrieved on June 1, 2011 from http://www.myeclassonline.com

Parenting Styles and Child Development: What are the between Parenting Styles and Child Behavior Development?

Research has supported that the parenting styles embraced by parents time and again have an immense repercussion on the development of the child, in perspective of the issue, analysis on parenting styles and its intense influences on children, particularly in belligerence and behavior. The purpose for this literature review is to draw attention on the types of parenting styles used by parents and its impact on children’s behavior development. In addition, the literature review would also support the hypotheses that “there are convincing links between parenting styles and the impact these styles have on children’s behavior development.”

In today’s modern world, the development of children is an important concern. The parenting styles children are subjected to creates great influence on their behaviors and how they deal with trials and confronts in their lives. In earlier cohorts, child rearing came with strict rules; discipline and children were stricken by obedience. The parenting styles of this era were essential to foster the self-control, reinforce good behavior and discipline demanded by societies’ where rigorous compliance to authority was required by children. Although these types of parenting style are still prevalent in modern society, many parents are grounded to certain parenting styles that are not creating positive behaviors in children’s development. Ange (2005) describes Baumrind’s parenting style classification as authoritative, authoritarian, and permissive.

Research Skills

References Ange, Rebecca. P., (2005) Parenting styles and adolescents adjusting to self-perception and

relationships, Social Service Training Institute Journal 2(2)Assel, M. A; Landry, S. H; Swank, P. R & Steelman, L (2002) How do mothers’ childrearing

histories, stress and parenting affect children’s behavioral outcomes? Childcare Health Development Scholarly Journal of Medical Science-Pediatrics 28(5)

Aunola, Kaisa, & Nurmi, Jari-Erik (2005) The role of parenting styles in children’s problem behavior. Children Development 76(6) 1144-1159 doi: 10.1111/J. 1467-5624.2005.00841x

Bolkan, Cow; Sano, Yoshie; De Costa, Jennifer; Acock, Alan C & Day, Randal D (2010) Early adolescents’ perceptions of mothers and fathers’ parenting styles and problem behavior, Marriage & Family Review (46)8 563

Fagan, Jay., & Merrill-Palmer Quarterly, M., (2000) African American and Puerto Rican American parenting styles, paternal involvement, and head start children’s social competence (46)4 592

Field, Andy P. Field; Ball, Jess E.; Kawyzc, Nicola J & Moore, Harriett (2007) Parent-child relationship & the verbal information pathway to fear in children: Two Preliminary Experiments 35: 473-486 doi: 10.1017/7S152465807003736

Fletcher, Anne C; Walls, Jill K; Cook, Emily C; Madison, Karis J & Bridges, Tracey H, (2008) Parents’ style as a moderator of association between maternal disciplinary strategies & child well-being, Journal of Family Issues (29)12 1724-1744

Research Skills

Nested in the Paris quarters of Orgon and Elmire, Tartuffe was a spiritual man under pretense who was invited by the affluent Orgon to take up residency in their home. Like Othello, Orgon best friend Tartuffe and adoring him as if he were a saint. Although all of Orgon associates and families tried to caution him of Tartuffe intensions, Orgon saw no wrong in this virtuous foreigner. Orgon trusted Tartuffe to a point where he forced his daughter to marry the stranger and felt the need to disown his son and make Tartuffe his sole recipient to his wealth. The nature of Tartuffe symbolizes people in the public who advocate creed but do not live by the maxims they impose upon others. Madame Pernelle as Orgon was also sickened with Orgon’s family and friends for the way the family treated Tartuffe and threatened to leave the family. Act I Scene I supports this view. In the play Madame Pernelle exclaims, “He is a holy man, and must be heeded, I can’t endure with any show of patience to hear a scatterbrains like you attack him.” It is evident that Madame Pernelle could not tolerate Orgon’s family attacking Tartuffe any longer, thus announces that she is departing.

Communication Skills: Oral and Written

ReferencesMolière, Tartuffe (English Edition) Published in 1664 VBID L-999-71460, Argosy University

Online Book Source, (2010)

Communication Skills: Oral and Written

Ethical Case Study- Chronic Illnesses and the Uninsured

Abstract

Through the examination of a case study of an uninsured graduate student suffering from chronic crohn’s disease, this paper discusses the ethical dilemmas that affect the uninsured. The main purpose of this case study is to explore, from an ethical perspective the key ethical issues, questions and choices the uninsured patients are forced to make. This paper also examines a case study; respectively the case study of Madisyn Whitfield (2009) and the ethical decisions that health care providers have to make are addressed.

Ethical Case Study- Chronic Illnesses and the Uninsured

Madisyn should not have to choose between paying for her medication and hospital bills, because it is unethical for healthcare professionals to provide unequal care to patients because they are uninsured.

Ethics and Diversity Awareness

Ethical decision-making is required when healthcare professionals must balance the needs and interest of the patients, the organization and society. Those involved in this decision making process must consider ethical principles such as justice, fairness, as well as professional ethical standards and codes. Today, many factors have contributed to the growing concerns in healthcare organizations with ethical dilemmas including issues of access and affordability, pressure to reduce cost, and the biggest issue among all, providing medical care for the uninsured. By definition, an ethical dilemma involves the need to choose from two or more morally acceptable course of action; when one choice presents selecting the other; or the need to choose between equally unacceptable alternatives. These dilemmas for example, are when patients find themselves having to choose between paying rent/mortgage and filling prescription, leaving them to utilize the services at emergency room hospitals in hopes of getting treatment without the out-of-pocket expense. The primary function of the emergency department is to stabilizing the condition of critically ill and injured patients. In addition, the emergency department often serves as the sole provider of primary care services for the uninsured in the United States. Reports have shown that the emergency department in the United States has to contend with a substantial and disproportionate increase in the number of patients seeking treatment without medical insurance.

Ethics and Diversity Awareness

ReferencesAbelson, R (2010), New York Times, Bills, stalled, hospitals fear rising unpaid care

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/09/health/policy/09hospital.html?pagewanted=1American College of Emergency Physicians, Practice Resources; Codes of ethics for emergency physicians

Retrieved from the internet on June 4, 2010 at http://www.acep.org/practres.aspx?id=29144Branson, Roy. (2004). Ethical Issues in Health Care, Washington, District of Columbia, US: US Department of Health

and Human Services, PsycEXTRA, and EBSCOhost (accessed June 20, 2010Carol, J. (2005) Health Financial Management, Policies and practices for uninsured patients’ practical strategies:

the number of uninsured patients is growing. What can you do to help your organization address this issue? http://www.allbusiness.com/health-care-social-assistance/362462-1.html

Chandler, M. (2006), The rights of the medically uninsured: An analysis of social justice & disparate outcomes, Journal of Health & Social Policy, Vol. 21 (8)

Kozas, A. (2009) Santa Clara University, Markkula Center for Applied Ethics, the Case of Madisyn Whitfield: Chronic Illness and the Uninsured http://www.scu.edu/ethics/dialogue/candc/cases/chronic.html

Ethics and Diversity Awareness

Travis Hirschi is one of the most outstanding theorists who have contributed major works to the field of criminology throughout the past few decades. Hirschi’s model proposes that people who engage in delinquency areas free of intimate attachments, aspiration and moral beliefs that bind them to a conventional and law-abiding way of life. Hirschi also maintains that delinquents are not forced into criminal acts because they require ties to the conventional social order. Criminal violates expectations about appropriate behavior in that if people do not care about the opinion of others, they are free to deviate from norms (John E. Conklin, 10th Ed.).

Foundations of Psychology

References

Conklin, J. E. (10th E.d), Criminology for class PSY 3XX, Introduction to crime and causes, Prentice Hall Upper Saddle River

Foundations of Psychology

The presenting report is one in which Michael a 30-year old German client presents problems of substance abuse. Prior to his treatment plan, Michael received a comprehensive assessment including a mental status examination, which was necessary to identify his need for an appropriate treatment plan. During the mental status examination Michael appeared withdrawn and depressed with slowed speech and low spirit. There are minimal involvement between Michael and his family. Previous police report shows indication of past arrest for substance abuse and theft and information obtained from family members’ indicated Michael’s history of hospitalization for substance abuse as well as referrals for basic service needs (housing and food).

Applied Psychology

What people think of themselves often exhibits what they become. In my opinion, personal

effectiveness or self-perception is not something you are born with, rather it is a learned and achievable skill. I consider myself personally effective because I am self-discipline, motivated, organize and often set goals. I have a great understanding of myself and I make choices that will influence my accomplishments and synergy with others. Although I have a positive perception of myself, however I try to improve on the areas that others critic.

Next, one of the components of interpersonal effectiveness I believe to be my strongest is ethics. I am not perfect, but I try very hard to practice good ethics. I strongly believe that I portray good moral and treat others with the same degree of consideration and respect as possible. My belief is that one should always acknowledge and welcome the differences in others. When I set goals for myself, I do not do it with the intent to dominate others. The key of ethics I believe, is to be morally responsible, that is for your actions and your respect for others.

Interpersonal Effectiveness

My Future in Learning

Learning for me is a lifelong process and the field of psychology is no exception. As I continue my journey, my future plans are to gain an advance degree in clinical psychology. Being in a clinical setting I will gain the much needed hands on training that will prepare me for my future career as a clinical psychologist

Contact Me

Thank you for viewing my ePortfolio.For further information, please

contact me at the e-mail address below.

Le22_sonson@hotmail.com