My Interest In Studying Psychology And Sociology
I am interested in studying a combined degree in Psychology and Sociology. I enjoy exploring the scientific study of mental life and human behaviour, and how this interacts with culture and society. I would like to widen my understanding of Psychological disorders and their relationship with their environment. Researching and studying social networks in my own time has given me a deeper understanding of the key subject matters and specialisms within Psychology.
To enhance my academic skills in preparation for university, I undertook some wider reading including an article: Are brainy people lazy? "Need for Cognition" which correlates with less physical activity, written by Christian Jarrett. Reading this was of value as it conveyed Laziness being a high sign of intelligence; thus, new research supports the view that cognition and physical activity level are interrelated. Yet, the question that was raised as to whether individual liking toward cognitive endeavours is interrelated with physical activity; therefore, I would like to investigate this concept further. From this, I have gained a range of transferable skills including my written and communication skills. This research deepened my view of Psychology and had a huge impact on my future application. I got to know an overview of Psychology that it is evidently not only a theoretical subject and provided me with a better understanding of this field. I am intrigued by the work of Sociologists and their theories and, having to critically evaluate them against each other. To support this, I have chosen a degree that allows me to engage and develop the skills necessary to help with common concerns and problems. I often listen to an audiotape or view videotapes of myself interacting with someone else to provide me with the opportunity to observe people like myself, enabling me to analyse and understand difficult situations. I can speak in multiple languages.
Theories and Methods and Media
The topic that particularly interested me in Sociology was the study of positivism and interpretivism in social research. This topic allowed me to view life more critically and objectively, and to provide a different explanation for society. My peers and I undertook a covert observation to study pupil behaviour. This was a rewarding experience for me as it allowed me to analyse information effectively and had taught me to become more methodical. In my Sociology lessons, I have undertaken multiple individual tasks as well as group work on evaluating methods of data collection such as, interviews and questionnaires and determine which research methods are more advantageous to study and increase the understanding of human social behaviour. Through this, I have developed strong research skills. Working in groups has developed my confidence skills allowing me to become an effective team worker and make valuable contributions to the team.
Working on my initiative has developed my lateral and critical thinking skills as it allows me to examine my knowledge and understand logical connections between ideas and; therefore, this will help me in university. I have participated in various demanding debates on topics such as Marxism, social policy and gender issues. In addition, I have gained further insights into matters including Reductionism vs Holism and the mind/body problem; these debates have been promoting, instilling me to re-examine the choices I have made and my everyday motives. This has allowed me to become more open-minded. I have discovered a myriad of things about the indirect social and emotional factors on individual and group behaviour. This enables me to examine my thoughts and values, and the ability to spot my errors. I undertook work experience at Sandwell Library. Whereby, I ensured a high standard of presentation of the library and its stock by replenishing stock and other items to the shelves and displayed to best effect. Handled payments from the public. Answered face-to-face, telephone and email enquiries from the public.
Due to this, my communicational and organisational skills have enhanced to a great degree. I also assisted the public in the use of ICT and e-government services. This has also improved my ICT and computing skills, and the ability to work responsively and flexibly. My main interests & hobbies lie in travelling, reading and in the arts as it helps me to be more creative and strengthen my independent study skills.
