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What is Convergence in Psychology? Understanding Sensory Integration and Beyond
Introduction:
Have you ever noticed how seamlessly your senses work together? You see a juicy red strawberry, smell its sweet aroma, and anticipate its tangy taste – all before you even take a bite. This effortless coordination isn't accidental; it's the result of convergence, a fundamental concept in psychology. This comprehensive guide dives deep into the meaning of convergence in psychology, exploring its various forms, implications, and relevance across different psychological perspectives. We'll unravel the complexities of sensory integration, examine its role in perception, and even discuss its impact on higher-level cognitive functions. Get ready to unlock the fascinating world of how our brains unify information from different sensory modalities!
1. Defining Convergence in Psychology: More Than Just Sensory Integration
While often associated with sensory integration, convergence in psychology encompasses a broader range of phenomena. At its core, convergence refers to the process by which our brain combines information from multiple sources to create a unified and coherent perception or understanding of the world. This isn't just limited to our five senses; it extends to cognitive processes, integrating information from memory, emotion, and prior experiences to shape our thoughts, beliefs, and actions. Think of it as the brain's sophisticated orchestra conductor, harmonizing diverse inputs to create a meaningful symphony.
2. Sensory Convergence: The Foundation of Perception
Sensory convergence is the most widely understood manifestation of this principle. This involves the integration of information from different sensory systems – visual, auditory, tactile, gustatory, and olfactory – to form a complete perceptual experience. For instance, watching a video involves convergence of visual and auditory information; the visual cues showing the movement and the audio cues providing the sound. The brain doesn't process these separately; it weaves them together, creating a richer, more immersive experience. Disruptions in sensory convergence can lead to perceptual difficulties, highlighting its crucial role in our daily interactions with the environment.
3. Cognitive Convergence: Weaving Together Thoughts and Memories
Beyond sensory integration, convergence plays a vital role in cognitive functions. Consider how we form judgments or make decisions. We rarely rely on a single piece of information. Instead, we integrate various factors – our prior knowledge, current emotional state, perceived risks and benefits, and even social influences – to arrive at a conclusion. This intricate process of weighing and combining different sources of information exemplifies cognitive convergence. The efficient integration of cognitive processes leads to improved problem-solving, decision making, and learning.
4. The Role of Neural Networks in Convergence
The biological basis of convergence lies in the intricate network of neurons in our brain. Specialized neurons, often located in higher-order cortical areas, receive inputs from multiple sensory or cognitive pathways. These neurons then process and integrate this information, generating a unified representation. The strength of the connections between these neurons, influenced by experience and learning, dictates the efficiency and accuracy of the convergence process. This complex neural interplay underscores the dynamic and adaptive nature of convergence.
5. Convergence and its Implications for Psychological Disorders
Impairments in convergence can significantly affect various aspects of psychological well-being. Sensory processing disorders, for example, often involve difficulties integrating sensory information, leading to challenges in everyday life. Similarly, difficulties in cognitive convergence might contribute to problems with decision-making, attention, and executive functions, potentially contributing to conditions like ADHD or anxiety disorders. Understanding the role of convergence in these disorders is critical for developing effective therapeutic interventions.
6. Enhancing Convergence through Cognitive Training
While some aspects of convergence are innate, others can be enhanced through targeted training and practice. Cognitive exercises designed to improve attention, working memory, and executive functions can indirectly strengthen convergence abilities. Mindfulness practices, which promote focused attention and awareness, can also enhance sensory integration and improve the ability to process and integrate diverse sources of information.
7. Convergence in Different Psychological Perspectives
Different schools of thought in psychology approach convergence from unique angles. Cognitive psychologists emphasize the information-processing aspects, exploring how different cognitive modules interact. Gestalt psychologists focus on the holistic perception arising from the integration of sensory information, highlighting the "whole" being greater than the sum of its parts. Neuroscientists delve into the underlying neural mechanisms, mapping the brain circuits involved in sensory and cognitive convergence.
8. Future Directions in Convergence Research
Ongoing research explores the intricate details of convergence across various domains. Advancements in neuroimaging techniques, such as fMRI and EEG, are providing unprecedented insights into the neural correlates of convergence. Studies are also investigating the impact of technology, such as virtual reality, on sensory integration and cognitive convergence. Furthermore, researchers are exploring the role of convergence in higher-level cognitive functions, such as creativity and complex problem-solving.
Article Outline: What is Convergence in Psychology?
I. Introduction: Hooking the reader and providing a brief overview.
II. Defining Convergence: Explaining the concept beyond sensory integration.
III. Sensory Convergence: Detailing sensory integration and its importance.
IV. Cognitive Convergence: Exploring convergence in higher-level cognitive processes.
V. Neural Mechanisms: Discussing the role of neural networks.
VI. Implications for Psychological Disorders: Connecting convergence to various conditions.
VII. Enhancing Convergence: Exploring training and therapeutic interventions.
VIII. Different Psychological Perspectives: Examining convergence through various lenses.
IX. Future Directions in Research: Highlighting current and future research areas.
X. Conclusion: Summarizing key takeaways and emphasizing the significance of convergence.
(Each point above is elaborated in the body of the article, as seen previously.)
FAQs:
1. Is convergence the same as sensory integration? While closely related, convergence encompasses a broader range of phenomena than just sensory integration. It includes the integration of cognitive processes as well.
2. How does convergence relate to perception? Convergence is fundamental to perception, allowing us to create a unified and meaningful understanding of sensory input.
3. What happens when convergence is impaired? Impairments in convergence can lead to perceptual difficulties, cognitive challenges, and potentially contribute to psychological disorders.
4. Can convergence be improved? Yes, cognitive training and mindfulness practices can enhance convergence abilities.
5. What role do neural networks play in convergence? Neural networks, particularly in higher-order cortical areas, are crucial for integrating information from multiple sources.
6. How do different psychological perspectives view convergence? Different schools of thought offer unique insights into the mechanisms and implications of convergence.
7. What are some examples of cognitive convergence? Decision-making, problem-solving, and judgment formation all involve cognitive convergence.
8. What are the future directions in convergence research? Future research will explore the neural mechanisms in greater detail and investigate the role of convergence in higher-level cognition.
9. How does convergence differ from divergence in psychology? Divergence refers to the branching out of ideas or thoughts, the opposite of integrating information into a unified whole.
Related Articles:
1. Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD): Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment: An in-depth exploration of SPD and its impact on sensory integration.
2. The Neuroscience of Perception: How the Brain Creates Reality: A detailed look at the neural mechanisms underlying perception.
3. Cognitive Development in Children: Milestones and Challenges: Discusses how cognitive convergence develops throughout childhood.
4. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): Understanding and Managing Symptoms: Explores the potential role of convergence difficulties in ADHD.
5. Decision-Making Processes: Cognitive Biases and Heuristics: Examines how cognitive convergence influences decision-making.
6. The Role of Memory in Perception and Cognition: Discusses the importance of memory integration in convergence.
7. Gestalt Principles of Perception: Understanding Visual Organization: Explaining the Gestalt perspective on perceptual organization through convergence.
8. Mindfulness and Cognitive Function: The Benefits of Meditation: Exploring the link between mindfulness and improved cognitive convergence.
9. Virtual Reality and Sensory Integration Therapy: Examines the use of VR in treating sensory processing disorders.
| what is convergence in psychology: A New Psychology Based on Community, Equality, and Care of the Earth Arthur W. Blume, 2020-04-14 Explains Native American psychology and how its unique perspectives on mind and behavior can bring a focus to better heal individual, social, and global disorders. Psychology is a relatively new discipline, with foundations formed narrowly and near-exclusively by white, European males. But in this increasingly diverse nation and world, those foundations filled with implicit bias are too narrow to best help our people and society, says author Arthur Blume, a fellow of the American Psychological Association. According to Blume, a narrowly based perspective prevents out-of-the-box thinking, research, and treatment that could well power greater healing and avoidance of disorders. In this text, Blume explains the Native American perspective on psychology, detailing why that needs to be incorporated as a new model for this field. A Native American psychologist, he contrasts the original culture of psychology's creators—as it includes individualism, autonomy, independence, and hierarchal relationships—with that of Native Americans in the context of communalism, interdependence, earth-centeredness, and egalitarianism. As Blume explains, psychological happiness is redefined by the reality of our interdependence rather than materialism and individualism, and how we do things becomes as important as what we accomplish. |
| what is convergence in psychology: The Cambridge Handbook of Sociocultural Psychology Jaan Valsiner, Alberto Rosa, 2007-06-04 This book, first published in 2007, is an international overview of the state of our knowledge in sociocultural psychology - as a discipline located at the crossroads between the natural and social sciences and the humanities. Since the 1980s, the field of psychology has encountered the growth of a new discipline - cultural psychology - that has built new connections between psychology, sociology, anthropology, history and semiotics. The handbook integrates contributions of sociocultural specialists from fifteen countries, all tied together by the unifying focus on the role of sign systems in human relations with the environment. It emphasizes theoretical and methodological discussions on the cultural nature of human psychological phenomena, moving on to show how meaning is a natural feature of action and how it eventually produces conventional symbols for communication. Such symbols shape individual experiences and create the conditions for consciousness and the self to emerge; turn social norms into ethics; and set history into motion. |
| what is convergence in psychology: Handbook of Psychology, Developmental Psychology Irving B. Weiner, Donald K. Freedheim, 2003-01-03 This work provides an overview of cognitive, intellectual, personality, and social development across the lifespan, with attention to infancy, early childhood, middle childhood, adolescence, and early/middle/late adulthood. Chapters cover a broad range of core topics including language acquisition, identity formation, and the role of family, peers, school, and workplace influences on continuity and change over time. |
| what is convergence in psychology: Behavior-Based Assessment in Psychology Tuulia M Ortner, Fons J. R. van de Vijver, 2015-07-06 An authoritative volume discussing the most influential state-of-the-art behavior-based alternatives to traditional self-reports in psychological assessment Traditional self-reports can be an unsufficiant source of information about personality, attitudes, affect, and motivation. What are the alternatives? This first volume in the authoritative series Psychological Assessment – Science and Practice discusses the most influential, state-of-the-art forms of assessment that can take us beyond self-report. Leading scholars from various countries describe the theoretical background and psychometric properties of alternatives to self-report, including behavior-based assessment, observational methods, innovative computerized procedures, indirect assessments, projective techniques, and narrative reports. They also look at the validity and practical application of such forms of assessment in domains as diverse as health, forensic, clinical, and consumer psychology. |
| what is convergence in psychology: Social Psychology Morris Rosenberg, Ralph H. Turner, 1990-01-01 A valuable compendium: broad In scope, rich In detail: It should be a most useful reference for students and teachers. This is how Alex Inkeles of Stanford University described this text. It is made more so in this paperback edition aimed to reach a broad student population in sociology and psychology. The new Introduction written by Rosenberg and Turner brings the story of social psychology up to date by a rich and detailed examination of trends and tendencies of the 1980s. Although social psychology is a major area of specialization in sociology and psychology, this text Is the first comprehensive and authoritative work that looks at the subject from a sociological perspective. Edited by two of the foremost social psychologists in the United States, this book presents a synthesis of the major theoretical and empirical contributions of social psychology. They treat both traditional topics such as symbolic interaction, social exchange theory, small groups, social roles, and intergroup relations, and newer approaches such as socialization processes over the life cycle, sociology of the self, talk and social control, and the sociology of sentiments and emotions. The result is an absolutely Indispensable text for students and teachers who need a complete and ready reference to this burgeoning field. |
| what is convergence in psychology: Thinking in Psychological Science Jaan Valsiner, 2017-12-02 This book explores the development of ideas in psychology's past. It is the initial volume in a series intended to shape such ideas into a valuable resource for the discipline's future. Scientists, in general, are known to ignore their own history, considering it to be a graveyard of failures. In Thinking in Psychological Science, selected ideas of key figures in the cognitive, comparative, and developmental sides of psychology Karl Duncker, Karl Biihler, Tamara Dembo, Zing-Young Kuo, C. Lloyd Morgan, Alexander Chamberlain, and Arnold Gesell are traced, and the social contexts of their ideas are given a collective analysis, focusing on the potential of these ideas for the present state of psychology.Representing the scientist as hero has become a necessary component when applying for research monies from governmentally controlled funding agencies. Yet the reality is just the opposite: Science is not just the product of heroes; it is the product of many individuals who often search for solutions to basic problems throughout their lifetimes while only a few arrive at breakthroughs. Still, familiarity with the flow of thought in the efforts to solve the basic problems of humankind is necessary for any understanding of creativity. This book analyzes the processes involved in the search for solutions to major theoretical problems of development (Kuo, Gesell), action and cognition (Biihler, Bunker, Dembo), and methodology (Morgan). Ultimately, this is an exciting volume that reveals real science in the making.Thinking in Psychological Science will be of interest to students of the social sciences and intellectual history. It is ideal for graduate and upper-level undergraduate courses in psychology, the sociology of science, and cognitive science. |
| what is convergence in psychology: Social Psychology Ralph Turner, 2017-09-29 A valuable compendium: broad In scope, rich In detail: It should be a most useful reference for students and teachers. This is how Alex Inkeles of Stanford University described this text. It is made more so in this paperback edition aimed to reach a broad student population in sociology and psychology. The new Introduction written by Rosenberg and Turner brings the story of social psychology up to date by a rich and detailed examination of trends and tendencies of the 1980s.Although social psychology is a major area of specialization in sociology and psychology, this text Is the first comprehensive and authoritative work that looks at the subject from a sociological perspective. Edited by two of the foremost social psychologists in the United States, this book presents a synthesis of the major theoretical and empirical contributions of social psychology.They treat both traditional topics such as symbolic interaction, social exchange theory, small groups, social roles, and intergroup relations, and newer approaches such as socialization processes over the life cycle, sociology of the self, talk and social control, and the sociology of sentiments and emotions. The result is an absolutely Indispensable text for students and teachers who need a complete and ready reference to this burgeoning field. |
| what is convergence in psychology: A Handbook of Work and Organizational Psychology Charles,De,Wolff, P J D Drenth, THIERRY HENK, 2013-05-24 Organizational processes and the organization-environment interaction are discussed in this volume of the Handbook of Work and Organizational Psychology. Both organizational and environmental characteristics affect the behaviour of individuals and groups, but such characteristics are in turn also influenced by behavioural features. This volume on organizational psychology covers subject areas such as organization theory, organizational culture and change, leadership, decision making and participation, motivation and satisfaction, payment systems, effective communication, and social-organizational aspects of automation. The final chapter describes the impact upon behaviour and attitudes of the transition of a socialist-led society to a market economy. |
| what is convergence in psychology: Formal Methods in Developmental Psychology Jeffrey Bisanz, Charles J. Brainerd, Robert Kail, 2012-12-06 Current and comprehensive, Formal Methods in Developmental Psychology reviews and explains the advantages and details of recent methodological advances in developmental psychology. The latest progress in the use of mathematical and computer-based tools in the formulation of theories and data analysis are discussed. Individual chapters describe different approaches to computer simulation and to mathematical modeling, as well as the use of these models in a number of substantive areas including infant vision, perception of intelligence, spatial knowledge, and memory processes. This unique contribution to the Springer Series in Cognitive Development allows the reader a better understanding of the many forms of modeling through explicit descriptions of the steps involved in the use of various methods. |
| what is convergence in psychology: The Dictionary of Psychology Ray Corsini, 2016-12-05 With more than three times as many defined entries, biographies, illustrations, and appendices than any other dictionary of psychology ever printed in the English language, Raymond Corsini's Dictionary of Psychology is indeed a landmark resource. The most comprehensive, up-to-date reference of its kind, the Dictionary also maintains a user-friendliness throughout. This combination ensures that it will serve as the definitive work for years to come. With a clear and functional design, and highly readable style, the Dictionary offers over 30,000 entries (including interdisciplinary terms and contemporary slang), more than 125 illustrations, as well as extensive cross-referencing of entries. Ten supportive appendices, such as the Greek Alphabet, Medical Prescription Terms, and biographies of more than 1,000 deceased contributors to psychology, further augment the Dictionary's usefulness. Over 100 psychologists as well as numerous physicians participated as consulting editors, and a dozen specialist consulting editors reviewed the material. Dr. Alan Auerbach, the American Psychological Association's de facto dictionary expert, served as the senior consulting editor. As a final check for comprehensiveness and accuracy, independent review editors were employed to re-examine, re-review, and re-approve every entry. |
| what is convergence in psychology: Challenges to Mean-Based Analysis in Psychology: The Contrast Between Individual People and General Science Craig P. Speelman, Marek McGann, 2016-11-29 In a recent paper we (Speelman & McGann, 2013) argued that psychology’s reliance on data analysis methods that are based on group averages has resulted in a science of group phenomena that may be misleading about the nature of and reasons for individual behaviour. The paper highlighted a tension between a science in search of general laws on the one hand, and the individual, variable, and diverse nature of human behaviour on the other. This Research Topic explored this concern about the pitfalls of using the mean for the basis of psychological science. The problem is universal in its applicability to psychology, and opinion papers, reviews, and original empirical research from all areas of the discipline were invited. A total of 16 authors contributed 9 articles to the Topic. The range of issues that the authors viewed through the lens provided is impressive. The papers in this collection include a range of perspectives that provide concrete examples of how to approach research design, data collection, and analysis differently. No one contribution will provide a solution to our multifarious challenges, but nor should it. Our subject matter is complex and subtle, our investigations and methodological techniques will need to be equally so. |
| what is convergence in psychology: The Achilles of Rationalist Psychology Thomas M. Lennon, Robert J. Stainton, 2008-01-22 In his Second Paralogism of the Critique of Pure Reason, Kant described what he called the Achilles of all dialectical inferences in the pure doctrine of the soul. This argument, which he took to be powerful yet fatally flawed, purports to establish the simplicity of the human mind, or soul, on the basis of the unity of consciousness. It is the aim of this volume to treat the major figures who have advanced the Achilles argument, or who have held views bearing on it. |
| what is convergence in psychology: Language, Discourse and Social Psychology A. Weatherall, B. Watson, C. Gallois, 2007-03-28 Language and communication are central features of social behaviour. So, it is somewhat surprising that the social psychological study of this area has a relatively short history. In this book a leading group of scholars overview the history, theories and methods of the field, and showcase the latest developments in cutting-edge empirical work. |
| what is convergence in psychology: Social Psychology Joanne R Smith, S Alexander Haslam, 2012-06-30 Electronic Inspection Copy available for instructors here Revisiting the Classic Studies is a series of texts that introduces readers to the studies in psychology that changed the way we think about core topics in the discipline today. It provokes students to ask more interesting and challenging questions about the field by encouraging a deeper level of engagement both with the details of the studies themselves and with the nature of their contribution. Edited by leading scholars in their field and written by researchers at the cutting edge of these developments, the chapters in each text provide details of the original works and their theoretical and empirical impact, and then discuss the ways in which thinking and research has advanced in the years since the studies were conducted. Revisiting the Classic Studies in Social Psychology traces 12 ground-breaking studies by researchers such as Asch, Festinger, Milgram, Sherif, Tajfel and Zimbardo to re-examine and reflect on their findings and engage in a lively discussion of the subsequent work that they have inspired. Suitable for students on social psychology courses at all levels, as well as anyone with an enquiring mind |
| what is convergence in psychology: A Dictionary of Psychology Andrew M. Colman, 2015 An authoritative and accessible reference guide to psychology. Includes over 11,000 clear and concise definitions of a wide range of terms and concepts in psychology, psychiatry, and psychoanalysis. Ideal for students and professional pyschologists, as well as the general reader. |
| what is convergence in psychology: Theory of Collective Behavior Neil J. Smelser, 2018-11-11 This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. To ensure a quality reading experience, this work has been proofread and republished using a format that seamlessly blends the original graphical elements with text in an easy-to-read typeface. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant. |
| what is convergence in psychology: The Oxford Handbook of Feminist Counseling Psychology Carolyn Zerbe Enns, Elizabeth Nutt Williams, 2013 This handbook summarizes the progress, current status, and future directions relevant to feminist multicultural perspectives in counseling psychology. It emphasizes enduring topics within counseling psychology such as human growth and development, ethics, ecological frameworks, and counseling theory and practice. Intersectionality, social justice, and the diverse social identities of women and girls are featured prominently. |
| what is convergence in psychology: Specialty Competencies in Counseling Psychology Jairo Fuertes, Arnold Spokane, Elizabeth Holloway, 2012-12-20 Counseling psychologists have led the field of professional psychology in many areas including psychotherapy, supervision, vocational psychology, consultation, the promotion of human strengths, and the use of humanistic and empowering approaches to mental health promotion and treatment. As such, the specialization may be one of the broadest, most flexible, and widely applicable specialties in the field of applied and professional psychology. In Specialty Competencies in Counseling Psychology, Fuertes, Spokane, and Holloway provide a striking balance of the rich history of the counseling specialty and a thorough articulation of the professional practice domains conducted by the counseling psychology specialist. The authors deliver informative examples of each foundational and functional domain of competency as well as a comprehensive discussion of the historic roots that support the specialty's leadership role in professional psychology. In addition to interested individuals who wish to learn about the specialization of counseling psychology, readers from all specialties who are committed to developing professional competencies in psychotherapy assessment and intervention, supervision, vocational psychology, consultation, and contemporary issues having to do with human diversity and multiculturalism will also be served well by reading this volume. In order to assist such readers, the authors successfully capture how counseling psychology interfaces and overlaps with the other psychology specialties yet also distinguishes itself from them. Series in Specialty Competencies in Professional Psychology Series Editors Arthur M. Nezu and Christine Maguth Nezu As the field of psychology continues to grow and new specialty areas emerge and achieve recognition, it has become increasingly important to define the standards of professional specialty practice. Developed and conceived in response to this need for practical guidelines, this series presents methods, strategies, and techniques for conducting day-to-day practice in any given psychology specialty. The topical volumes address best practices across the functional and foundational competencies that characterize the various psychology specialties, including clinical psychology, cognitive and behavioral psychology, school psychology, geropsychology, forensic psychology, clinical neuropsychology, couples and family psychology, and more. Functional competencies include common practice activities like assessment and intervention, while foundational competencies represent core knowledge areas such as ethical and legal issues, cultural diversity, and professional identification. In addition to describing these competencies, each volume provides a definition, description, and development timeline of a particular specialty, including its essential and characteristic pattern of activities, as well as its distinctive and unique features. Written by recognized experts in their respective fields, volumes are comprehensive, up-to-date, and accessible. These volumes offer invaluable guidance to not only practicing mental health professionals, but those training for specialty practice as well. |
| what is convergence in psychology: Handbook of Psychology, Developmental Psychology Richard M. Lerner, M. Ann Easterbrooks, Jayanthi Mistry, 2003-03-04 Includes established theories and cutting-edge developments. Presents the work of an international group of experts. Presents the nature, origin, implications, an future course of major unresolved issues in the area. |
| what is convergence in psychology: Pacific-Indigenous Psychology Siautu Alefaio-Tugia, 2022-12-02 This book provides an overview of Pacific-Indigenous knowledge as insights of Oceanic citizen-science to inform culturally-safe practice for psychology. It profiles contemporary Pacific needs in areas of crisis such as family violence, education disparities and health inequities, and points to ancient Pacific-indigenous knowledges as tools of healing for global diasporic communities in need. The historical evolution of psychology’s knowledge base and practice illustrates a fundamental crisis in the method of producing knowledge for psychology - the absence of Pacific-indigenous cultural knowledge. It suggests more effective research methodologies grounded in Pacific-Indigenous epistemologies and ontologies for psychology and overall community capability. It fosters practice perspectives and strategies based on NIU-psychology (New Indigenous Understandings) for innovative solutions to modern-day crises of humanity. |
| what is convergence in psychology: Moral Psychology Walter Sinnott-Armstrong, 2008 Philosophers and psychologists discuss new collaborative work in moral philosophy that draws on evolutionary psychology, cognitive science, and neuroscience. |
| what is convergence in psychology: Connectionism and Psychology Philip T. Quinlan, 1991 The rapid growth of neural network research has led to a major reappraisal of many fundamental assumptions in cognitive and perceptual psychology. This text—aimed at the advanced undergraduate and beginning postgraduate student—is an in-depth guide to those aspects of neural network research that are of direct relevance to human information processing. Examples of new connectionist models of learning, vision, language and thought are described in detail. Both neurological and psychological considerations are used in assessing its theoretical contributions. The status of the basic predicates like exclusive-OR is examined, the limitations of perceptrons are explained and properties of multi-layer networks are described in terms of many examples of psychological processes. The history of neural networks is discussed from a psychological perspective which examines why certain issues have become important. The book ends with a general critique of the new connectionist approach. It is clear that new connectionism work provides a distinctive framework for thinking about central questions in cognition and perception. This new textbook provides a clear and useful introduction to its theories and applications. |
| what is convergence in psychology: The SAGE Handbook of Industrial, Work & Organizational Psychology, 3v Deniz S Ones, Neil Anderson, Chockalingam Viswesvaran, Handan Kepir Sinangil, 2021-08-04 The second edition of this best-selling Handbook presents a fully updated and expanded overview of research, providing the latest perspectives on the analysis of theories, techniques, and methods used by industrial, work, and organizational psychologists. Building on the strengths of the first edition, key additions to this edition include in-depth historical chapter overviews of professional contexts across the globe, along with new chapters on strategic human resource management; corporate social responsibility; diversity, stress, emotions and mindfulness in the workplace; environmental sustainability at work; aging workforces, among many others. Providing a truly global approach and authoritative overview, this three-volume Handbook is an indispensable resource and essential reading for professionals, researchers and students in the field. Volume One: Personnel Psychology and Employee Performance Volume Two: Organizational Psychology Volume Three: Managerial Psychology and Organizational Approaches |
| what is convergence in psychology: Moral Psychology Thomas Nadelhoffer, Eddy Nahmias, Shaun Nichols, 2010-10-18 Moral Psychology: Historical and Contemporary Readings is the first book to bring together the most significant contemporary and historical works on the topic from both philosophy and psychology. Provides a comprehensive introduction to moral psychology, which is the study of psychological mechanisms and processes underlying ethics and morality Unique in bringing together contemporary texts by philosophers, psychologists and other cognitive scientists with foundational works from both philosophy and psychology Approaches moral psychology from an empirically informed perspective Explores a wide range of topics from passion and altruism to virtue and responsibility Editorial introductions to each section explain the background of and connections between the selections |
| what is convergence in psychology: Psychology, Science, And Human Affairs Frank Kessel, 2019-07-05 These original essays, written by prominent scholars, pay tribute to the work of William Bevan. In the course of his distinguished career, Bevan has exhibited an almost unique capacity to focus a clear-eyed, critical gaze on operating assumptions and actions—his own and those of others—and to initiate consequential, constructive steps forward, both |
| what is convergence in psychology: Logos of Phenomenology and Phenomenology of The Logos. Book Three Anna-Teresa Tymieniecka, 2006-07-19 Situated at the crossroads of nature and culture, physics and consciousness, cosmos and life, history – intimately conjoined with time – continues to puzzle the philosopher as well as the scientist. Does brute nature unfold a history? Does human history have a telos? Does human existence have a purpose? Phenomenology of life projects a new interrogative system for reexamining these questions. We are invited to follow the logos of life as it spins in innumerable ways the interplay of natural factors, human passions, social forces, science and experience – through interruptions and kairic moments of accomplishment – in the human creative imagination and intellective reasoning. There then run a cohesive thread of reality. |
| what is convergence in psychology: Essentials of Psychology Saul Kassin, Gregory J. Privitera, Krisstal D. Clayton, 2022-01-05 Psychology exists all around us. It influences politics, policy, social interactions, teaching and learning science, and even workplace practices. In Essentials of Psychology, authors Saul Kassin, Gregory J. Privitera, and Krisstal D. Clayton propel students into a clear, vibrant understanding of psychological science with an integrative, learn-by-doing approach. Students assume the role of a psychologist, carrying out experiments; and making predictions. Compelling storytelling, real-life examples, and the authors’ active practice approach encourages critical thinking and engagement. This title is accompanied by a complete teaching and learning package, including: Digital Option / Courseware SAGE Vantage is an intuitive digital platform that delivers this text’s content and course materials in a learning experience that offers auto-graded assignments and interactive multimedia tools, all carefully designed to ignite student engagement and drive critical thinking. Built with you and your students in mind, it offers simple course set-up and enables students to better prepare for class. |
| what is convergence in psychology: The Oxford Handbook of Personnel Psychology Susan Cartwright, Cary L. Cooper, 2008 The field of Personnel Psychology is broadly concerned with the study of individual differences and their consequences for the organization. As human resource costs continue, for most organizations, to be the single largest operating cost (50-80% of annual expenditure), achieving optimal performance from individual employees is of paramount importance to the sustained development and financial performance of any organization. The Oxford Handbook of Personnel Psychology brings together contributions from leading international scholars within the field to present state-of-the-art reviews on topical and emergent issues, constructs, and research in personnel psychology. The book is divided into six sections: DT Individual Difference and Work Performance, DT Personnel Selection, DT Methodological Issues, DT Training and Development, DT Policies and Practices, DT Future Challenges. While the Handbook is primarily a review of current academic thinking and research in the area, the contributors keep a strong focus on the lessons for HR practitioners, and what lessons they can take from the cutting-edge work presented. |
| what is convergence in psychology: The Oxford Handbook of Sport and Performance Psychology Shane Murphy, 2012-08-16 The Oxford Handbook of Sport and Performance Psychology includes the latest research and applied perspectives from leaders in the field of performance psychology. Current and comprehensive, this foundational volume presents sport and performance psychology from myriad perspectives, including: - individual psychological processes in performance such as attention, imagery, superior performance intelligence, motivation, anxiety, confidence, cognition and emotion - the social psychological processes in performance including leadership, teamwork, coaching, relationships, moral behavior, and gender and cultural issues - human development issues in performance, such as the development of talent and expertise, positive youth development, the role of the family, end of involvement transitions, and both youth and masters-level sport and physical activity programs - interventions in sport and performance psychology and counseling of performers in distress including such important issues for all performers as: appearance- and performance-enhancing drug use, injuries, managing pain, eating and weight issues, burnout, and the role of physical activity in maintaining health. The chapters collected here also cover the history of sport and performance psychology; the scope and nature of the field; ethical issues in sport and performance psychology; performance psychology in the performing arts and other non-sporting fields; perfectionism and performance; the role of the performance coach and of the sport psychologist with a coach and team; supervision; and a look ahead to the future of the field. |
| what is convergence in psychology: The Routledge International Handbook of Critical Positive Psychology Nicholas J. L. Brown, Tim Lomas, Francisco Jose Eiroa-Orosa, 2017-09-19 Since the turn of the twenty-first century, the field of positive psychology has sought to implement a science of human flourishing so that we may lead happier, more fulfilling lives. It has found expression not only in academic papers but also popular books and, increasingly, in government policy. The Routledge International Handbook of Critical Positive Psychology is the first volume dedicated to a critical appraisal of this influential but controversial field of study. The book critically examines not only the scientific foundations of positive psychology, but also the sociocultural and political tenets on which the field rests. It evaluates the current field of knowledge and practice, and includes chapters analysing the methodological constructs of the field, as well as others that question what positive psychology actually means by ideas such as happiness or well-being. Taking the debate further, the book then discusses how positive psychology can be applied in a wider variety of settings than is presently the case, helping communities and individuals by acknowledging the reality of people’s lives rather than adhering strictly to debateable theoretical constructs. Including contributions from disciplines ranging from psychoanalysis to existential therapy, theology to philosophy, and contributors from throughout the world, The Routledge International Handbook of Critical Positive Psychology will be enlightening reading for anyone interested in how psychology has sought to understand human well-being. |
| what is convergence in psychology: Folk Psychological Narratives Daniel D. Hutto, 2012-08-24 An argument that challenges the dominant theory theory and simulation theory approaches to folk psychology by claiming that our everyday understanding of intentional actions done for reasons is acquired by exposure to and engaging in specific kinds of narratives. Established wisdom in cognitive science holds that the everyday folk psychological abilities of humans—our capacity to understand intentional actions performed for reasons—are inherited from our evolutionary forebears. In Folk Psychological Narratives, Daniel Hutto challenges this view (held in somewhat different forms by the two dominant approaches, theory theory and simulation theory) and argues for the sociocultural basis of this familiar ability. He makes a detailed case for the idea that the way we make sense of intentional actions essentially involves the construction of narratives about particular persons. Moreover he argues that children acquire this practical skill only by being exposed to and engaging in a distinctive kind of narrative practice. Hutto calls this developmental proposal the narrative practice hypothesis (NPH). Its core claim is that direct encounters with stories about persons who act for reasons (that is, folk psychological narratives) supply children with both the basic structure of folk psychology and the norm-governed possibilities for wielding it in practice. In making a strong case for the as yet underexamined idea that our understanding of reasons may be socioculturally grounded, Hutto not only advances and explicates the claims of the NPH, but he also challenges certain widely held assumptions. In this way, Folk Psychological Narratives both clears conceptual space around the dominant approaches for an alternative and offers a groundbreaking proposal. |
| what is convergence in psychology: Computer-Aided Numerical Methods in Psychology PressGrup Academician Team, Psychology: Computer-Aided Numerical Methods Introduction to Numerical Methods in Psychology Advantages of Computer-Aided Numerical Analysis Data Collection and Preprocessing Linear Regression and Correlation Analysis Logistic Regression and Classification Principal Component Analysis (PCA) Cluster Analysis Time Series Analysis Bayesian Methods and Inference Monte Carlo Simulation Techniques Optimization Algorithms in Psychological Research Visualization and Interpretation of Results Practical Applications and Case Studies |
| what is convergence in psychology: Essential Psychology Philip Banyard, Christine Norman, Gayle Dillon, Belinda Winder, 2019-05-25 The third edition of Essential Psychology provides a thorough introduction for students and anyone who wishes to gain a strong overview of the field. This team of authors provide a student-friendly guide to Psychology, with a vivid narrative writing style, features designed to stimulate critical thinking and inspire students to learn independently, and online resources for lecturers and students. This comprehensive introductory text is relevant for both the specialist and non-specialist psychology student, challenging those who studied psychology before university while remaining accessible to those who did not. The third edition: - Gives students a firm foundation in all areas covered on accredited British Psychological Society degree courses - Includes new chapters on psychopathology, research methods, language, motivation and emotion, lifespan development, health psychology, forensic psychology and critical social psychology - Relates theory to the real world to help students think about where they will employ their degree after undergraduate study |
| what is convergence in psychology: Congenital Heart Disease and Neurodevelopment Christopher McCusker, Frank Casey, 2016-05-03 Congenital Heart Disease and Neurodevelopment: Understanding and Improving Outcomes brings together the work of leading researchers from the U.K., Europe, and the U.S. to provide a comprehensive examination of the causes, risks, and neurodevelopmental and psychological outcomes in children with congenital heart disease. The book includes longitudinal studies which have tracked outcomes from birth through late childhood and explores the emergent phenotype and etiologies, risk, and protective factors that strengthen proposed models. Medical and surgical advances have meant that greater numbers of children with even the most severe congenital heart disease (CHD) now survive well into adulthood. Studies over the past 20 years have suggested certain neurodevelopmental and psychological features are common, with clinical interventions being internationally articulated. The U.K. Belfast Center has developed and evaluated unique early intervention programs to circumvent the common problems discerned and promote optimal adjustment and outcomes. The first edition of Congenital Heart Disease and Neurodevelopment: Understanding and Improving Outcomes describes these programs in detail and outlines promising results obtained by researchers worldwide. Such interventions, together with the U.S. consensus statement (Circulation, 2012) on neurodevelopmental screening, hold great promise for clinical interventions. - Features input from leading research experts in the field - Describes cutting-edge research on longitudinal studies that link neurodevelopmental phenotypes with cutting-edge neuroimaging studies - Discusses the first series of early intervention studies developed in Belfast targeted at key developmental transitions—birth and diagnosis, early childhood, and adolescence - Includes clinical implications and action points in each section - Features generalizable potential of interventions across other pediatric populations |
| what is convergence in psychology: Essential Social Psychology Richard J. Crisp, Rhiannon N. Turner, Rose Meleady, 2024-04-03 Essential Social Psychology introduces you to the core topics in Social Psychology, covering its history, methods, and approaches, as well as helping you grasp key topics such as social influence, group processes, prejudice, friendship, affiliation, and love. This new edition has a strong emphasis on real-world applications, for example exploring how social psychology was applied during the Covid-19 pandemic. It has been updated to include more in-depth coverage of contemporary topics such as social media, the digital world, as well as social justice topics, such as LGBTQ+ issues in psychology. This book is ideal for undergraduate students of social psychology. Richard Crisp is Professor of Social Psychology at Durham University. Rhiannon Turner is Professor of Social Psychology at Queen’s University Belfast. Rose Meleady is an Associate Professor in Psychology at the University of East Anglia. |
| what is convergence in psychology: From “Modern” to “Postmodern” Psychology: Is There a Way Past? Barbara Hanfstingl, Timo Gnambs, Peter Adriaan Edelsbrunner, Jana Uher, Ulrich Dettweiler, 2023-03-31 |
| what is convergence in psychology: Convergence Peter Watson, 2017-02-21 Originally published in Great Britain in 2016 with different subtitle: Convergence: the deepest idea in the universe. |
| what is convergence in psychology: Handbook of International Psychology Ethics Karen L. Parsonson, 2021-07-14 The Handbook of International Psychology Ethics discusses the most central, guiding principles of practice for mental health professionals around the world. For researchers, practicing mental health professionals, and students alike, the book provides a window into the values and belief systems of cultures worldwide. Chapters cover ethics codes from psychological associations and societies on five continents, translating each code into English and discussing vital questions around how the code is put into practice, what it means to association members and society at large, as well as how the code was developed within its unique historical, political, and cultural context. |
| what is convergence in psychology: Organizational Psychology Pieter Johan Diederik Drenth, Henk Thierry, Charles Johannes Wolff, 2000 Volume four of a four volume set. This second edition has been extensively rewritten and should be of interest to both practitioners and students of organizational psychology. |
| what is convergence in psychology: Social Convergence in Times of Spatial Distancing: The Role of Music During the COVID-19 Pandemic Niels Chr. Hansen, Melanie Wald-Fuhrmann, Jane Whitfield Davidson, 2022-07-19 |
