Author: webref

Critical psychologies and climate change

This article is a review of recent contributions in critical psychology, and its close cousins, critical social psychology, critical community psychology and liberation psychology, to understandings of the human response to climate change. It contrasts critical psychology with mainstream psychology in general terms, before introducing a critical psychological perspective on climate change. Central to this perspective is a critique of the framing of individual behavior change as the problem and solution to climate change in mainstream psychology, and a related emphasis on identifying ‘barriers’ to pro-environmental behavior. This framework is argued to be reductive, obscuring or downplaying the influence of a range of factors in shaping predominant responses to climate change to date, including social context, discourse, power and affect. Currently, critical psychologies set out to study the relative contribution of these factors to (in)action on climate change. A related concern is how the psychological and emotional impacts of climate change impact unevenly on communities and individuals, depending on place-based, economic, geographic and cultural differences, and giving rises to experiences of injustice, inequality and disempowerment. Critical psychology does not assume these to be overriding or inevitable psychological and social responses, however. Critical psychologies also undertake research and inform interventions that highlight the role of collective understanding, activism, empowerment and resistance as the necessary foundations of a genuine shift towards sustainable societies.

Adams, M. (2021, February 10). Critical psychologies and climate change. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.copsyc.2021.01.007

Beyond a Dream: The Practical Foundations of Disconnected Psychology

Disconnected psychology is a form of psychological science in which researchers ground their work upon the main principles of psychological methods but are detached from a “field” consisting of other psychologists that comprise connected psychology. It has previously been proposed that combining the two forms of psychology would result in the most significant advancement of psychological knowledge (Krpan, 2020). However, disconnected psychology may seem to be a “utopian” idea rather than a realistic endeavor. The present article therefore sets the practical foundations of disconnected psychology. In this regard, I first describe a hypothetical disconnected psychologist and discuss relevant methodological and epistemological implications. I then propose how this variant of psychology could be integrated with the current academic system (i.e., with connected psychology). Overall, the present article transforms disconnected psychology from a dream into substance that could eventually maximize psychological knowledge.

Krpan, D. (2020, December 19). Beyond a Dream: The Practical Foundations of Disconnected Psychology. https://doi.org/10.31234/osf.io/mw8fs

Scientific replication in the study of social animals

This chapter is written to help undergraduate students better understand the role of replication in psychology and how it applies to the study of social behavior. We briefly review various replication initiatives in psychology and the events that preceded our renewed focus on replication. We then discuss challenges in interpreting the low rate of replication in psychology, especially social psychology. Finally, we stress the need for better methods and theories to learn the right lessons when replications fail.

Van Bavel, J. J., & Cunningham, W. A. (2017, December 22). Scientific replication in the study of social animals. https://doi.org/10.31234/osf.io/gsz85

An Inclusive Existential Positive Psychology: A Commentary

This is a commentary to dr. Paul T.P. Wong’s article Existential Positive Psychology (PP 2.0) and global wellbeing: Why it is Necessary During the Age of COVID-19, published in the International Journal of Existential Positive Psychology. Publication can be found at https://www.meaning.ca/ijepp-article/vol10-no1/an-inclusive-existential-positive-psychology-a-commentary/

Jans-Beken, L. (2021, February 14). An Inclusive Existential Positive Psychology: A Commentary. https://doi.org/10.31234/osf.io/np7wm

Handbook of Positive Psychology, Religion, and Spirituality

This handbook aims to bridge the gap between the fields of positive psychology and the psychology of religion and spirituality. It is the authoritative guide to the intersections among religion, spirituality, and positive psychology and includes the following sections: (1) historical and theoretical considerations, (2) methodological considerations, (3) cultural considerations, (4) developmental considerations, (5) empirical research on happiness and well-being in relation to religion and spirituality, (6) empirical research on character strengths and virtues in relation to religion and spirituality, (7) clinical and applied considerations, and (8) field unification and advancement. Leading positive psychologists and psychologists of religion/spirituality have coauthored the chapters, drawing on expertise from their respective fields. The handbook is useful for social and clinical scientists, practitioners in helping professions, practitioners in religious and spiritual fields, and students of psychology and religion/spirituality.

Davis, E. B., Worthington, E., & Schnitker, S. (2022, February 14). Handbook of Positive Psychology, Religion, and Spirituality. https://doi.org/10.31234/osf.io/pgwtn

Book Review: Filsafat Manusia Untuk Psikologi (Human Philosophy For Psychology)

The book focuses on developing human philosophical perspectives in psychology which analyzed and reflected on scientific references related to philosophy, human philosophy, and Indonesian psychology development based on Indonesian human philosophy. This book is intended for anyone from any circle who wants to study human philosophy from a psychological perspective, designed for the psychology and philosophy community, and a reference for human philosophy courses majoring in psychology for both students and lecturers. In the development of psychology in Indonesia, human philosophical, scientific works related to psychology are still quite limited. Therefore, the author hopes the book will enrich the perspective of human philosophy in psychology in Indonesia.

Purwanto, T. M., & Pandin, M. G. R., Dr., M.Si., M.Phi., M.Psi., Psi. (2021, June 12). Book Review: Filsafat Manusia Untuk Psikologi (Human Philosophy For Psychology). https://doi.org/10.31235/osf.io/5x27m

“Oh, the Places You Can Go” Gen Z Psychology Students’ Perceived Career Options and Interests

Brian Collisson, Brian E. Eck

Background: Career options available to psychology graduates are often underestimated despite psychology being a marketable and versatile degree with hundreds of career options. Objective: This article identifies which career options students perceive as available to psychology graduates and assesses student interest in psychology-related careers. Method: In Study 1, 12 focus groups consisting of 59 psychology majors were asked to list the career options available to psychology graduates. In Study 2, 430 psychology students rated their interest in 273 psychology-related careers. Results: Study 1 revealed careers perceived as available to psychology graduates were most often in counseling (92%) and applied-settings (50%) with child-related (42%), business (25%), and research (25%) careers listed less often. Study 2 revealed psychology majors were most interested in counseling and child-related careers, with 18 of their top 20 careers of interest involving mental health or working with children. Conclusion: Students are often unaware of career options in psychology beyond counseling. Consequently, they tend to be most interested in careers related to counseling and children, particularly careers involving the mental healthcare of children. Teaching Implications: Findings may encourage psychology departments to communicate the broad range of psychology career options for the recruitment and advising of psychology majors.

10.31234/osf.io/tfx6n

Instructional Manuals of Boundary-Work: Psychology Textbooks, Student Subjectivities, and Disciplinary Historiographies

Ivan Flis

This article aims to provide an overview of the historiography of psychology textbooks. In the overview, I identify and describe in detail two strands of writing histories of introductory textbooks of psychology and juxtapose them to provide an integrated historiography of textbooks in psychology. One strand is developed by teachers of psychology—first as a general approach for investigating textbooks in a pedagogical setting, and then later upgraded into a full history of psychology textbooks in America. The other strand follows a more familiar perspective of historians of science and historians of psychology who build on various post-Kuhnian and post-Foucauldian perspectives on textbooks. I make an argument for integrating these two views for a more comprehensive historiography of textbooks in psychology, recasting textbooks as objects of research and sources that are interesting sui generis for historians of psychology in their investigations.

10.31219/osf.io/wjr97

Conservation and Natural Resource Management

Conservation and natural resource management are critical approaches aimed at preserving and sustainably managing the Earth’s natural resources, including forests, freshwater, wildlife, fisheries, and other ecosystems. These practices seek to balance human needs and development with the long-term health and sustainability of the environment.

Key Principles of Conservation and Natural Resource Management:

  1. Sustainable Use: Conservation and natural resource management emphasize the sustainable use of natural resources. This involves utilizing resources in a way that meets present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
  2. Biodiversity Conservation: Biodiversity conservation is a fundamental aspect of natural resource management. It focuses on protecting and preserving the variety of species, ecosystems, and genetic diversity found in nature. Biodiversity is crucial for maintaining ecosystem functioning, resilience, and providing ecosystem services.
  3. Ecosystem Approach: Conservation and natural resource management take an ecosystem-based approach, recognizing that natural resources are interconnected within ecosystems. Managing resources within the context of whole ecosystems helps maintain ecological balance, optimize resource use, and preserve ecosystem services.
  4. Stakeholder Engagement: Successful conservation and natural resource management involve engaging and collaborating with various stakeholders, including local communities, indigenous peoples, government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and industries. Inclusion and participation of stakeholders in decision-making processes promote effective and sustainable management practices.
  5. Science and Research: Conservation and natural resource management rely on scientific research to understand ecological processes, assess resource status, and develop evidence-based management strategies. Research helps identify threats, evaluate conservation strategies, and monitor the effectiveness of management interventions.
  6. Protected Areas and Reserves: Establishing protected areas and reserves is a common strategy in conservation and natural resource management. These areas are designated to preserve biodiversity, protect ecosystems, and provide habitats for wildlife. They serve as sanctuaries for species and can contribute to ecosystem restoration and conservation.
  7. Sustainable Development: Conservation and natural resource management aim to integrate conservation goals with sustainable development. This involves promoting economic growth and improving human well-being while minimizing negative environmental impacts. It recognizes the interdependence between environmental, social, and economic aspects of development.

Applications of Conservation and Natural Resource Management:

Conservation and natural resource management have practical applications in various fields, including:

  1. Forest Management: Forest conservation and management focus on preserving forest ecosystems, sustainable timber harvesting, preventing deforestation, and promoting reforestation and afforestation efforts. It aims to balance economic activities with forest conservation and ecosystem services.
  2. Wildlife Conservation: Wildlife conservation involves protecting and managing populations of wild animals and their habitats. It includes efforts to prevent habitat loss, combat poaching and illegal wildlife trade, reintroduce endangered species, and promote conservation education and awareness.
  3. Fisheries Management: Fisheries management aims to ensure the sustainable use of aquatic resources. It involves implementing regulations, monitoring fish stocks, setting catch limits, protecting spawning grounds, and promoting responsible fishing practices to maintain fish populations and support livelihoods.
  4. Protected Area Management: Managing protected areas, such as national parks, wildlife reserves, and marine sanctuaries, involves maintaining ecological integrity, preserving biodiversity, and providing recreational and educational opportunities. It includes monitoring and enforcing regulations, managing visitor impacts, and working with local communities.
  5. Water Resource Management: Water resource management focuses on sustainable use and conservation of freshwater resources. It involves managing water supplies, protecting water quality, promoting water-efficient practices, and addressing issues such as water scarcity, pollution, and ecosystem degradation.
  6. Sustainable Agriculture: Conservation and natural resource management play a role in promoting sustainable agricultural practices. This includes implementing soil conservation methods, minimizing chemical inputs, promoting agroecological approaches, and conserving water resources to support long-term food production while minimizing environmental impacts.

Conservation and natural resource management are essential for safeguarding the Earth’s resources and maintaining the health and integrity of ecosystems. By adopting sustainable practices, balancing human needs with environmental considerations, and engaging stakeholders, we can ensure the long-term sustainability of natural resources and protect the planet for future generations.

Environmental Pollution

Environmental pollution refers to the introduction of harmful substances or pollutants into the environment, which can cause adverse effects on the natural environment, ecosystems, and human health. It occurs as a result of human activities, such as industrial processes, transportation, agriculture, and improper waste disposal. Pollution can affect air, water, soil, and other components of the environment.

Types of Environmental Pollution:

  1. Air Pollution: Air pollution refers to the contamination of the air by pollutants such as gases, particulate matter, and chemicals. Common sources of air pollution include industrial emissions, vehicle exhaust, fossil fuel combustion, and the burning of biomass. Air pollution can have detrimental effects on human respiratory health, contribute to climate change, and impact ecosystems and biodiversity.
  2. Water Pollution: Water pollution occurs when contaminants enter water bodies, including rivers, lakes, oceans, and groundwater. Sources of water pollution include industrial discharges, agricultural runoff, sewage and wastewater discharge, and improper disposal of hazardous substances. Water pollution can harm aquatic life, contaminate drinking water sources, and disrupt ecosystems.
  3. Soil Pollution: Soil pollution involves the contamination of soil with toxic chemicals, heavy metals, pesticides, and other pollutants. It often results from industrial activities, improper waste disposal, and agricultural practices. Soil pollution can degrade soil quality, impair plant growth, contaminate food crops, and affect ecosystem functioning.
  4. Noise Pollution: Noise pollution refers to excessive, unwanted, or harmful sound levels in the environment. It is often caused by industrial machinery, transportation, construction activities, and urbanization. Prolonged exposure to noise pollution can lead to hearing loss, stress, sleep disturbances, and other health issues.
  5. Light Pollution: Light pollution occurs when excessive artificial lighting interferes with natural darkness and disrupts ecosystems and wildlife. It can affect nocturnal animals, interfere with migratory patterns, and disrupt human sleep patterns and the circadian rhythm. Light pollution is primarily a consequence of urbanization and excessive outdoor lighting.
  6. Thermal Pollution: Thermal pollution is the increase or decrease in water temperature due to human activities, such as the discharge of heated water from power plants or industrial processes. It can negatively impact aquatic ecosystems by altering oxygen levels, affecting reproduction and the abundance of certain species.

Effects of Environmental Pollution:

Environmental pollution has various adverse effects on the environment and human well-being:

  1. Environmental Degradation: Pollution can lead to the degradation of ecosystems, loss of biodiversity, and disruption of ecological processes. It can harm plants, animals, and microorganisms, affecting their habitats, reproductive cycles, and survival.
  2. Human Health Impacts: Environmental pollution, especially air and water pollution, can have significant impacts on human health. Exposure to pollutants can cause respiratory problems, cardiovascular diseases, neurological disorders, and an increased risk of cancer.
  3. Climate Change: Certain pollutants, such as greenhouse gases (e.g., carbon dioxide, methane), contribute to climate change by trapping heat in the atmosphere. Climate change leads to rising global temperatures, altered weather patterns, sea-level rise, and increased frequency of extreme weather events.
  4. Contamination of Natural Resources: Pollution can contaminate natural resources, such as water sources and soil, making them unsafe for human consumption or agricultural use. Contaminated resources can lead to waterborne diseases, reduced crop yields, and food safety issues.
  5. Economic Costs: Environmental pollution imposes significant economic costs on society, including healthcare expenses, damage to ecosystems and natural resources, and decreased productivity in affected regions. The costs of pollution control and remediation efforts also add economic burdens.

Addressing Environmental Pollution:

Efforts to mitigate and prevent environmental pollution include:

  1. Regulatory Measures: Governments enact laws and regulations to control pollution, set emission standards, and enforce environmental protection measures. These regulations often require industries to adopt cleaner technologies, implement waste management practices, and adhere to pollution control standards.
  2. Technological Solutions: Developing and adopting cleaner technologies, such as renewable energy sources, energy-efficient systems, and waste treatment technologies, can help reduce pollution and minimize environmental impacts.
  3. Sustainable Practices: Promoting sustainable practices, such as responsible waste management, conservation of natural resources, and eco-friendly agriculture, can help minimize pollution and reduce the strain on the environment.
  4. Public Awareness and Education: Raising awareness about environmental pollution and its consequences is crucial. Education programs, public campaigns, and community involvement can encourage individuals to adopt environmentally conscious behaviors and support pollution prevention initiatives.
  5. International Cooperation: Addressing global environmental pollution requires international cooperation and agreements. Collaborative efforts among countries can help develop strategies, share knowledge, and implement measures to mitigate pollution on a global scale.

By recognizing the sources and impacts of pollution and implementing appropriate measures, we can work towards reducing environmental pollution, preserving ecosystems, safeguarding human health, and promoting a sustainable future.

Ecology

Ecology is the scientific study of the relationships between organisms and their environment. It focuses on understanding how organisms interact with each other and with their physical surroundings, and how these interactions shape the distribution, abundance, and diversity of life on Earth. Ecology encompasses a wide range of scales, from individual organisms to populations, communities, ecosystems, and even the biosphere as a whole.

Key Concepts in Ecology:

  1. Organisms and Populations: Ecology examines the adaptations, behaviors, and interactions of individual organisms within populations. It investigates population dynamics, including factors influencing population growth, density, and species interactions such as competition, predation, and symbiosis.
  2. Communities: Ecology explores the composition and structure of biological communities, which consist of multiple interacting species within a defined geographic area. It investigates species diversity, species interactions, community dynamics, and the effects of disturbances on community structure.
  3. Ecosystems: Ecology studies ecosystems, which are composed of all living organisms (biotic factors) and their physical environment (abiotic factors) within a specific area. It examines energy flow, nutrient cycling, and the interactions between organisms and their physical surroundings. Ecosystem ecology also explores ecosystem services, such as the provision of clean water, air purification, and climate regulation.
  4. Biomes and Biogeography: Ecology investigates the distribution of organisms across different biomes and geographical regions. It examines the factors that determine the presence and abundance of species in specific habitats, including climatic conditions, topography, soil characteristics, and historical factors.
  5. Conservation and Biodiversity: Ecology plays a vital role in understanding and conserving biodiversity. It examines the patterns of species diversity, the processes that drive species extinctions, and the importance of maintaining healthy ecosystems for the well-being of both humans and other organisms. Conservation ecology aims to protect and restore biodiversity and the functioning of ecosystems.

Research Methods in Ecology:

Ecologists employ various research methods and techniques to study ecological processes and phenomena. These include:

  1. Field Observations: Ecologists conduct field observations to gather data on organisms, communities, and ecosystems. They observe behavior, measure population sizes, and document ecological interactions. Field studies often involve long-term monitoring and data collection.
  2. Experimental Studies: Ecologists design and conduct experiments to investigate ecological hypotheses and test the effects of specific factors on organisms or ecosystems. These experiments may be conducted in controlled laboratory settings or in the field.
  3. Modeling: Ecologists develop mathematical and computer models to simulate ecological processes and make predictions. Models can help understand complex ecological interactions, project the impacts of environmental change, and guide conservation and management decisions.
  4. Data Analysis: Ecologists analyze data using statistical techniques to explore patterns, relationships, and trends in ecological data. They may use statistical models to infer ecological processes from observational or experimental data.

Applications of Ecology:

Ecology has practical applications in various fields, including:

  1. Conservation Biology: Ecology contributes to the conservation and management of biodiversity and ecosystems. It helps identify threatened species, design protected areas, and develop strategies to restore degraded habitats and mitigate human impacts on the environment.
  2. Environmental Management: Ecology provides insights and guidance for sustainable land and resource management. It informs practices related to forestry, agriculture, fisheries, and urban planning to minimize environmental impacts and maintain ecosystem health.
  3. Environmental Policy: Ecological research contributes to the development of environmental policies and regulations. It provides scientific evidence and guidance for environmental impact assessments, land-use planning, and conservation initiatives.
  4. Restoration Ecology: Ecology guides the restoration of degraded ecosystems by understanding ecological processes and developing strategies to enhance ecosystem resilience and functioning. It helps rehabilitate damaged habitats, reintroduce native species, and promote ecological recovery.
  5. Education and Outreach: Ecology plays a vital role in environmental education, raising awareness about ecological concepts, and promoting sustainability. It helps foster a deeper understanding of the natural world and the interconnectedness of ecological systems.

Ecology provides valuable insights into the structure, function, and dynamics of ecosystems and their inhabitants. By studying ecological processes and applying ecological principles, we can better understand and manage our natural environment, protect biodiversity, and promote the sustainable use of Earth’s resources.

Environmental Systems

Environmental systems refer to the complex interactions and interdependencies between the physical, biological, and social components of the Earth’s environment. These systems are composed of various subsystems, including the atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, and biosphere, which interact and influence one another.

Key Components of Environmental Systems:

  1. Atmosphere: The atmosphere is the layer of gases surrounding the Earth. It plays a crucial role in regulating climate, weather patterns, and the distribution of heat and energy. The atmosphere contains important elements such as nitrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide, and water vapor.
  2. Hydrosphere: The hydrosphere comprises all the water on Earth, including oceans, lakes, rivers, groundwater, and glaciers. It plays a vital role in various processes such as the water cycle, climate regulation, habitat support for aquatic organisms, and serving as a critical resource for human activities.
  3. Lithosphere: The lithosphere refers to the solid outer layer of the Earth, which includes the Earth’s crust and a portion of the upper mantle. It encompasses landforms, rocks, minerals, and the geological processes that shape the Earth’s surface, such as plate tectonics, volcanic activity, erosion, and soil formation.
  4. Biosphere: The biosphere encompasses all living organisms and their interactions with the environment. It includes plants, animals, microorganisms, and ecosystems that depend on the physical and chemical conditions of the atmosphere, hydrosphere, and lithosphere. The biosphere plays a critical role in nutrient cycling, energy flow, and maintaining the balance of ecosystems.

Interactions within Environmental Systems:

Environmental systems are interconnected, and changes in one component can have cascading effects on others. Some key interactions within environmental systems include:

  1. Biogeochemical Cycles: Biogeochemical cycles involve the cycling of elements and compounds through the atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, and biosphere. Examples include the carbon cycle, nitrogen cycle, water cycle, and phosphorus cycle. These cycles involve the movement, transformation, and recycling of nutrients and chemicals essential for life.
  2. Energy Flow: Energy flows through environmental systems, primarily driven by the sun’s energy. Plants convert solar energy into chemical energy through photosynthesis, which is then transferred to organisms through food chains and food webs. Energy flow is essential for sustaining life and driving ecosystem processes.
  3. Climate and Weather Patterns: The interactions between the atmosphere, hydrosphere, and lithosphere influence climate and weather patterns. Factors such as solar radiation, atmospheric circulation, ocean currents, and topography contribute to the distribution of temperature, precipitation, and wind patterns globally and regionally.
  4. Ecosystem Dynamics: Environmental systems support diverse ecosystems, which consist of living organisms and their physical environment. Ecosystems are characterized by the cycling of energy, nutrients, and the interactions between different organisms. Changes in one component of an ecosystem can have ripple effects on other organisms and ecosystem functions.

Understanding and managing environmental systems is crucial for addressing environmental challenges and promoting sustainability. It requires an interdisciplinary approach that combines knowledge from various scientific fields, such as geology, atmospheric science, biology, and ecology. By studying and analyzing environmental systems, scientists can gain insights into the complex processes and relationships that shape our planet, enabling informed decision-making and the development of sustainable practices.