Answer

Claim Evaluation: Psychological theory and research into how people understand themselves and others has important real-world applications.

Part1:

Psychological theory is focused on the understanding of human thoughts and behaviours via the description of such behaviours and the making of predictions about future behaviour (Gross, 2015). Extensive research has been done on the realm of psychology, especially on how people understand themselves as well as others. For instance, the study by Heider and Simmel revealed that the interpretations that people make about behaviours are based on their needs, goals, fears, benefits, and mental states amongst other factors (Hewson, 2018). The claim “psychological theory and research into how people understand themselves and others have important real-world applications” is valid to the extent that the research can be used by individuals as well as the researchers to make sense of the world and understand aspects such as sex and sexuality as well as nations and national identities.

Psychological theory and research on people’s understanding of themselves and others can be applied to make sense of various real-world issues. One of those is the theory of mind (ToM), especially for children through the concept of mindreading and being able to understand that other people’s beliefs/knowledge may differ from their own. To be specific, developmental psychologists have used research in psychology to explore how different abilities emerge in children based on their developmental stages (Hewson, 2018). For instance, through laboratory-based experimental methods, it has become easier to assess the mindreading (ToM) abilities of children such as those to do with moral judgements about behaviours. Via the use of classical false belief tasks and visual perspective taking tasks, psychological research has become instrumental in gauging the development trajectories of children. This in turn becomes useful for individuals outside of the research experience, as this knowledge can be used to help track children’s development and any potential developmental delays or differences – such as by diagnosing individuals as autistic (REFERENCE).

Additionally, according to Barker (2015), research can be helpful in aiding in the resolution of conflicts in close relationships. For instance, through understanding the impact that anger has on people’s thought processes and consequential behaviour, the conflict can be understood as the escalating dynamic between people and factors which cause such conflict can be avoided or controlled. Research; whether a basic quantitative or qualitative observational study can be used in the real world to determine the most common features of arguments in relationships (Barker, 2015). Relying on this research can save relationships through an in-depth understanding of how conflicts play out and ways in which they can be avoided; this can in turn be implemented into every day life through the techniques used by a couples therapist.

Research has also been conducted on the different ways in which people understand themselves and others, and how this can be vital in enabling people to understand real-world aspects based on various bodily senses. For instance, people can differentiate when they are dealing with true or false information prone to errors (Turner, 2015). Even when people possess incomplete and distorted information, their brain’s ability to adapt, coupled with neural plasticity, can ensure that they understand worldly aspects. This cognitive approach to psychology therefore suggests that we have schema (information that has been categorised based on its meaning and the information it holds), and these can be used to inform our later judgements and further increase our understanding of different every-day concepts (REFERENCE). For instance, the research on different psychological theories allows people to understand various aspects of sex and sexuality (Bowes-Catton, 2017). For example, there has been extensive research on the categorisation of sex and sexuality, which has led to changing ideas on what, is considered sexually normal or abnormal and even functional and dysfunctional. Psychological research has enabled people to make sense of the different types of sexualities, especially in minorities such as lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transsexual (LGBT) people due to our cognitive ability to add to and alter our schemas relating to these topics. Sexual experiences with different people might lead to an in-depth appreciation of sexuality as a continuum as opposed to only categorising people as gay or straight (Bowes-Catton, 2017). As such, the claim that psychological theory and research on people’s understanding of themselves and others have essential real-world applications is valid and justified, as it demonstrates our psychological ability to process and gain further information on various topics.

The real-world application of psychological research into how people understand themselves and others is therefore demonstrated to be important in a variety of ways. As mentioned previously we must be ensuring that children develop capabilities which can enable them to differentiate between good and bad behaviours (Hewson & Turner, 2018). For example, the experimental study on the developmental trajectories of children can ensure that any measures are taken to rectify children whose developments are not considered normal. Additionally, the research on multiple identities and acculturation enables people to stay in peace and harmony (Andreouli, 2018). Through acculturation, people gain the identities of other nationalities, which then translates to assimilation and oneness. As such, people can know how to relate with one another and ways in which they can use their identities for their mutual benefits. (Add some more about nationalities and immigration)

Moreover, according to Dicks (2014), the application of psychological research on the resolution of conflicts in relationships ensures that people in marriages and other kinds of social arrangements can have productive relationships. Through research on anger management, couples can be helped to deal with marital problems (Barker, 2015). Moreover, understanding sex and sexuality are vital in ensuring that those with minority rights are not discriminated. For instance, by understanding why some people are straight while others are gay can ensure that people are willing to respect the rights and choices of others (Bowes-Catton, 2017).

Despite the importance of real-world applications, there are various ways in which its importance is negated. For instance, the study of behaviours by the online communities can be inaccurate as people tend to hide behind pseudonyms and engage in behaviours which are destructive to others (Fullwood and Fox-Hamilton, 2018). For instance, some of the people engage in cyberbullying online but cannot do so in the real world. Even when the psychologists engage in research intending to understand why people construct their online messages in the manner in which they do, the research demonstrates that the internet has both positive and negative impacts on relationships. For instance, the internet has the importance of enabling people to share information and romantic messages irrespective of their physical locations (Fullwood and Fox-Hamilton, 2018). However, the same internet is used to expose people in the wrong way, which has led to relationships being broken in the real world. Although online forums enable people to access others within their communities, it also allows for the spread of propaganda and hate, which is not suitable for the community. The anonymity and invisibility of the internet are detrimental when it leads to cyberbullying, which has been found to lead to death through suicides (REFERENCE). Research needs to ensure that these differences between peoples online and “real life” personality is considered before claiming to have found important information relating to peoples every day life as the results may not be generalisable outside of the online community.

In sum, the claim “psychological theory and research into how people understand themselves and others have important real-world applications” holds to the extent that it allows for the study of behaviours and makes people make sense of the real-world aspects. The abilities of children have been studied through research into mindreading. Additionally, issues of sex and sexuality when researched enables people to understand the difference relationships that exist and how knowledge and education about these differences can lead to increased awareness and acceptance. Similarly, psychological research allows people to appreciate national identities and acculturation as a way of assimilating into other cultures. Also, psychological studies enable people to understand issues to do with causes of anger and anger management. The importance of such aspects is to ensure harmonious relationships among individuals and groups. Additionally, people can make constructive relationships irrespective of their nationalities and sexualities. However, research on online users’ behaviours has shown that cyberbullying has negative effects on society, but this research is still important in order to increase awareness and inform future research that may be more helpful in differentiating between these online and real life personas.

References

Andreouli, E., (2018). Nations and immigration. The Open University.

Barker, M., J. (2015). Week 8: Conflict in close relationships. The Open University.

Bowes-Catton, H., (2017). Sex and Sexuality. The Open University.

Dicks, H. V., (2014). Marital Tensions (Psychology Revivals): Clinical Studies Towards a Psychological Theory of Interaction. Routledge.

Fullwood, C, and Fox-Hamilton, N. (2018). Week 25: Living online. The Open University.

Gross, R., (2015). Psychology: The science of mind and behaviour 7th edition. Hodder Education.

Hewson, C., (2018). Week 2: Mindreading. The Open University.

Hewson, C., and Turner, J. (2018). Week 4: Mindreading difficulties – examples from clinical psychology. The Open University.

Turner, J., (2015). Making Sense of the world. The Open University.

Psychology of Online Dating.

Part 2:

Contents

• Summary
• Introduction
• Influence of product on people’s psychology
• Privacy for customer preference
• Creative approaches in the business
• Conclusion
• References

Summary

This report examines how a start-up online dating business can utilize psychological knowledge to develop. Primarily, the role of psychological processes on an individual’s decision-making process is considered. Specific areas of recommendation comprise innovation and online communication.

Introduction

The success of a business significantly relies on their ability to understand their customers. Primarily, proper customer comprehension makes the entrepreneurs tailor products in accordance with the needs of the people. Notably, the specifications associated with business practices focus on influencing a person’s psychology of choice. In this regard, the way a business is structured and the products it offers makes prospectus customers prefer it over its competitors. Therefore, understanding human psychology and merging it with creative business acumen can lead to profitability. Consequently, the focus of this report is to provide the psychological insights necessary for developing a creative online dating start-up business.

Psychology is vital in creating a dating website because it influences people. According to Bowes-Catton (2017), there exist research on different psychological theories, which allow people to understand various aspects of their sexuality. Consequently, psychology is essential in categorising sexuality and sex behaviours especially in defining what is normal and that which is dysfunctional. Therefore, it is crucial for an online dating venture as it helps define the sexual engagements it supports.

Influence of product on people’s psychology

The first step to developing an online business is defining the product appropriately. Therefore, as the CEO, it is crucial to specify each product in a way that makes its purpose clear to both current clients and prospective, future clients. Currently, the website is designed to focus on individuals aged 30 years and above (Whyte & Torgler, 2017). However, it is vital to decide on other factors, such as the nature of relationships to be promoted and this need to be clearly defined and obvious for the potential customer (Bowes-Catton, 2017). For instance, questions such as whether the dating site only promotes heterosexual relationships or also caters for individuals who participate in same-gender sexual relationships can also increase the websites potential clientele. Ideally, the relevance of defining the nature of relationships among the target audiences is to define the target group. Psychologically, defining the nature of relationships to be supported by the website is ideal in helping people find a platform they can relate with and is suitable for their dating needs. According to Taylor and Turner (n.d), attachment leads to improvement in relationship and influences preference in people. For instance, if the website supports both heterosexual and same-sex relationship, LGBT persons will be attracted to the platform, and this will result in an increased clientele base. The view is also supported by Heider and Simmel’s study as quoted by Hewson (2018) asserting that interpretations, which individuals make about behaviours, are based on their goals, needs, benefits, mental states, and fears.

Privacy for customer preference

Dating activities which make up a relationship are often carried out in secrecy; moreover, some people tend to hide or conceal activities that may depict some weakness in them. In this regard, not being in a relationship is one factor that most people prefer to hide. Bandura (2017) states that most people who opt for online dating prefer the approach because it eliminates some of the difficulties associated with traditional dating approaches where people must meet and begin interacting. One element eliminated is a lack of confidence in meeting new people and in the individuals dating abilities. In this regard, one does not need to have the confidence to approach another person for a relationship on an online platform. Based on these cognitive factors that are specific to different persons interested in online dating, it will be vital to automate some processes on the dating website. As such, people will be able to do activities such as soul mate search on their own (Clemens, Atkin, & Krishnan, 2015). The approach will give them the autonomy and privacy that they prefer. As a result, some will feel that whomever they get to date is their choice and based on their individual needs and preferences in a partner.  Moreover, it promotes longevity of the relationship formed as the conflict resolution process becomes simple (Dicks 2014). The approach is based on Dicks’ (2014) view that incorporation of psychological research in relationship encourages to productive arguments.

Primarily, relationships are private. Therefore, people do not want external events to interfere with their activities. Thus, the online dating site will have to be confidential and safe in order for potential clients to trust that their information will not be misused or can get lost. According to Fullwood and Fox-Hamilton (2018), some of the individuals who seek partners from dating sites might be engaged in other activities or be working in professions that require secrecy; thus, the safety of their information is crucial. Therefore, it will be vital for the website to be designed in a way that promotes external communication between participants. In this regard, after identifying a potential partner from the site, there should be a provision for them to communicate using standard approaches and not just via the website. Notably, the approach is ideal because it will give the individuals a feeling of being independent or unmonitored. For instance, most people often feel that online communications on dating sites are monitored. As a result, they do not express themselves openly which may make individuals less likely to use the website or find a successful match.

Creative approaches in the business

Online dating becomes successful when clients can find their match on the platform. Notably, most organisations provide information about the people registered, including pictures. However, to make the start-up more creative and gain a competitive advantage, they can provide a short video of each participant (Menkin et al., 2015). This approach is ideal because it will show how the person is in real life as opposed to pictures, which can be enhanced. Moreover, it enables them to utilize their inert abilities in differentiating what is good from the bad (Hewson, and Turner, 2018). However, to ensure privacy and safety, the videos should not be downloadable and should only be accessible to registered persons.

Many people derive motivation from real stories in life. However, this concept has not been exploited extensively. Therefore, this start-up can utilise that concept by considering employing couples or individuals who are in relationships that emerged from online dating. The technique will encourage many clients, as they will feel that indeed online dating websites work and that they can help individuals find their soul mates.

Conclusion

To conclude, online dating sites require incorporation of psychological knowledge and creativity. In this regard, psychology is vital in determining what prospective clients require or prefer. In summary most people will require privacy, detailed descriptions of their preferred matches, and automated services to maintain autonomy. On the other hand, creativity should include factors such as video descriptions and having examples of couples who have developed effective relationships from online dating to support the start-up.