My Research Topic: Child Psychology

I am a psychology major looking to work as a child psychologist, or anything dealing with children. The topic that I am choosing for my research paper has to do with child psychology. I will be exploring the affects of parenting, peer pressure, and school on the behaviors of children. I will also talk about other factors that may play a role in the development of children such as, family, culture, the environment in which they are raised, etc. I believe this topic will be interesting to research.


I know that children rely a great deal on their parents for development, but I also know that other factors such as the actions of the people around them can also have an effect on their living. A child can look at their peers and start to do what they are doing. I would like to find out why children are influenced by certain factors. I also would like to find out if there may be a way to avoid such influences, or how to get a child to work around such influences. I also know that genetics play a huge role in child development, so I believe that I will have a lot of research available to me when doing this assignment.

Seminar: Final Thoughts @ IUP

During our class period on February 16, 2011 I attended a seminar called First Thoughts at IUP. At this seminar we had a speaker named Melissa LAI (Chen-Yu). She is an exchange student from Taiwan, and this is her first time ever being in The United States. She described her experience here through a series of poems that she came up with throughout her stay. The first poem that she shared was called “First Package”. This poem was about the stressful time she had trying to open her on campus mailbox after receiving her first package from home. She also described her experience at a crowded Detroit airport, and her first time picking a pumpkin. She described her pumpkin experience in resemblance to a naughty boy who had his toys scattered all over the place. Picking them up and throwing them back down, not knowing which one to choose.


She went on to describe the relaxing time she had in Philadelphia and her first time making a turkey for Thanksgiving. Melissa stated that the week before Thanksgiving break was the darkest week for her. She was overwhelmed with papers that seemed endless and she was anxious to get them finished. Also, her first snow fall was amazing to her. She admired that each snowflake had its own unique shape. She thought that they were reminiscent of the lives of humans because they were fragile and no one was alike. Melissa’s final thought of IUP was that she’s grateful that she had the chance to experience new things. It was overwhelming at times, but a wonderful learning experience that she’s glad her parents agreed on letting her attend.

Technology & Its Toll

For the most part I agree with Richtel's article. I can relate a great deal with the Campbell family. Although I an not as consumed in technology as they are , I do spend an adequate amount of time texting and on Twitter. I believe that I am a tad bit addicted. When it comes to studying I basically have to put my phone on silent and "forget" where I last put it in order to focus. I have learned to train myself to not check my phone so often when I'm trying to complete my work.


I believe technology is taking over in society. Children will soon have no recollection of what a paperback book is or maybe even a notebook. I don't agree that they will be distracted by technology though. Since they are growing up on this era they will have a better understanding of how to multi-task and not let technology get in the way. When I was growing up technology wasn't rhis big , now its booming. Since its all sort of new to me I'm amazed & consumed by it. I think that once its around for a while and people start to get used to it , it won't be as amazing. Especially since this is what they grew up with , people of future generations won't be as tempted or distracted by it. I mean let's take the television for instance , it was once a hot commodity , but now I barely even glance at it.


I also agree with the fact that technology takes away from the emotional aspect of things. A face to face , heart to heart conversation is way more meaningful than a text or email conversation. It also becomes a problem when you cannot fully engage in an activity with your family or friends because you rather be on your phone , iPad , or laptop. People should learn to balance their social , and interpersonal lives outside of their gadgets. In the long run technology may fail you , but tour family and friends will always be around.

All About Me

I'm 20yrs old. I was born & raised in North Philadelphia. I am a junior psychology major , with a minor in sociology. I enjoy going out with my friends , & having fun. I am a little shy at first , but once I get comfortable around you , you will enjoy my company. I have a great personality & a great sense of humor , but I can be a b*tch at times (what female isn't? lol). I can write for days about myself , but everyone usually forms their own opinions anyway so if you want to know more about me , just ask! : )