
Donna L. Roberts, PhD (Psych Pstuff)
Bio
Writer, psychologist and university professor researching media psych, generational studies, human and animal rights, and industrial/organizational psychology
Stories (98)
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The Impact of Cognitive Bias on Decision-Making in the Workplace
Cognitive biases refer to the systematic patterns of deviation from norm or rationality in judgment, whereby inferences about other people and situations may be drawn in an illogical fashion. These biases are often a result of the brain’s attempt to simplify information processing and can have a significant impact on decision-making in the workplace, leading to faulty decisions and potentially negative consequences (Kahneman, 2011). It is important for both organizations and individuals to be aware of these biases and implement strategies to mitigate their influence.
By Donna L. Roberts, PhD (Psych Pstuff)3 years ago in Psyche
Why New Year's Resolutions Typically Fail
New Year's resolutions are a common tradition for many people as the new year approaches. These resolutions often involve setting goals related to improving one's health, career, relationships, or personal growth. However, research has shown that a significant number of individuals who make New Year's resolutions fail to achieve their goals. Turns out there is research behind some of the reasons why New Year's resolutions typically fail, as well as how some strategies improve the chances of success.
By Donna L. Roberts, PhD (Psych Pstuff)3 years ago in Humans
Cognitive Bias — Part 1: What they are. What they do.
Cognitive bias is a term that refers to the ways in which the human mind is inclined to process information in ways that may lead to inaccurate or distorted outcomes (Haselton, Nettle & Andrews, 2005). These biases represent systematic patterns of deviation from norm or rationality in judgment and thus can lead to inaccurate perceptions, illogical conclusions, and even irrational behavior when individuals rely on their own constructed reality rather than the objective reality (Ariely, 2008; Baron, 2007). In other words, an individual’s thoughts and/or behaviors might be determined more by how they create reality, than by the unbiased input.
By Donna L. Roberts, PhD (Psych Pstuff)4 years ago in Psyche
Elizabeth Kubler-Ross and the Stages of Accepting Death
Based on field studies and interviews with over 200 terminal patients Elisabeth Kubler-Ross categorized the typical progression of psycho-emotional stages an individual experiences in the process of acknowledging and accepting death. Her theory outlines five distinct phases of coping with death, including:
By Donna L. Roberts, PhD (Psych Pstuff)4 years ago in Longevity
Self-Esteem in Children
Self-esteem refers to “the evaluative aspect of one’s self concept; judgments and opinions about the relative worth of one’s different characteristics” (Lefrancois, 2001, p. 425). It is a broad and comprehensive evaluation which is not specific to a particular skill or segmented mastery level, but rather represents the all-encompassing and deep-seated judgment an individual makes about his/her core value and worth. As such, it is a powerful force in the psyche of the individual.
By Donna L. Roberts, PhD (Psych Pstuff)4 years ago in Psyche
The Nature and Purpose of Intelligence, Aptitude, and Special Aptitude Tests
In general terms, various forms of psychological tests have been employed for the purpose of measuring “differences between individuals or between the reactions of the same individual under different circumstances” (Anastasi & Urbina, 1997, p. 2). More specifically, the measurement of ability represents one of the most widespread applications of psychology and psychometrics in everyday life. These assessments of ability range from instruments that test general mental ability – referred to as intelligence tests – to those that tap specific abilities – referred to as aptitude and special aptitude tests.
By Donna L. Roberts, PhD (Psych Pstuff)5 years ago in Education
Living the Dream in Paris
Glass exploded in my face as the deafening percussion pounded my ears. “GET DOWN! GET DOWN!” Brad screamed. “THEY’RE SHOOTING AT US!” I dove to the floor of the Mercedes, just as a big, hairy hand reached menacingly towards me. My fantastic dream had just turned into a living nightmare!
By Donna L. Roberts, PhD (Psych Pstuff)5 years ago in Wander
When Your Patient Teaches You a Thing or Two About Living
The thing about clinical work is that each day you never know what’s coming. You can be working with a patient in the most clear-cut treatment plan with everything going textbook perfect and suddenly . . .
By Donna L. Roberts, PhD (Psych Pstuff)5 years ago in Psyche






