Question

Describe and discuss the human mind as it is understood in psychology, Identify its functions and its important role in our relation to reality, to others and to ourselves. In your answer consider some of the important developments in our understanding of the mind through research and the development of psychological theories.

Answer 1

Note: This response is in UK English, please paste the response to MS Word and you should be able to spot discrepancies easily. You may elaborate the answer based on personal views or your classwork if necessary.

(Answer) The human mind develops through cognitive learning. Cognitive learning is the process of the brain where the input information is processed and retained. This information then forms the output which is the behaviour. The tools that the mind uses for cognitive learning are observation, modelling and learning. One such theory that studies the effects of cognition on different areas of the mind is the theory of the mind. Freud’s theory of the mind divides the mind into the conscious and the unconscious mind.

The conscious mind is represented by “ego.” The unconscious mind is further divided into two sections which are, the “id” or instincts and the “superego” or conscious.

This Freudian theory helps psychologists decipher both simple and complex issues of the mind. There are times when data in regards to a patient can be overwhelming to sort out and solve. In such situations, it is always prudent to first categorise the behaviour and then analyse, medicate and perhaps even solve.

Psychologists these days categorise thoughts, words and even actions as a manifestation of the conscious, sub-conscious and unconscious mind of an individual. For instance, a binge eater consciously eats more than needed in order to placate a heart-break. However, a sleepwalker does not know what he/she is doing and hence is a manifestation of the unconscious mind.

Even the work of other psychologists can have the essence of Freud’s mind theory. Let us assume Maslow’s needs hierarchy pyramid. The base of the pyramid is the physiological needs. The needs like food, clothing and shelter are consciously required by all human beings. However, as one progresses upward in the pyramid, the needs tend to get sub-conscious and perhaps even unconscious. Self-actualisation, which is at the top of the pyramid, closely resembles the Freudian “Superego.”