Masters in Psychology ~ 1.6

A.Exquisite
May 7, 2024
6 min read

Updated: Aug 7, 2024

x AALiYah

Introduction to Foundations, Psychology Graduate Studies

week 6 objectives:

Journey through Course
Tips for Graduate Writing
Goals for Success

discussions on journey and tips for others.

the submission of the assignment for successful goals.

class objectives included recommendations of effectiveness.

my drafted goals:

I will create a list of all the specialty designations of legal psychology by researching 1 specialty per week in order to plan my career path by the end of my first graduate psychology class.
I will review 3 legal psychology Judge-trial cases by researching 1 case per week to know the relationship between psychology and law in 3 weeks’ time.
I will review 3 successful family psychology cases by researching 1 case per week to know if actual healing is being achieved in 3 weeks’ time.

excerpt on my additions to the discussion:

•"What did you learn? What would you do differently? What was most helpful to you?
- My journey throughout this course was average in comparison to other courses I’ve taken. I consider academics to be included in my professional life rather than my personal, but I did notice a few crossover moments, perhaps this is due to the subject of psychology itself. I feel as though I increasingly overstand human beings, and will be able to apply these findings in both my professional and personal life.
- My 5 tips for graduate writing.
  - 1.Research and references are friends, spend time with them.
  - 2.Get acquainted with library resources.
  - 3.Set aside time within the time you’ve allotted for coursework for research.
  - 4. Use in-text citations to avoid plagiarism.
  - 5. Proofread with a fresh eye
- My takeaways from the coursework:
  - · Search and Research
  - ·Timelines, Records, and Proper Credit is important to everyone, even those who want it for themselves above others.
  - ·Work on written communication skills
  - ·Stay within Code of Ethics and refer to APA as necessary
  - ·Ask questions
- What I would do differently:
  - ·Read the Stanford Prison Experiment Book before watching the film instead of the other way around: as with any film that has a book or novel attached to it, although auditory and visual expresses a lot, many times only what is shot is what is intended to be seen and heard but with writing there is unlimited space for details.
- Most helpful to me:
  - ·The library
  - ·Reference books for official rather than assumed meanings
  - ·Case studies analyzing behaviors
  - ·Working on written communication skills"

excerpt from my assignment: Goals for Success Final Paper

"Introduction

A SMART goal is one that is specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and is time-bound. Reasons for using SMART goals to plan achievements include definite accomplishments, removing uncertainty of how to arrive at the goaled destination, and tracking progression. “Research Goals Do Qualitative if: Need to answer how or why questions, If it is a process…” (Burns, 2020, Research Methods).

My goals were chosen to provide clarity in planning, and guidance as parameters to stay focused on my intertwined personal and professional journey. By adding details that are specific and measurable I am able to clearly pinpoint exact milestones and progress. By adding details that are achievable and relevant, I can guarantee success and remain on my path without diverging off into other areas. By adding the element of time, I can schedule items and forecast the completion, also allowing me to easily continue on to further upcoming goals, especially those that require prerequisite. My goals benefit me by combining my experience expertise and education, and, by clearing the obstacles of confusion made by multiple interests or no existing predefined path to follow.

Goal 1

I will create a list of all the specialty designations of legal psychology by researching 1 specialty per week in order to plan my career path by the end of my first graduate psychology class. Discovering 1 specialty per week allows me to track my progress as I grow my list. In order to not overwhelm myself, I figured 1 per week would be achievable. This goal is completely relevant to my program of study, properly preparing me for success before graduation. In fact, reaching this goal by the end of my first graduate class places me well-ahead of time before graduation.

Goal 2

I will review 3 legal psychology Judge-trial cases by researching 1 case per week to know the relationship between psychology and law in 3 weeks’ time. In a way, the movie Gang-Related, comes to mind as a psychological test was used to defend a man framed for murder. I decided specifying Judge-trial would narrow my search results. I can view my progress by accumulation of each case found, as research can be a tedious task, sometimes seeming endless. This goal is achievable and at a balanced rate, to not prolong, or add stress to complete quickly. Desirability to complete this goal aligns with my program of study and ultimately, forwards my career path. Knowing that I will have these specific cases to review and refer to in 3 weeks gives me the excitement of seeing it come to pass soon.

Goal 3

I will review 3 successful family psychology cases by researching 1 case per week to know if actual healing is being achieved in 3 weeks’ time. I selected the specification of family cases rather than vaguely psychology cases to itemize, and, to distinguish from my other goals. I am able to determine when I have achieved it by accumulating 3 total cases to review. I am sure to achieve it by selecting a realistic amount to collect given my current workload. This goal is related to my program of study by my options of practice areas, and crossover interests. In my experience, I have only seen cases of ongoing meetings with no resolve, just continuous and prolonged sessions, causing me to wonder if this is a tactic for profit instead of the client or patient’s well-being as the intended focus. For example, in the movie The Forgotten, the psychologist had no goal to truly help the lady whose children were abducted. Instead, they continued to have multiple weekly sessions, and used manipulation tactics and adjustments in the failing attempts to convince her that she never even had a child. Reaching this goal will answer this question for me, providing me with a different perspective and confidence in psychological treatment. I can reach this goal in 3weeks times without violating my stress and time management. “Research Goals Do Qualitative if: You want to learn about people’s understandings, experiences...” (Burns, 2020, Research Methods).

Conclusion

I was excited to select my goals as they are connected to my current graduate study of psychology. Through listing all of the specialty designations of legal psychology by researching 1 specialty per week in order to plan my career path by the end of my first graduate psychology class, reviewing 3 legal psychology Judge-trial cases by researching 1 case per week to know the relationship between psychology and law in 3 weeks’ time, and, reviewing 3 successful family psychology cases by researching 1 case per week to confirm if actual healing is being achieved in 3 weeks’ time, I am clearly creating my career path and can successfully organize my life. Utilizing the SMART goals approach, I have improved my written communication and defined exactly stated goals that are achievable and will absolutely be accomplished in the sacred timeline create by me.

Attaining my chosen goals will benefit me, combining skills to create the perfect lane and life plan. Making practical and effective use of this checklist will serve as a timed guide for guaranteed success. Choosing such a broad field to study, this aids me by allowing me to learn all areas it entails simultaneously committing to my own unique experience and flexing my creative power by originally designing my own path.

References

Burns, J. A. (2020). Introduction to Psychology. OER Commons. https://oercommons.org/courseware/lesson/69346/overview?section=1

Voorhaar, M., van Schayck, O. C. P., Winkens, B., Muris, J. W. M., & Slok, A. H. M. (2023). It Is Smart to Set Treatment Goals, But Are Set Treatment Goals SMART? A Qualitative Assessment of Goals Described in the Assessment of the Burden of COPD Tool. COPD: Journal of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, 20(1), 357–362. https://doi.org/10.1080/15412555.2023.2289908"