Psychology Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 20

Psychology - Essay Example There are a couple of different theories as to how memory works. One suggests that the brain actually stores all the information we have ever experienced and that the problems of forgetting and remembering have more to do with how we store and retrieve information. Another theory indicates the brain works more like old videotape – the older the memory is, the more likely it is to have broken down, lost details or become blurry to the point of nonexistence. Regardless of which theory is correct, if either, understanding the factors that contribute to remembering more and forgetting less can help us strengthen our ability to remember details quicker and perhaps greatly enrich our lives. There are several elements that contribute to forgetting. Forgetting is the term we use to discuss the loss of details about a particular event or memory that we once knew. It assumes that the information was once learned and stored in the brain but is now somehow irretrievable. At least five major theories have been explored to explain this event, all of which suggest what factors might be involved in the process. The decay theory suggests that forgetting occurs over time as unused information in the brain is simply lost because of its lack of importance in the face of other information (Frank, 2010). Information stored in the brain can also be distorted as a result of improper storage of information, allowing important details to be lost, or even through false memory in which wrong information has been stored. However, even memories that are retained correctly can be warped and shaped by the events that have occurred during the retention interval, another factor that contributes t o forgetting. Interference refers to what happens â€Å"before, during, or after learning or memorizing. Activities done before a task may confuse the retention process or what psychologists call as proactive inhibition. The more

Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design Essay - 1

Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design - Essay Example It is quite a task organizing the different professions and the re-designing process is costly if it involves already existing structures. CPTEDs emphasises on design and land use and it is different from traditional approaches towards crime. Traditional approaches emphasized on using physical or artificial barriers to deny criminals access to their targets (Stummvoll, 2012). CPTED therefore aims at improving from this method, which overlooked the opportunities that existed in natural access control and surveillance. CPTED incorporates these overlooked strategies besides territorial enforcement.This system bases on a theory, which states that adequate designs and effective use of the built environment could lead to a reduction in the incidence as well as fear of crime (Tipton &Krause, 2010). This policy has been applicable in several situations and one successful instance was in Sarasota, Florida. The planners implemented CPTED strategies to curb crime in the North trail area of Sara sota. In 1990, the City of Sarasota, decided to revitalize its North Trail area. The number of prostitutes was increasing; old buildings were present as well as restrictive zoning codes (Atlas, 2010). This factors increased crime hence discouraging economic investments and lowering the living standards of the community. Sarasota therefore sought to organize a CPTED Task Force that was to work under the authority of the city manager. The purpose of the task force was to amend some of the city laws that involved zonal restrictions (Atlas, 2010). Eventually, the planners adopted a resolution in support of CPTED in issues affecting designing and redevelopment projects. They referred to the study area as the North Trail Corridor. By analyzing the short-term events and results, the method proved effective. The city police departments used high-visibility patrols and acted in undercover (Atlas, 2010). They collaborated with motel owners to