JIMMA UNIVERSITY

FACULTY OF HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCE

GENERAL PSYCHOLOGY FOR DISTANCE

LEARNERS

ASSIGNMENT

SUDENT’S NAME: DANIEL BIRHANU HORDOFA

DEPARTMENT: ACCOUNTING AND FINACE
YEAR: 1
TERM:1
CENTER: JIMMA UNIVERSTIY
 QUESTION
1. Discuss the significance of psychology to business students
in not more that 200 words.
 Psychology holds significant relevance for business students across various dimensions.
Firstly, understanding human behavior, motivation, and decision-making processes aids
in effective leadership, team management, and interpersonal communication within
organizations. Business success often hinges on the ability to comprehend consumer
behavior, market trends, and psychological factors influencing purchasing decisions.
 Moreover, psychology equips students with valuable insights into organizational
behavior, enabling them to navigate workplace dynamics, resolve conflicts, and foster a
positive work environment. By grasping principles of cognitive biases and behavioral
economics, business professionals can make informed strategic decisions and optimize
marketing strategies.
 Additionally, psychology plays a crucial role in talent management, recruitment, and
employee engagement strategies. By leveraging psychological theories and
methodologies, businesses can enhance employee satisfaction, productivity, and overall
organizational performance.
 In essence, integrating psychological principles into business education empowers
students to become well-rounded professionals capable of understanding, influencing,
and adapting to the complex human dynamics inherent in organizational contexts.

2. Mention the relationship between motivation and

productivity.
 The relationship between motivation and productivity is well-established. Motivation is
the driving force behind an individual's actions, goals, and behaviors. When individuals
are motivated, they are more likely to put in the effort and energy required to
accomplish tasks effectively and efficiently. This increased effort often leads to higher
levels of productivity.
 Several theories, such as Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs and Herzberg's Two-Factor
Theory, emphasize the importance of motivation in the workplace. According to these
theories, when individuals feel motivated, satisfied, and fulfilled in their work, they are
more likely to be productive.
 Conversely, when individuals lack motivation, whether due to factors such as low job
satisfaction, lack of recognition, or unclear goals, their productivity may suffer.
 Therefore, organizations often invest in strategies to boost employee motivation, such
as providing meaningful work, offering rewards and recognition, and fostering a positive
work environment.
 In summary, motivation plays a crucial role in influencing productivity. When individuals
are motivated, they are more likely to be productive and achieve their goals, benefiting
both themselves and their organizations

3. Explain how nature and nurture affect the development

and later the productivity of an individual.
 The development and productivity of an individual are significantly influenced by
both nature and nurture, each playing a crucial role in shaping a person's abilities,
behaviors, and potential.
 Nature refers to the genetic and biological factors inherited from one's parents and
ancestors. This includes physical attributes like height, eye color, and predispositions
to certain health conditions, as well as certain aspects of personality and
intelligence. The genetic makeup can determine an individual's potential in various
fields, such as sports, academics, and art. For instance, some people may inherit a
natural aptitude for mathematics or music, making them more likely to excel in
these areas with less effort compared to others.
 Nurture involves the environmental factors and experiences that affect an individual
throughout their life, starting from their family upbringing, education, social
interactions, and culture. Nurture plays a crucial role in shaping an individual's
beliefs, values, habits, and skills. Education and learning experiences, for example,
significantly contribute to intellectual development and career success. Social
interactions and relationships help develop emotional intelligence and coping
mechanisms. The nurturing environment can either foster and enhance the natural
potentials of an individual or hinder their development due to negative influences or
lack of opportunities.
 The interplay between nature and nurture is complex, with both elements
influencing each other. For example, a naturally intelligent child (nature) who
receives encouragement and high-quality education (nurture) is likely to perform
better academically and achieve greater success in life. Conversely, a child with a
natural predisposition towards athleticism might not reach their full potential
without proper training, nutrition, and support (nurture).
  In terms of productivity, both genetic predispositions and environmental factors
contribute to an individual's ability to perform tasks efficiently and effectively.

4.) Mr. J is suspected to be involved in the corruption

allegation recently reported to the police. Furthermore, he is
an authoritarian leader in his department and less motivated
to participate in team work with his subordinates. From
developmental psychology point of view, how can you explain
the effect of nature and nurture in the behaviors of Mr. J.?
 Analyzing Mr. J's behavior through the lens of developmental psychology involves
considering both nature and nurture factors.
A. Nature (Genetic Factors): Mr. J's authoritarian leadership style and possible
involvement in corruption could stem from genetic predispositions influencing
personality traits such as assertiveness and risk-taking tendencies. Genetic factors might
also contribute to his motivation levels and interpersonal dynamics.
B. Nurture (Environmental Factors): Mr. J's behavior may also be influenced by
environmental factors such as his upbringing, education, and professional experiences.
For instance, if he grew up in an environment where authoritarianism was valued or if
he was exposed to corrupt practices in his career, these experiences could shape his
behavior as an adult.
 The combination of Mr. J's genetic predispositions and environmental influences
interacts to mold his behavior. While his genetic makeup may incline him towards
certain traits, his experiences and surroundings further shape and reinforce these
tendencies. Understanding this interplay between nature and nurture provides insights
into Mr. J's behavior and potential avenues for intervention or change.

5. How can you apply the principle of reinforcement and punishment

in the work set up of your organization?
In the work setup of an organization, the principle of reinforcement and punishment can be
applied to encourage desirable behaviors and discourage undesirable ones. Here's how it can
be implemented:
  Reinforcement: - Recognize and reward employees for demonstrating positive
behaviors or achieving desired outcomes. This could include verbal praise, bonuses,
promotions, or other forms of recognition.
o Implement incentive programs where employees earn rewards for meeting or
exceeding performance targets.
o Provide opportunities for skill development and career advancement to
reinforce employees' efforts and motivate them to continue performing well.
 Punishment:- Establish clear consequences for behaviors that are detrimental to the
organization or its goals. This could include verbal warnings, written reprimands, or even
termination in severe cases.
o Ensure that consequences are applied consistently and fairly across all
employees to maintain a sense of fairness and accountability.
 Use progressive discipline techniques, such as escalating consequences for
repeated violations, to give employees opportunities to correct their behavior
before more severe punishment is administered.

6. What are the psychological explanations in which people differ

from each others?
People differ from each other psychologically due to a variety of factors, including genetics,
upbringing, experiences, and environment. Some key psychological explanations for these
differences include:

 Genetics: Differences in genes can influence personality traits, cognitive abilities, and
predispositions to certain psychological disorders.
 Environment: Upbringing, cultural background, and life experiences can all shape an
individual's psychological development and outlook on life.
 Socialization: The process by which individuals learn and adapt to the norms, values, and
behaviors of their society or social group can lead to differences in behavior and
attitudes.
 Cognitive processes: Variations in cognitive abilities, such as memory, attention, and
problem-solving skills, can lead to differences in how people perceive and interact with
the world.
 Personality: Individual differences in personality traits, such as extraversion,
agreeableness, conscientiousness, neuroticism, and openness to experience, can
account for variations in behavior and psychological functioning.6. Biological factors:
Variations in brain structure and function, neurotransmitter levels, and hormonal
influences can contribute to differences in psychological traits and behaviors.
 7. What is the relationship and interplay of sensation and
perception? How do they affect our daily life?
 Sensation and perception are closely related processes that work together to
help us make sense of the world around us. Sensation refers to the process by
which our sensory receptors and nervous system receive and detect stimuli from
our environment, such as light, sound, and touch. Perception, on the other hand,
refers to the way we interpret and organize these sensations to create a
meaningful experience.
 Sensation provides the raw data that our brains use to create perceptions. For
example, when we see a red apple, our eyes detect the light reflecting off the
apple and send signals to our brain, which then interprets this information as the
color red. Perception involves not only recognizing the color red but also
understanding that the object is an apple and distinguishing it from other
objects.
 These processes play a crucial role in our daily lives, as they help us navigate and
interact with our environment. They allow us to recognize objects, interpret
sounds, and respond to stimuli. For example, our ability to perceive depth helps
us judge distances when driving or walking, while our sense of touch allows us to
feel pain or pleasure.
 Overall, sensation and perception work together to create our sensory
experience of the world, shaping how we perceive and interact with our
surroundings

8. What are the two dominant bases for the source of psyohological
problems . And how do we know that an individual has psychological
problems ?
 The two dominant bases for the source of psychological problems are often considered
to be biological factors and environmental factors. Biological factors include genetic
predispositions and neuro-chemical imbalances, while environmental factors
encompass experiences, trauma, and upbringing.
 Detecting psychological problems in individuals involves observing behavioral changes,
emotional disturbances, cognitive difficulties, and disruptions in social interactions.
Additionally, formal diagnostic criteria, such as those outlined in psychological manuals
like the DSM-5, are used by mental health professionals to identify and categorize
 psychological disorders . It's crucial to consult with qualified professionals for accurate
assessments and diagnosis.

9. What is work related stresses? And how do we manage it?

Work-related stress refers to the physical, emotional, and mental strain experienced by
individuals due to their work environment or demands. It can arise from factors such as high
workload, tight deadlines, conflicts with coworkers, lack of job control, or insufficient support
from management.

To manage work-related stress effectively, individuals can implement various strategies:

1. Identify the source: Recognize the specific aspects of your job or work environment that are
causing stress. This could involve keeping a journal to track stressful situations.

2. Establish boundaries: Set clear boundaries between work and personal life. Avoid taking
work home whenever possible, and make time for relaxation and activities that recharge you.

3. Prioritize tasks: Break down tasks into smaller, manageable components and prioritize them
based on urgency and importance. This can help prevent feeling overwhelmed by a large
workload.

4. Communicate effectively: Open communication with supervisors and colleagues can help
address issues before they escalate. Express concerns or seek support when needed.

5. Practice self-care: Engage in activities that promote physical and mental well-being, such as
exercise, meditation, hobbies, and spending time with loved ones.

6. Time management: Use time management techniques such as setting realistic goals,
delegating tasks when possible, and avoiding procrastination to reduce stress.

7. Seek support: Reach out to friends, family, or support groups for emotional support.
Professional counseling or therapy may also be beneficial for managing stress.

8. Take breaks: Regular breaks throughout the workday can help prevent burnout and improve
productivity. Use breaks to relax, recharge, and refocus.

9. Develop coping skills: Learn and practice stress management techniques such as deep
breathing, mindfulness, or progressive muscle relaxation to cope with stressful situations more
effectively.
10. In reading this module, in same cases you might have used
elaborative rehearsal. What methodology you used to memorize the
information?
 To memorize information, I employed a combination of active reading and elaborative
rehearsal. I focused on understanding the concepts in the module and then reinforced
my memory by actively connecting new information with existing knowledge. This
method helps in creating a more meaningful and lasting memory of the content. To
memorize information, I employed a combination of active reading and elaborative
rehearsal. I focused on understanding the concepts in the module and then reinforced
my memory by actively connecting new information with existing knowledge. This
method helps in creating a more meaningful and lasting memory of the content.

THE END