Glossary / Lexicon

Commission

Deutsch: Kommission / Español: Comisión / Português: Comissão / Français: Commission / Italiano: Commissione

Commission in the psychology context can refer to two primary concepts: the act of committing a behavior (often used in error commission in cognitive psychology) and a group or body of professionals assembled to address a specific issue or task (often used in organizational or clinical settings). Both uses are essential in different psychological areas, offering insights into human behavior and contributing to the development of professional standards and practices.

Description

Error Commission

In cognitive psychology, commission often refers to errors of commission, which occur when an individual takes an incorrect action or makes a mistake by doing something they should not have done. This is in contrast to errors of omission, where an individual fails to take a required action. Errors of commission can provide valuable information about cognitive processes, decision-making, and attention.

Examples of Errors of Commission:

  • False Memories: Recalling events that never happened.
  • Impulsivity: Making hasty decisions without considering consequences, leading to mistakes.
  • Incorrect Responses: Choosing the wrong answer in a test or task despite knowing the correct one, often due to distractions or misunderstandings.

Importance in Psychology:

  • Cognitive Assessments: Errors of commission are used to evaluate cognitive function and impairment in various psychological assessments.
  • Behavioral Studies: Analyzing these errors helps understand decision-making processes and the impact of cognitive load or stress on performance.
  • Clinical Diagnostics: Identifying patterns in errors of commission can aid in diagnosing conditions like ADHD, where impulsivity is a key symptom.

Professional Commission

In a professional setting, a commission refers to a group of experts assembled to investigate, advise, or make decisions on specific issues. These commissions are often formed within professional organizations, governmental bodies, or academic institutions to address important psychological matters.

Roles and Functions:

  • Ethical Standards: Developing guidelines and ethical standards for psychological practice.
  • Policy Development: Advising on policies related to mental health, education, and research.
  • Research Oversight: Reviewing and approving research proposals to ensure ethical compliance and scientific rigor.

Importance in Psychology:

  • Advancing the Field: Commissions help set standards and guidelines that shape the practice and development of psychology.
  • Ensuring Ethical Practices: They ensure that psychological research and practice adhere to ethical standards, protecting the rights and well-being of individuals.
  • Providing Expert Advice: Commissions offer expert insights and recommendations on critical issues affecting the field, influencing policy and practice.

Special Considerations

Understanding the context in which "commission" is used is crucial, as the implications and applications can vary significantly. In cognitive psychology, it relates to understanding human errors and their causes. In a professional setting, it involves the collaborative efforts of experts to guide and improve the practice of psychology.

Application Areas

Errors of Commission:

  • Clinical Psychology: Used to diagnose and understand cognitive and behavioral disorders.
  • Educational Psychology: Helps in developing strategies to reduce errors in learning environments.
  • Neuropsychology: Assesses the impact of brain injuries or disorders on cognitive functions.

Professional Commissions:

  • Ethical Committees: Ensuring ethical practices in research and clinical settings.
  • Policy Commissions: Advising on mental health policies and educational reforms.
  • Research Panels: Reviewing and approving research to ensure it meets ethical and scientific standards.

Well-Known Examples

  • False Memory Research: Studies by Elizabeth Loftus on false memories highlight errors of commission in recalling events.
  • APA Ethics Committee: The American Psychological Association's Ethics Committee develops and enforces ethical guidelines for psychologists.
  • NIMH Research Panels: The National Institute of Mental Health commissions panels to review research proposals and set funding priorities.

Symptoms, Therapy, and Healing

Symptoms

Symptoms related to errors of commission include impulsive actions, frequent mistakes in tasks, and difficulty in correcting incorrect behaviors. These can manifest in conditions like ADHD or in high-stress environments.

Therapy

  • Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps individuals recognize and correct impulsive behaviors.
  • Mindfulness Training: Reduces impulsivity by improving focus and awareness.
  • Educational Interventions: Tailored strategies to reduce errors in academic settings.

Healing

Healing from issues related to errors of commission involves developing greater self-awareness, improving decision-making skills, and implementing strategies to reduce impulsive actions. Continuous support and practice are essential for long-term improvement.

Similar Terms

  • Omission: The act of failing to do something that should be done, the counterpart to commission.
  • Impulsivity: Acting quickly without careful thought, often leading to errors of commission.
  • Ethical Committee: A group similar to a commission but specifically focused on ethical issues in practice and research.

Articles with 'Commission' in the title

  • Equal Employment Opportunity Commission: Equal Employment Opportunity Commission refers to a branch of the Department of Labor charged with investigating and prosecuting complaints of employment discrimination

Weblinks

Summary

In psychology, commission can refer to the act of committing errors (errors of commission) or a professional body tasked with addressing specific issues (professional commission). Understanding and analyzing errors of commission are crucial in cognitive and clinical psychology, while professional commissions play a vital role in setting standards and guiding the practice of psychology. Both concepts are essential for advancing the field and ensuring ethical and effective practices.

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