Ella Shearer | Staff Writer
July 19, 2023
In Jodi Treadway’s focus area, one can expect an engaging and personable class. Meeting in the Business Building, the Psychology and Behavioral Studies focus area participates in lively, detailed class discussions each day. The group consists of a nice blend of quiet listeners and wise talkers; Jodi thoroughly explains each idea with examples and questions for her scholars. Currently, they have no set plan for a final project; however, the scholars seem to be particularly excited about one idea. Though Jodi has yet to confirm, the focus area might be creating a psychology experiment with the scholars on Murray State University’s campus. Through their casual lecture and discussion style class, scholars are sure to learn a wealth of knowledge about any topic Jodi teaches.
On one particular day, the professor introduced the idea of independent and interdependent views of self. Along with this, she taught the individualist and collectivist personalities. Defined simply, an individualist is someone who’s “self” is defined through stable attributes that do not change. Contrary to that, a collectivist is someone who’s “self” is defined as behaviors that change depending on context.
After class, an interview with Jodi revealed that scholars tend to be more individualistic upon their arrival at the Governor’s Scholars Program, but by nature the program is designed to be a collectivist environment. Collectivists encourage community, working together, and benefiting the group as a whole. Think about it: the Monday community meetings, the lack of cellphones, the mandatory events. Each aspect of the program pushes scholars together to develop an interdependent view of self. Meaning, instead of working hard towards the goals of oneself, scholars are encouraged to work hard for the whole program and its community.
The Governor’s Scholar Program is a perfect example of different psychological perspectives coming together to create a highly intellectual and successful community. With their current topic of identity, scholars are experiencing the inner workings of GSPsychology.
