The role temptation plays within the context of the criminal psyche, is a matter which

compels my inquisitive and analytical mind to gain a deeper knowledge and

understanding. Do we as a society and the criminal as an individual, require temptation in
order to function adequately? Furthermore, is it the actual nature of temptation within
both society and the mind, that cause criminal activity, and do both need the other in
order for survival? The possible interpretations for criminal behaviour seem to be infinite,
with criminals evolving as the world does. The vast array of complexities surrounding
criminal behaviour enthrall me; and may be far beyond both logical reasoning and human
imagination.
The passionate desire I possess for analysing and understanding people's behaviour and
logic has been apparent since my early adolescence. What intrigues me most are those
aspects of the criminal that trigger my sub-conscience into desiring knowledge of
how and why criminals function. The path upon which I have embarked since
leaving secondary education has been an enlightening one.. It is this journey
through life that has enabled me to have an open-minded and analytical approach to
all I aim to achieve within my life, on both a personal and academic level. I am
confident in my ability to accomplish all my goals and aspirations which will
continually change and develop throughout the process of life.
The golden question seems to be why human beings behave the way that they do a
simple question yet a question that millions have failed to answer. Before taking
Psychology as an A level, naivety allowed me to believe that the answer to this question
was seemingly transparent. Visiting places such as Sachsenhausen concentration camp in
Germany and the site of the World Trade Centre in the United States really made me
contemplate about what leads people to take such drastic measures, could it be that there
was something mentally wrong with them or can the feeling of hatred really be that
strong. This is why I aspire to have a career in Psychology. Whilst applying for college, I
made the decision to take Psychology as an A level simply out of curiosity; shortly after
beginning my course I knew that two years would not be enough to satisfy my desire to
comprehend this subject and the constant feeling that I have so much more to learn
excites me.

From my time studying in university, I hope to go on to contribute to the world of

Psychology. There is still much to learn about the brain and human behaviour. As
Santiago Ramn y Cajal, one of the founding fathers of modern neuroscience, once said,
"As long as our brain is a mystery, the universe, the reflection of the structure of the
brain, will also be mystery."
Determination has also been drilled into me from years of rugby and this characteristic
has seeped into other aspects of my life including school work and other hobbies.
I have been elected to be a prefect this year in my school. I have the responsibility of

being a good role model to younger pupils and also carrying out various duties.
I am very excited at the prospect of going to University and the social aspects and
responsibilities that come with it. I would love to extend my knowledge of psychology
there as well. Through personal observations I feel I am slowly coming up with many
questions that I think this course could help answer. I also know that this course could be
used in any path that I choose to take after University

"Sometimes a cigar is just a cigar" (Sigmund Freud)

To what extent should we humans accept things the way they are? When should we
seek deep meanings and what are the circumstances that convert simple
unambiguous certainties into complex facts? These and many other questions have
aroused in me a keen interest in Psychology. I regard Psychology as an intricate
puzzle that tries to unravel an understanding of human thought, emotion and
behaviour. My desire is to collect the puzzle pieces together so that we are able to
comprehend the complexity of the human mind. My fledging career in Psychology has
taught me that everything I have dreamt of can be turned into a profession: a profession
that helps people to help themselves, searching together with them for the vital pieces of
the puzzle.
The A levels I have studied have aided to the augmentation of the Psychology experience.
I am aware that a degree is not a fast-track pass to my dream career. However, it is a
qualification and an important step towards achieving my goal- becoming a Psychologist.
Psychology can be seen equally a science and an art, but most important it is a source of
inspiration- I aspire to live a life devoted to Psychology.

As a student I will bring with me great enthusiasm, a need to learn and develop skills
from
the university lectures and I will also bring great passion and curiosity towards
psychology

Why do humans act the way they do? It seems a simple question, but you're as likely to
know the answer as you are to learn of the meaning of life. But that doesn't mean we
don't try.
When I applied for college, I took Psychology simply because I was curious, but now, it
enthrals me; studying the different theories put forward as to why we do certain things, or
why we don't; delving into the minds of the depressed, the murderous or the deranged
and generally trying to explain the things we do unconsciously, like conform. To what
lengths can we know about ourselves and what we do?
I want to know everything there is to know, to discover the answers, or understand the
arguments and counter-arguments; to comprehend how our mind works and what purpose
these functions have, or how we remember and recall; why we help or defend; how our
mind can cause us illness. All these things are just a sample of what captivates me with
Psychology,