ART PSYCHOLOGY: A SYMBOLYC PAINTING ANALYSIS

Painter at all times had interest in that, how an audience perceive their works. This problem touches the questions of aesthetics not only. The picture can not speak the words. But the color, objects and their position in space can convey the meaning of what is consciously or unconsciously, the author wanted to say. There is a method of knowledge the meanings of art. This is a symbolic analysis. We applied this method to the analysis of paintings by Russian artist Repin. Analysis of space objects and the colors of numerous works of the author allowed, as we think, to decipher the true meaning of the work of the author

PERSPECTIVES OF SOCIAL ASPECTS OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN THE LATVIA’S REGION LATGALE

For the conception of sustainable development the elaboration of indicators allowing to determine its tendencies is of major importance. The practice shows that the lists of sustainable development criteria suggested at present do not take into consideration the pecularities of particular regions. Modern theories of sustainable development consider this phenomenon in three aspects: economic, ecological and social. The article considers the tendencies of sustainable development in the social sphere in Latgale in comparison to other regions of Latvia. The indicator here is the condition and possibilities of development of human capital (decent life for generations). The method of the research is the analysis of the statistical data. The conclusion is made on the basis of the research that the situation in the social sphere of Latgale does not correspond to the requirements of sustainable development. Research has two aims: to check the criteria of sustainbility development often mentioned in scientific literature in relation to Latvia; research of social aspect of sustainable development of east region of Latvia

ADAPTATION PROCEDURE OF THE TEST OF ASSERTIVE BEHAVIOUR

The problem of assertiveness as a condition of self-actualization is actively developed by both, theorists and  practitioners. In order to explore it,  more than 30 different tests are being developed by the scientists.  However, most of them have common drawback.In reality, behavioural acts that in one cultural environment are perceived as manifestations of assertiveness, in other context it can be interpreted as aggression or perceived as completely unacceptable. The purpose of this study was to select an assertiveness test created in a similar culture, translate it into Latvian and test for reliability. Both, direct and reverse translation was carried out, which was discussed with the author of the test. Repeated pilot testing indicate to  high reliability of a translated version of the test.

THE CONCEPT OF AN IDEAL PERSON IN WORKS OF ARISTOTLE

The issue of a human person, and his/her development, and particularly in connection with a social sphere is extremely relevant for our times. In psychology, this issue has been developed through developmental periods, theories of personality identity and conditions that contribute to a self-actualization of an individual. In this regard, interest is how these ideas evolved in the process of cultural and historical development of humankind, how they were understood by previous generations of scientists and philosophers, how theoretical views of past generations are interpreted by the researchers of our time. This determined the objectives of this research. The authors applied the method of content analysis of the text with the aim to discover the concept of an ideal, or perfect person in works of Aristotle, to compare this concept with the corresponding views of Plato, to determine the influence of Aristotle's concept of an ideal person on modern theories of personality. The research method is a content analysis of works of Aristotle and research done by the authors that reflect a philosophical heritage of the Greek thinker. As for both, Plato and Aristotle, the soul is the basis of life and the source of human activity. For Plato the soul appears to be an indivisible and immortal entity, then for Aristotle it has its own structure. Human soul is capable of development and improvement. The main condition for improvement, according to Plato, are correct actions of a person from the point of view of law and public opinion.  Aristotle believes that in this process, education and upbringing plays major attention. Aristotle's ideas today are being developed in a deep and humanistic psychology and developmental psychology

ADAPTATION OF THE ADDICTION TEST ON SOCIAL MEDIA

The issue of addiction to social networks is relevant for our time. The studies carried out in different cultural contexts indicate that addicted people are anxious, less satisfied with life, they may have problems with academic performance and with the achievement of their life and professional goals. Addicted people are more common among younger generation. For the diagnostic and corrective work with people who have addiction problems, require appropriate tools. One of these tools is described in our work. This is a test of dependence by Sheinov in addiction on social networks. The purpose of this study was to translate this test into the Latvian language, to check its reliability and validity. The relevant procedures described in the text of the article indicate to a high degree of reliability and validity of this test. It can also be used for the scientific purposes.

MANIFESTATION OF ETHNICITY AND VALUES: THE CASE STUDY FROM THE EASTERN LATVIA

Values has been explored in connection to a deeper understanding of human behavior. Values provide the answer to the basic existential questions, help to provide meaning in one’s life. Values are the key aspects of one’s self-esteem. They reflect diverse aspects of one’s social identity. According to a number of scientists, ethnic identity is a part of social identity. A number of studies in psychology has a focus on the connection between ethnicity and ethnic values. There are two main approaches towards the study of values can be distinguished. On the one hand, there are values that have the existential basis for the existence of people. On the other hand, the information about ethnic values can have applied aspect. The aim of this study is to identify differences in value orientation among representatives of two main linguistic groups that live in Eastern Latvia: the group of Latvian and Russian-speaking participants. The second goal is to explore the influence of religion, age and gender on the values of the research participants. The methodology used for the purpose of this study was to determine value orientation towards family, religious and friendship. The authors discovered statistically significant differences only in relation to a value of friendship. This value turned out to be the highest among the Russian-speaking group as compared to the Latvian-speaking group, as well as in the Orthodox group as compared to the group of Catholics

MOODLE ENVIRONMENT AND ITS USE WITHIN FORMAL AND INFORMAL EDUCATION AT A VOCATIONAL SCHOOL

The widespread development of digital technology contributes to the creation of pedagogical innovations using e-learning and m-learning technologies. The platform (e-learning environment) MOODLE, which unites these technologies, makes it possible to master the educational material both within the field of formal, as well as within informal and non-formal education. The MOODLE environment has not been yet sufficiently used in general and vocational education. The possibilities of using this learning environment at vocational schools in Latvia and Poland are considered in the article. Students who studied programs using the capabilities of the MOODLE environment, after completing the training, have evaluated the importance of such work for the acquisition of professional knowledge and skills. To do this, they were asked to answer questions of the questionnaire. The content of the questions can be found in the text of the article. The study identifies general and regional features of learning outcomes using the MOODLE environment

ETHNIC IDENTITY AND ETHNIC CULTURE AMONG THE RESIDENTS OF EASTERN LATVIA

Ethnic identity is an important component of a person’s personal identity. Many studies indicate that a strong and secure ethnic identity positively correlates with an adequate self-esteem, coping mechanisms, and optimism. In this study the authors intend to analyse the socio-psychological theories of the ethnic group, ethnic identity and the relationship of ethnic identity and ethnic culture. This article reflects findings gained as a result of a comparative analysis of the characteristics of ethnic identity and its connectedness with ethnic culture among the students of Eastern Latvia. The authors identify what is common for the ethnic groups of the region, as well as point to the differences in the perceptions of their ethnic identity and its manifestation among the respondents. Research methodology: The authors developed a methodology that combines quantitative and qualitative methods of processing the results. This article reflects part of the data obtained as a result of conducting inquiry, where respondents were asked to name literary works in which their ethnic character is reflected most vividly, as well as to name traditions that corresponds to their ethnic identity. The results of the study suggest that there is an idea of the ideal ethnic character and its manifestation. The ethnic traditions, mentioned by the respondents who has Latvian as their native language, were associated with nature, cyclical rhythms in nature and religious symbols. As for the respondents who had Russian as their mother tongue, the most significant were such public holidays such as the New Year, as well as traditional religious festivals

THE PERCEPTION OF “THE OTHER” BY THE HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS AND THE TOLERANCE

The issue of tolerance has been actively discussed in psychology. Psychological science has to solve a number of important methodological problems related to the etiology of this term. Adolescence is the time then one’s identity is being formed. This can be assumed by the authors that the pupils with a positive identity are more tolerant towards "others." The hypothesis of the study: Positive attitude influence the perception of “tolerant” schoolchildren by the “other” to a greater extent. The perception of the “other” by “intolerant” schoolchildren is more subject to negative stereotyping. For the purpose of the study, a methodology for measuring tolerance was developed. It included scales of measuring interpersonal and intergroup tolerance. In addition, expert teachers avaluation of pupils were used. Based on their assessments, two groups of pupils were formed. One of them experts rated as “good” pupils. They received higher marks on the tolerance scale. The second group of pupils, according to the experts’ evaluation, had serious problems with discipline at school. They received low marks on the tolerance scale. This group of pupils was called "hooligans." The results of the study indicate that tolerant students have no significant differences in the perception of “themselves” and “strangers.” The perception of “hooligans” shows a polarization effect: “they” are perceived only positively but "strangers".