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Chapter 1: The Evolution of Psychology

Chapter 1: The Evolution of Psychology. What is Psychology. Psychology is the science that studies behavior and the physiological and cognitive processes that underlie it, and it is the profession that applies the knowledge to solve practical problems. How Psychology Developed.

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Chapter 1: The Evolution of Psychology

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  1. Chapter 1: The Evolution of Psychology

  2. What is Psychology Psychology is • the science that studies behavior and • the physiological and cognitive processes that underlie it, and • it is the profession that • applies the knowledge to solve practical problems.

  3. How Psychology Developed • Prior to 1879 • Physiology and philosophy –Parents of Psy. • Wilhelm Wundt (1832-1920) University of Leipzig, Germany • Psychology an independent discipline • Established the first laboratory for the study of psychology in 1879

  4. The Battle of the “Schools” in the U.S.: Structuralism vs. Functionalism Structuralism – Edward Titchener • Analyze consciousness into basic elements • Experimental Introspection – • careful, systematic observations of one’s own conscious experience

  5. The Battle of the “Schools” in the U.S.: Structuralism vs. Functionalism Functionalism – William James • Investigate function/purpose of consciousness • Stream of Consciousness • Led to investigation of mental testing, developmental patterns, and sex differences • G. Stanley Hall – Founder and1st APA President

  6. Behaviorism: Redefining Psychology John B. Watson (1878-1958): United States • Behaviorism • Psychology = scientific study of behavior • Behavior = overt or observable responses or activities

  7. John Watson and the Nature-Nurture Debate • Nurture, not nature (Heredity vs. Environment) • “give me a dozen healthy infants, well-formed, and my own special world to bring them up in and I’ll guarantee to take any one at random and train him to become any type of specialist I might select – doctor, lawyer, artist, merchant-chief, and yes, even beggar-man and thief…”

  8. Behaviorism: Redefining Psychology • Radical reorientation of psychology as a science of observable behavior • Animals can be studied to understand humans

  9. Are people free?B.F. Skinner B.F. Skinner (1904-1990): United States • Responses that lead to positive outcomes are repeated • Responses that lead to negative outcomes are not repeated • Behavior is Lawful

  10. Behaviorism Today Albert Bandura (1925 - ): United States • Cognitive Behaviorism (Neo Behaviorism) • Cognitions and social situations influence learning. • Humans are active agents.

  11. Sigmund Freud and the Concept of the Unconscious Mind Sigmund Freud (1856-1939): Austria • Psychoanalytic school of thought • Thought that Consciousness should not be the focus of Psychology • Emphasis on unconscious processes influencing behavior

  12. Freud’s Ideas: Controversy and Influence • Unconscious exerts great influence on behavior; behavior is not accidental • Unconscious conflict related to sexuality plays a central role in behavior • Personality is developed in first 5 years • Significant influence on the field of psychology

  13. The 1950’s: Opposition to Psychoanalytic Theory and Behaviorism • Charges that both were de-humanizing • A new school of thought emerged – Humanism • Abraham Maslow (1908-1970) and Carl Rogers (1902-1987) • Emphasis on the unique qualities of humans: freedom and personal growth

  14. Putting the Psyche Back in Psychology:The Return of Cognition • Cognition = mental processes involved in acquiring knowledge • 1950’s and 60’s – Piaget, Chomsky, and Simon • Application of scientific methods to studying internal mental events

  15. Biological Psychology:The Biological Basis of Behavior Biological perspective - behavior explained in terms of physiological processes – Brain, biology and genetics • Human Genome Project • Pharmaceuticals

  16. Evolutionary Psychology: Human Adaptations • Natural selection occurs for behavioral, as well as physical, characteristics • Buss, Daly & Wilson, Cosmides & Tooby – 80’s and 90’s • Mating preferences, jealousy, aggression, sexual behavior, language, decision making, personality, and development

  17. Positive Psychology • Martin Seligman’s epiphany • Humanist concerns revisited • Uses theory and research to better understand the positive, creative, and fulfilling aspects of human existence • Positive subjective experiences • Positive individual traits • Positive institutions and communities

  18. Psychology Today:A Thriving Science and Profession • Research: Seven major areas • Applied Psychology: Four major areas

  19. Figure 1.7 Employment of psychologists by setting

  20. Psychology Today:Research Areas • Developmental • Social • Experimental • Physiological • Cognitive • Personality • Psychometrics

  21. Figure 1.8 Major research areas in contemporary psychology

  22. Psychology Today:Professional Areas • Clinical • Counseling • Educational and School • Industrial and Organizational

  23. Figure 1.9 Principal professional specialties in contemporary psychology

  24. Psychology Today:Degrees • Psychiatrist / Psychologist • MD • PhD • PsyD • EdD • MA, MSW

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