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Psychology is…

Psychology is…. The scientific study of mental processes and behaviors. Behavior: any activity, voluntary or involuntary, performed by a subject (animal or person). Mental process: Thoughts, creation and recall of memories, problem solving, emotions.

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Psychology is…

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  1. Psychology is… • The scientific study of mental processes and behaviors Behavior: any activity, voluntary or involuntary, performed by a subject (animal or person) Mental process: Thoughts, creation and recall of memories, problem solving, emotions QUICK WRITE: list examples of voluntary and involuntary actions

  2. Psychology is also… • The scientific study of why people do what they do Nurture? Nature? OR In plain language: Was I born preprogrammed to behave and think and feel as I do? Did I learn through experience how to behave and think and feel as I do? OR

  3. nature • DNA/genetics • "Switches" on genes that turn off or on due to environmental stimuli • mental disorders (OCD, schizophrenia) and other genetic diseases • IQ--intelligence quotient???? • Predisposition for certain behaviors: addiction, risky behavior, shyness • Physiological responses to stimuli • pain • pleasure • reflexes • “instinct” • “flight or fight” QUICK WRITE: Explain why IQ has a “?” by it. Define “predisposition” Define “physiological”

  4. nature • Chemical processes within the body • Hormones, enzymes, neurotransmitters • Brain structures and neural pathways • Different parts of brain control hunger, fear, pleasure, desire, memory, reading, writing... • Sensory centers • optic • olfactory • auditory • taste • Neural pathways form while in utero--shape thinking processes, abilities, and behavioral responses QUICK WRITE: Define “in utero”. Define “neural pathways”

  5. nurture • The environment (home and neighborhood) in which one is raised • Unhealthy: dysfunctional, abusive, violent • Healthy: stability, safety and security • Relationships with parents and peers • Healthy: stable, supportive, open, honest, and trusting • unhealthy: abusive, neglectful, cold, passive, manipulative • Imitation of modeled behaviors from media, real life • Peer pressure • Cultural and gender norms and expectations • Reinforcement (punishment or reward) of behaviors • Exposure to environmental toxins, chemicals, drugs, alcohol • Chemicals from outside world interact with our internal chemistry to cause behaviors and thought changes • Nutrition Quick Talk: What things do you think will appear in this list?

  6. What do psychologists do? • Explain why people are the way they are • Diagnose and treat mental, relationship, emotional and behavioral problems • Help identify people’s strengths and weaknesses • Explain the behavior and thinking of individuals and groups • Predict behaviors of people in certain situations • Identify the genetic, hormonal, environmental, social, and other causes of behaviors and mental processes • Help people understand themselves and the root cause of their inter- and intra-personal problems QUICK WRITE: What is the difference between “inter” and “intra” personal? Provide 1 example of an interpersonal and 1 example of an intrapersonal problem a person might have.

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