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Chapter 1 The Science of Psychology. A Little Exercise. See in class!. Topics to Explore. The Science of Psychology Major Perspectives in Psychology Psychologists & Their Specialties. Part 1 The Science of Psychology. What is Psychology?. Psychology Psyche : Mind
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A Little Exercise See in class!
Topics to Explore • The Science of Psychology • Major Perspectives in Psychology • Psychologists & Their Specialties
What is Psychology? • Psychology • Psyche: Mind • Logos: Knowledge or study • Definition: The science of behavior and mental processes • Science: Theories tested with research using scientific • method • Behavior: Overt; i.e., can be directly observed (crying) • Mental Processes: Covert; i.e., cannot be directly observed (remembering)
Scientific Theory • Scientific Theory: A system of ideas that interrelates facts and concepts, summarizes existing data, and predicts future observations • A good theory must be falsifiable; i.e., operationally defined so that it can be disconfirmed
Empiricism • To measure and describe behaviors • To gather empirical evidence: information gained from direct observation and measurement • To gather data: observed facts
Example of Empirical Study Study by Kenrick & MacFarlane (1986) blocking intersec-tion with a stalled car. Recorded daily temperature and number of times other drivers honked at the stalled car.
A Look Back in History: The Psychodynamic View • Key Idea: Behavior is directed by forces within one’s personality; forces that are often hidden or unconscious • Emphasizes internal impulses, desires, and conflicts (especially in the unconscious) • Views behavior as the result of clashing forces within personality • Has a somewhat negative, pessimistic view of human nature • Major contributor: Sigmund Freud • We will explore Freud’s theory later in the semester
Perspective 1: The Biological View • Key Idea: Behavior is the result of internal physical, chemical, and biological processes. • Seeks to explain behavior through the activity of the brain and nervous system, physiology, genetics, the endocrine system, biochemistry, and evolution • Has a neutral, reductionistic, mechanistic view of human nature • Some research methods • Uses brain scans to gather data (CT, MRI, PET) • Looks at neurotransmitters • Treats psychological problems with medications
Perspective 2: The Cognitive View • Key Idea: Much human behavior can be understood in terms of the mental processing of information • Concerned with thinking, knowing, perception, understanding, memory, decision making and judgment • Explains behavior in terms of information processing • Has a neutral, somewhat computer-like view of human nature.
Perspective 3: The Behavioral View • Key Idea: Behavior is shaped and controlled by the environment. • Emphasizes the study of observable behavior and the effects of learning • Stresses the influence of external rewards and punishments • Has a neutral, scientific, mechanistic view of human nature • Major contributors to Behaviorism: Watson and Skinner • Events in environment Behavior • Watson studied Little Albert; Skinner studied animals almost exclusively
Perspective 4: Sociocultural Approach • Many thoughts and behaviors are influenced by our culture. • Psychologists need to be aware of the impact cultural diversity may have on our behaviors. • What is acceptable in one culture might be unacceptable in another. • Cultural Relativity: Behavior must be judged relative to the values of the culture in which it occurs. • Norms: Rules that define acceptable and expected behavior for membersof various groups.
Many Flavors of Therapists • Psychologists: Usually have masters or doctorate. Trained in methods, knowledge, and theories of psychology. • Psychiatrists: MD; usually use medications to treat problems. Generally do not have extensive training in providing “talk” therapy. • Psychoanalysts: Receive additional training post-Ph.D. or M.D. at an institute. • Psychiatric Social Workers: Many have masters degrees and perform psychotherapy. Presently a very popular profession. • Not all psychologists perform therapy!
Psychological Viewpoint Questionnaire See in class!
Psychological Viewpoint Questionnaire Score Sheet See in class!