chapter 1 the science of psychology slide 2 of 27 a little exercise see in class!
Post on 15-Jan-2016
218 views
TRANSCRIPT
Chapter 1The Science of Psychology
Slide 2 of 27
A Little Exercise
See in class!
Slide 3 of 27
Topics to Explore
1. The Science of Psychology
2. Major Perspectives in Psychology
3. Psychologists & Their Specialties
Part 1The Science of Psychology
Slide 5 of 27
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)
Slide 6 of 27
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
Slide 7 of 27
Concepts & Operational Definitions
Slide 8 of 27
Scientific Method
Slide 9 of 27
• To measure and describe behaviors• To gather empirical evidence: information gained from
direct observation and measurement• To gather data: observed facts
Empiricism
Slide 10 of 27
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.
Example of Empirical Study
Part 2Major Perspectives in Psychology
Slide 12 of 27
• 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
A Look Back in History: The Psychodynamic View
Slide 13 of 27
Sigmund Freud
Slide 14 of 27
• 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 1: The Biological View
Slide 15 of 27
• 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 2: The Cognitive View
Slide 16 of 27
• 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 3: The Behavioral View
Slide 17 of 27
Ivan Pavlov
Slide 18 of 27
B. F. Skinner
Slide 19 of 27
• 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 members of various groups.
Perspective 4: Sociocultural Approach
Slide 20 of 27Relative Prominence of Major Schools of Thought
Part 3Psychologists and Their Specialties
Slide 22 of 27
• 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!
Many Flavors of Therapists
Slide 23 of 27
Specialties in Psychology
Slide 24 of 27
Where Psychologists Work
Slide 25 of 27
What Psychologists Do (Primary Activity)
Slide 26 of 27
Psychological Viewpoint Questionnaire
See in class!
Slide 27 of 27
Psychological Viewpoint Questionnaire Score Sheet
See in class!