Psychology

• The scientific study of behavior and mental processes.oUses scientific research methods.oBehavior includes all observable

behavior.oMental processes include thoughts,

feelings and dreams.

Example of the 5 Goals:

• You "observe" X doing Y• Ex: 1 year old Charlie is crying. – You "explain" this behavior as being a result of him

needing the attention of his mother. (Infants cry when uncomfortable - i.e. hungry, need to poo etc).

– You predict this behavior (crying) will cease once the mother feeds Charlie his (milk, baby food) or changes his diaper.

– You can "control" his crying by having the mother promptly respond to his needs.

To describe, explain, predict, and control behavior and mental processes

1. Describe: tell what occurred 2. Explain: tells the why3. Predict: under what conditions is the

behavior/event likely to occur4. Control: how is the principle applied or what

change in condition is necessary to prevent unwanted occurrence or to bring about a desired outcome

Section #2

What do psychologists do?

Who does what?

• Psychologist: studies patients, tests disorders, talks and counsels

• Psychiatrist : works inside a branch of medicine dealing with psychological disorders

• Provides medical (drug) treatment

• http://www.diffen.com/difference/Psychiatrist_vs_Psychologist

• http://psychology.about.com/od/careersinpsychology/tp/psychology-career-trends.htm

Section #3

A History of Psychology

Today’s Big Question

• “How can learning to know yourself help you understand the world and the people who live in it?”

The Hippocratic Oath is an oath historically taken by physicians, physician assistants and other

healthcare professionals swearing to practice medicine ethically and

honestly.

Particularly in Europe during the Middle Ages, beatings were administered to the mentally ill who acted out as punishment for the disturbances their

behavior caused and as a means of “teaching” individuals out of their illnesses.

The Middle Ages & Mental IllnessCauses of mental illness included: ■Supernatural causes such as demons and demonic possession. ■Witchcraft and sorcery. ■Mass hysteria. ■Melancholy and stress.

Treatments for mental illness included: ■Exorcism. ■Shaving the pattern of a cross in the head-hair. ■Believe that those suffering from mental illness could benefit from hearing mass. ■Drinking ice-cold water.

HOLT, RINEHART AND WINSTON

PSYCHOLOGY PRINCIPLES IN PRACTICE

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Chapter 1

Question: How has the study of psychology developed over time?

PSYCHOLOGY DEVELOPED OVER TIME Began in ancient Greece Revived during the scientific advances of the 1500s,

1600s and 1700s Contributions were made by modern psychologists

such as William James, B.F. Skinner, and Sigmund Freud

Section 3: A History of Psychology

Structuralism Functionalism

Structuralism Functionalism

first school of psychology

breaking down mental processes

Wilhelm Wundt

too concerned with internal behavior (cant observe)

Structuralism Functionalism

o focused on the purpose of consciousness and behavior

o emphasized individual differences

o William James

o Influenced the educational system

Structuralism Functionalism

first school of psychology

breaking down mental processes

Wilhelm Wundt

too concerned with internal behavior (cant observe)

o focused on the purpose of consciousness and behavior

o emphasized individual differences

o William James

o Influenced the educational system

Structuralism vs. Functionalism

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SW6nm69Z_IE

PSYCHOLOGY DEVELOPED OVER TIME• William James – Functionalism (observation and

introspection – What are the purposes of behavior and mental processes?)

• John B. Watson – Behaviorism (scientific study of observable behavior)

• B.F. Skinner – Reinforcement (influences behaviors)

•http://

www.youtube.com/watch?v

=PQtDTdDr8vs

Gestalt Psychology

• Learning is active and purposeful• Problem solving is accomplished by insight,

not mechanical repetition.

Sigmund Freud

• Psychoanalysis • (unconscious motives and internal conflicts)• Freudian slip

Freudian slip  (in Freudian psychology) an accidental mistake in speech or writing that is thought to reveal a person's unconscious motives, wishes, or attitudes.

Section #4: 6 Perspectives on Psychology

Psychological Perspectives

• Method of classifying a collection of ideas

• Also called “schools of thought”• Also called “psychological approaches”• To view behavior from a particular

perspective

Cognitive Perspective

• Focus: On how people think and process information

• Behavior is explained by how a person interprets the situation

Biological Perspective

• Focus: How our biological structures and substances underlie a given behavior, thought, or emotion

• Behavior is explained by brain chemistry, genetics, glands, etc.

Social-Cultural Perspective

• Focus: How thinking and behavior change depending on the setting or situation

• Behavior is explained by the influence of other people present

Behavioral Perspective

• Focus: How we learn through rewards, punishments, and observation

• Behavior is explained by previous learning

Humanistic Perspective• Focus: How healthy people strive to

reach their full potential• Behavior is explained as being

motivated by satisfying needs (safety, hunger, thirst, etc.), with the goal of reaching one’s full potential once basic needs are met.

Psychodynamic Perspective• Focus: How behavior is affected by

unconscious drives and conflicts• Behavior is explained through

unconscious motivation and unresolved inner conflicts from one’s childhood.

• Modern version of psychoanalytic perspective.