Introduction to Psychology Notes

I. What is Psychology?

A. psyche – mind or soul & ology – the study of

B. the scientific study of behavior and mental processes

II. Psychologist vs. Psychiatrist?

A. Psychologist – does research, testing, and therapy

B. Psychiatrist – doctor who diagnoses, medically treats and prevents emotional/mental disorders

III. Sub-FieldsA. Clinical – meets with

clients to discuss problems

B. Comparative – compares across different species

C. Developmental/Child – studies age related changes

D. Educational/School – courses, counseling, teaching

III. Sub-Fields cont.E. Industrial/Consumer –

working conditions, marketing products, selecting/keeping employees

F. Environmental – effect of environment on people

G. Social – studies how people interact, effect of society

IV. Methods of StudyA. Laboratory/Field Studies –

tests out hypotheses

B. Surveys – selected group of people answers questions

C. Naturalistic – secretly observe subject of study

D. Interviews – asks personal, detailed questions of individuals

IV. Methods of Study cont.E. Case Studies – collecting

long-term data from individuals

F. Psychological Tests – evaluates skills and personality

G. Longitudinal – studies group over long period of time

H. Cross-Sectional – studies different age groups at same time