Psychology’s Big Question…

Nature versus Nurture

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Continuing Controversy…

• Relative contributions of biology and environment

• “Nurture works on what nature endows”

• Every psychological event is simultaneously a biological event.

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As a Result of this Controversy:

• Psychology has many levels of analysis.

• Integrated “biopsychosocial” approach

• Looks at biological, psychological & social-cultural factors that influence any behavior or mental process

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Let’s Put What You Are Learning to Work!

• As we learn about the various subfields of psychology, think about Ben in the case history report you read.

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Current Perspectives in Psychology

• Neuroscience: – How does the body and brain enable

emotions, memories & sensory experiences?

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Current Perspectives in Psychology

• Evolutionary: – How does the natural selection of traits

promote the survival of genes?

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Current Perspectives in Psychology

• Behavior genetics: – How much to our genes and environment

influence our individual differences?

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Current Perspectives in Psychology

• Psychodynamic: – How does behavior spring from unconscious

drives and conflicts?

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Current Perspectives in Psychology

• Behavioral: – How do we learn observable responses?

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Current Perspectives in Psychology

• Cognitive: – How do we encode, process, store and

retrieve information?

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Current Perspectives in Psychology

• Social-cultural: – How does behavior and thinking vary across

situations and cultures?

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Methodology in Psychology

• Basic Research: – Scientific work that adds to the knowledge

base without concern for practical application

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Methodology in Psychology

• Applied Research: – Scientific work that uses the knowledge from

basic research to tackle personal problems.

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Those Who “Practice” Psychology

• Counseling psychologist: – Possesses a PhD– Helps individuals cope with challenges and

crises– Help individuals improve personal and social

functioning.

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Those Who “Practice” Psychology

• Clinical psychologist: – Possesses a PhD– Assesses and treats mental, emotional, and

behavioral disorders

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Those Who “Practice” Psychology

• Psychiatrist: – Possesses an MD– Has completed a residency in psychiatry– Licensed to prescribe drugs– Treat both the emotional and physical causes

of psychological disorders

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