why study psychology? chapter 1, section 1. warm-up when has the study of psychology ever been...
TRANSCRIPT
WHY STUDY PSYCHOLOGY?
Chapter 1, Section 1
Warm-up
When has the study of psychology ever been relevant in your life or when do you believe it ever will be relevant?
Physiological: having to do with an organism’s physical processes
Cognitive: having to do with an organism’s thinking and understanding
Gaining insight into behavior Psychology provides useful insight into behavior
Acquiring practical information Psychology has a practical application to everyday life
Overview of Psychology
Psychology: scientific study of behavior and mental processes—of humans and animals
Psychologists agree the study of behavior must be systematic.
Goals of Psychology
1. Description: describe or gather information about the behavior being studied.
2. Explanation: not just state facts, they seek to explain behavior.
1. Hypothesis: an educated guess about some phenomenon
2. Theory: a complex explanation based on findings from a large number of experimental studies
3. Prediction: with accumulated knowledge predict what they think, feel, and future behaviors
4. Influence: influence behavior in helpful ways
1. Basic science: research2. Applied science: using psychological
principles to solve more immediate problems
Scientific Basis of Psychology
Scientific method: a general approach to gathering information and answering questions so that errors and biases are minimized
Data obtained from methods such as experiments, surveys, and case studies
Reflection
What have you learned from this section? If possible, connect to your own life.