Introduction to Psychology

Study Notes

Psychology has evolved to understand human behavior, deriving insights from daily observations of emotions and moods.
Psychological study encompasses various forms of human behavior, often highlighted in news reports.
Examples of diverse behaviors include altruism, conflict, extreme reactions to sports outcomes, and personal sacrifice.

Psychology is defined as the study of human behavior and mental processes.
Key terms:
- Behavior: An organism's observable responses to stimuli (can be overt or covert).
- Overt behavior: Directly observable actions (e.g., walking, talking).
- Covert behavior: Internal processes inferred from behaviors (e.g., thinking, feeling).
John Watson, an American psychologist, emphasized behaviorism, focusing on observable actions rather than internal mental states.

S-O-R Model explains the relationship between stimulus, organism, and response.
S (Stimulus): Any condition that triggers a reaction.
O (Organism): The individual responding to the stimulus, be it a human or animal.
R (Response): The observable reaction by the organism.

From the 1950s to 1960s, psychology transitioned focus from behavior to cognitive processes.
Cognitive psychology investigates higher-order mental activities including perception, memory, and thinking.
Researchers utilize various tools: standardized tests, surveys, and experiments to study cognitive behavior.

Description: Document and outline observed behaviors.
Explanation: Understand why certain behaviors occur by exploring underlying reasons.
Prediction: Anticipate how individuals might behave in stressful situations based on observed patterns.
Changing Behavior: Use techniques to help individuals modify behaviors for improvement.

The origins of psychology suggest a long-standing interest in behavior, tracing back to Ayurveda and Patanjali Yogsutra.
Wilhelm Wundt established the first psychology lab in Leipzig in 1879, marking psychology as an independent field of science.

Psychologists work with various societal issues:
- Monitoring reactions to stress (bullying, competition).
- Advising on health safety (e.g., advocating for helmet use).
Psychotherapy techniques are employed to facilitate behavior change and development.

Psychology is a comprehensive field focused on understanding and explaining human behavior, moving from the study of the soul to empirical analysis of behavior and cognitive processes.
Its goals utilize observation and scientific methods to draw insights that can lead to behavioral change and improved mental health.