Filipino Psychology

Defining Psychology

• Psychology is the scientific study of the mind and behavior.
• The field utilizes the scientific method to acquire and structure knowledge.
• Empirical evidence and scientific methods are crucial for psychological research.

Distinguishing Psychology from Pseudoscience

• Pseudoscience lacks empirical evidence and relies on anecdotal evidence.
• Pseudoscience claims often cannot be tested or disproven.
• Psychology utilizes peer-reviewed research, while pseudoscience relies on media, books, or informal channels for promotion.

Exploring the Birth of Modern Psychology

• Wilhelm Wundt established the first psychological laboratory in 1879, marking the beginning of modern psychology.
• Psychology evolved from philosophical speculation to empirical research.

Fields and Specializations in Psychology

• Psychology encompasses various branches, including clinical, cognitive, developmental, and social psychology.
• Each specialization focuses on different aspects of human behavior and mental processes.

Clinical Psychology

• Clinical psychologists diagnose and treat mental disorders.
• They utilize various therapeutic techniques, including psychotherapy and medication.
• They often work in hospitals, clinics, or private practice.

Cognitive Psychology

• Cognitive psychology studies how people think, learn, and remember.
• It explores processes like attention, perception, memory, and language.
• Research methodologies include experiments, brain imaging, and computational modeling.

Developmental Psychology

• Developmental psychology examines how people change throughout the lifespan.
• Researchers study cognitive, social, and emotional development across different stages.
• Common areas of focus include childhood development, adolescence, and aging.

Social Psychology

• Social psychology investigates how individuals are influenced by the presence, behavior, and attitudes of others.
• Topics of study include group behavior, social perception, leadership, prejudice, and interpersonal relationships.

Industrial-Organizational Psychology (I/O Psychology)

• I/O psychology applies psychological principles to workplace issues.
• The field focuses on improving work performance, employee selection, training, job satisfaction, and organizational development.

Humanistic Psychology

• Humanistic psychology emphasizes human growth, free will, and self-actualization.
• Key figures are Carl Rogers and Abraham Maslow.
• Focuses on positive aspects of human nature and the potential for personal growth.

Neuroscience

• Neuroscience studies the brain's role in behavior and mental processes.
• Research methods include brain imaging, neuropsychological assessments, and electrophysiology.

Positive Psychology

• Positive psychology focuses on strengths, virtues, and factors that contribute to human well-being and happiness.
• It aims to promote a positive outlook and understand factors promoting thriving.

Cultural Psychology

• Cultural psychology investigates how culture influences mental processes and behavior.
• It examines the impact of cultural norms, values, and beliefs on cognition, emotion, and social interaction.

Psychotherapy and Counseling

• Psychotherapy and counseling address mental health and personal growth issues.
• Professionals utilize a variety of therapeutic approaches, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), psychodynamic therapy, and humanistic therapy.

Health Psychology

• Health psychology studies how biological, psychological, and social factors affect health and illness.
• It aims to promote healthier lifestyles, understand how stress impacts health, and develop interventions to prevent illness.

Counseling Psychology

• Counseling psychologists assist individuals in coping with life transitions, stress, and personal problems.
• They often work with people dealing with relationship challenges, career issues, or mild to moderate mental health concerns.

Educational Psychology

• Educational psychologists study how people learn.
• They explore factors influencing student learning, classroom dynamics, and educational interventions.

Key Methods in Psychology Research

• Observation, experiments, surveys, and case studies are commonly employed methods in psychological research.

Key Differences Between Psychology and Pseudoscience

• Peer-review is essential for validating psychological research.
• Pseudoscience lacks rigorous testing and peer scrutiny.
• Pseudoscience often relies on anecdotal evidence, while psychology requires empirical evidence.

This quiz covers the fundamentals of psychology, including its definition, differentiation from pseudoscience, historical development, and the various specializations within the field. Explore the scientific methods that underpin psychological research and understand the key milestones in modern psychology.