Introduction to Psychology Chapter 1

Study Notes

Psychology is defined as the scientific study of behavior and mental processes, encompassing both outward actions and internal thoughts.
The four primary goals of psychology are:
- Description: Identifying what is happening.
- Explanation: Understanding why it is happening, often using theories.
- Prediction: Anticipating whether the behavior will occur again.
- Control: Determining how behavior can be changed or influenced.
Essential for psychology as a science are precise measurements and the prevention of biases in observations.

Structuralism:
- Focuses on the structure of the mind and its basic elements.
- Founded by Wilhelm Wundt in 1879 at the first psychology laboratory in Germany.
- Introduced the technique of objective introspection for measuring thoughts.
- Edward Titchener, Wundt’s student, brought structuralism to the U.S. and paved the way for Margaret Washburn, the first woman to earn a Ph.D. in psychology.
- Structuralism waned by the early 1900s.
Functionalism:
- Developed by William James, it explores how the mind helps individuals adapt to their environments.
- Influenced various modern psychology fields including educational, evolutionary, and industrial/organizational psychology.

Gestalt Psychology:
- Emphasizes perceptions as wholes rather than a sum of parts, introduced by Max Wertheimer.
- Contributes to cognitive psychology, which includes learning, memory, thought processes, and problem-solving.
Psychoanalysis:
- Founded by Sigmund Freud, it focuses on the unconscious mind and repressed urges.
- Freud believed that unresolved repressed thoughts could manifest as nervous disorders.
- Early experiences are considered critical in shaping the unconscious mind.
Behaviorism:
- Concentrates solely on observable behaviors rather than internal mental states.
- Initiated by John B. Watson, heavily influenced by Ivan Pavlov’s work on conditioned reflexes.
- Watson’s experiment with "Little Albert" illustrated learned fears.
- Mary Cover Jones is recognized as an early pioneer in behavior therapy.

Psychology utilizes various research methods, accommodating both naturalistic and laboratory settings.
Case studies and surveys are common approaches for collecting qualitative data.
Correlational techniques assess the relationship between different variables without implying causation.
Experimental methods are essential for establishing cause-and-effect relationships, with a focus on controlling extraneous variables and recognizing placebo and experimenter effects.
Ethical considerations are crucial when conducting research, emphasizing the need for informed consent and the welfare of participants.
Critical thinking principles guide the evaluation of psychological research and claims.