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Questions and Answers

Which characteristic is NOT associated with psychology?

It relies on rigorous research.

It provides quick fixes to life problems. (correct)

It is based on empirical evidence.

It encourages careful observation.

Which of the following is considered a form of pseudoscience?

Astrology (correct)

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Developmental Psychology

Behaviorism

What kind of practices are categorized as non-scientific?

Statistical analysis

Fortune-Telling (correct)

Clinical trials

Experimental psychology

Which statement accurately reflects the role of psychological research?

It aims to unravel behavioral patterns and rectify misunderstandings. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a misconception about psychological effects?

Both A and B. Signup and view all the answers

Which feature distinguishes 'pop psychology' from legitimate psychology?

Reliance on anecdotal evidence and popular media. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of psychobabble?

Buzzwords used without scientific relevance. Signup and view all the answers

In what way does psychology differ from fortune-telling?

Psychology depends on verifiable evidence. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following objectives focuses on contemporary practices in psychology?

Describe contemporary psychological approaches Signup and view all the answers

What does humility in the context of critical thinking most closely refer to?

An acceptance of being wrong and learning from others Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements best describes what critical thinking is NOT?

A form of negative thinking that criticizes others' arguments Signup and view all the answers

Which finding exemplifies a surprising aspect of psychology that critical thinking helped uncover?

Newborns can recognize their mother's scent within days of birth Signup and view all the answers

What is an essential guideline for critical thinking according to the provided content?

Examine evidence before drawing conclusions Signup and view all the answers

What role do taxes play in the purchasing behavior of sugar-sweetened beverages?

They are effective in reducing purchases only when customers are informed of the added tax Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of psychology focuses on understanding the reasons behind observed behaviors?

Explanation Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is a principle attributed to Aristotle's view on the human mind?

The mind starts as a blank slate shaped by experiences. Signup and view all the answers

Which philosopher is known for the first significant theoretical structure of the human mind?

Plato Signup and view all the answers

What critical concept did Hippocrates introduce regarding mental ailments?

Physical and natural causes can influence mental health. Signup and view all the answers

Which goal of psychology pertains to altering behaviors or outcomes effectively?

Control Signup and view all the answers

Who is regarded as the 'Father of Medicine' and emphasized the natural causes of diseases?

Hippocrates Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT one of the goals of psychology?

Dimension Signup and view all the answers

Which ancient figure believed that the right side of the brain controls the left side of the body?

Hippocrates Signup and view all the answers

What approach emphasizes that human behavior should be viewed as a whole rather than in parts?

Gestalt Psychology Signup and view all the answers

Which psychological approach is primarily concerned with the study of observable behavior?

Behaviorism Signup and view all the answers

Which early psychological approach aimed to reveal the structure of the mind through introspection?

Structuralism Signup and view all the answers

Who is known for founding the first psychology laboratory in 1879 and measuring the 'atoms of the mind'?

Wilhelm Wundt Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a significant contribution of Functionalism to psychology?

It examined how mental processes help individuals adapt to their environment. Signup and view all the answers

What principle is central to Cognitive Psychology that emerged in the 1960s?

Investigation of mental processes Signup and view all the answers

Which psychological perspective integrates biological, psychological, and social factors in understanding behavior?

Biopsychological Perspective Signup and view all the answers

Which of these psychological approaches views early childhood experiences as crucial in shaping behavior?

Psychoanalysis Signup and view all the answers

What type of psychologist has a medical degree (M.D.) and specializes in psychiatry?

Psychiatrist Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true about Humanism in psychology?

It focuses on environmental influences on personal growth. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Welcome to Psychology

This course will focus on the science of psychology and its applications.
Each lecture will be 2 hours long and cover 2 different topics.
Readings are provided for all 6 weeks (6-12) on Learning Management System (LMS).
Lecture slides will be uploaded before each lecture.

Psychology Seminars

Each seminar will be 2 hours long and cover experimental and clinical applications of the lecture material.
Worksheets and activities will be provided during seminar sessions.
Seminar material will be uploaded at the end of each week.

Assessments

Continuous Assessment 1 (40%): Sociology Group Project
Continuous Assessment 2 (30%): Psychology Test 1 (Week 10, covering weeks 6-9, 50 MCQs, 1 hour)
Continuous Assessment 3 (30%): Psychology Test 2 (Week 14, covering weeks 10-12, 50 MCQs, 1 hour)

Learning Objectives

Define psychology and its goals.
Understand the evolution of psychology.
Identify early psychological approaches.
Describe contemporary psychological approaches.
Understand different professions within the psychology field.
Explain the importance of psychology for health sciences.

Psychology vs. Pop Psychology

Psychology is a scientific study of behavior and mental processes based on rigorous research and empirical evidence.
Pop psychology often uses simplified beliefs, pseudoscience, and psychobabble to explain human behavior.
Pseudoscience uses psychological jargon without accuracy or relevance to make promises of quick fixes.
Examples of pseudoscience include numerology, astrology, graphology, and fortune-telling.
Common sense beliefs about psychology are often contradicted by scientific research.

What is Psychology?

Psychology is the scientific study of behavior and mental processes.
Behavior includes all overt actions and reactions.
Mental processes include all internal, covert activities of the mind.

The Goals of Psychology

The overall goal of psychology, like all sciences, is to learn how things work.
The goals of psychology are:
- Describe: What is happening?
- Explain: Why is it happening?
- Predict: When will it happen again?
- Control: How can it be changed?

Psychology's Forerunners

Plato (428 BC-348 BC): Focused on the theoretical structure of the human mind, with intellect, spiritual center, and desires.
Aristotle (384 BC – 322 BC): Wrote "Para Psyche" (About the Mind), the first known text in the history of psychology. Believed the mind was the primary reason for the existence and functioning of the body. Believed that the mind and reason could exist independently of the body. He was a believer in nurture, suggesting that the human mind is blank at birth, and experiences shape the mind and knowledge base.
Hippocrates (c. 460 – c. 370 BC): Known as the "Father of Medicine". Rejected superstition and founded a medical school. Advocated for natural causes of disease and natural treatments. Believed many mental ailments had physical reasons. Linked thoughts, ideas, and feelings to the brain. He was the first physician to use holistic treatments like rest, exercise, diet, music, and social interaction for mental health.

Milestones in the Development of Psychology

Wundt (1832-1920): Established the first psychology laboratory in 1879. Advocated for studying the "atoms of the mind" scientifically. Focused on consciousness using objective introspection for studying mental processes.
Titchener (1867-1927): Developed structuralism, the idea of using introspection to reveal the structure of the mind. Applied objective introspection to thoughts and physical sensations.
James (1842-1910): Founded the first psychology school in the United States at Harvard. Published "Principles of Psychology" in 1890. Focused on the importance of consciousness in everyday life and developed functionalism, which examines how the mind allows people to function in the real world.

Early Psychological Approaches

Gestalt Psychology: Focuses on the human mind and behavior as a whole, rather than individual parts. Emphasized the dynamic nature of visual perception.
Psychoanalysis: Developed by Freud, focuses on the unconscious mind, repressed urges and desires, and the influence of childhood experiences on behavior.
Behaviorism: Developed by Pavlov, Watson, and Skinner, emphasizes the scientific study of observable behavior and learning through conditioning.
Humanism: Emerged in the 1950s as a reaction to behaviorism and psychoanalysis. Focuses on the potential for human growth and the satisfying of basic human needs like love and acceptance.

Contemporary Psychological Approaches

Cognitive Psychology: Focuses on mental processes and their role in thinking, feeling, and behaving. Studies memory, intelligence, perception, problem-solving, language, and learning. - Cognitive Neuroscience: Uses methods like MRI and PET scans to study brain activity underlying mental activity.
Sociocultural Psychology: Emphasizes social and cultural influences on behavior.
Biological Perspective: Focuses on the role of bodily events and changes associated with actions, feelings, and thoughts.
- Evolutionary Psychology: Explains human similarities through shared biology and evolutionary history.
- Behavior Genetics: Explains human diversity through differences in genes and environment.
Biopsychological Approach: (Integrated approach) considers the influences of biological, psychological, and social-cultural factors on behavior.

Settings and Subfields of Psychology

The text includes a diagram showing a wide variety of settings and subfields within the field of psychology.

Professionals in the Field of Psychology

Psychiatrist: Has a medical degree (M.D.) and specializes in psychiatry. Focuses on the biological approach to mental illness and treatment.
Clinical Psychologist: Has a PhD or Psy.D. Diagnoses, treats, and studies mental and emotional problems.

Critical Thinking

The study of psychology teaches individuals how to use their brains effectively through critical thinking. Critical thinking allows individuals to assess claims, make objective judgments, and avoid emotional reasoning.
Critical thinking is not negative thinking; it is the ability to think creatively and constructively.
Studying psychology can lead to surprising findings that challenge popular assumptions and inform effective policies.

Eight Critical Thinking Guidelines

Ask questions: Be curious and willing to explore.
Define your terms: Use clear definitions for concepts.
Examine the evidence: Evaluate the quality and relevance of the evidence.
Analyze assumptions and biases: Recognize potential biases and hidden assumptions.
Avoid emotional reasoning: Do not make decisions based solely on emotions.
Do not oversimplify: Consider the complexity of the issues involved.
Consider other interpretations: Look for alternative explanations for events and findings.
(The eighth bullet point is not included in the text.)

Studying That Suits You

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Description

This quiz assesses your understanding of the key concepts in psychology covered in the introductory course. It includes questions on the evolution of psychology, its goals, and early psychological approaches. Ideal for students preparing for assessments following the course lectures and seminars.