Introduction to Psychology

Definition of Psychology

• Derived from Greek words "Psyche" (soul/mind) and "Logos" (study).
• Defined as the scientific study of human and animal behavior, focusing on description, explanation, measurement, prediction, and modification.

Types of Behavior

• Overt: Observable actions such as talking, running, and eating.
• Covert: Hidden actions including thinking, feeling, and internal thoughts.

Types of Observation

• Unaided: Naturalistic observations without tools.
• Aided: Observations using tools or instruments.
• Can be Objective: Observing others without bias.
• Can be Introspective: Observing one's own behavior.

Key Figures in Psychology

• Wilhelm Wundt: Established the first experimental psychology laboratory.
• Virgilio G. Enriquez: Advocated for indigenous psychology in the Philippines.

Organizations

• Psychological Association of the Philippines (PAP): Aims to professionalize psychology practice through licensure exams.

Concepts

• Pop Psychology: Simplified psychological concepts often found in online quizzes.
• Pseudoscience: Practices and beliefs that are not scientifically validated.

Scientific Method

• Stating a Problem: Identifying a research question.
• Formulating a Hypothesis: Making an educated guess about the outcome.
• Gathering Data: Using surveys, questionnaires, or experiments for data collection.
• Organizing and Analyzing Data: Applying quantitative or qualitative analyses.
• Conclusions: Determining if the hypothesis is accepted or rejected based on data.

Research Methods in Psychology

• Experimental: Manipulation of conditions to observe effects on behavior.
  • Independent Variable (IV): Factor being manipulated.
  • Dependent Variable (DV): Factor being measured.
  • Controlled Variables (CV): Constants in the experiment.
• Differential: Compares existing differences between groups (experimental vs. control).
• Correlational: Examines relationships between variables (positive or negative correlations).
• Naturalistic: Observes behavior in natural settings, with advantages like high realism but also potential biases.
• Survey: Uses questionnaires or interviews for broad behavioral studies.
• Clinical: In-depth analysis by psychologists.
• Archival: Analyzing existing written records.
• Longitudinal: Studies behavior over extended periods.

Example Study Using Scientific Method

• Study: Effect of Sleep Deprivation on Academic Performance.
• Problem: Investigate the impact of sleep on academic success.
• Hypothesis: Less sleep correlates with lower academic performance.
• Data Gathering: Experimental method with surveys.
• Data Analysis: Compare GPAs of different sleep duration groups.
• Conclusion: Sleep deprivation adversely affects academic performance.

Psychological Perspectives

• Psychodynamic: Focuses on childhood and defense mechanisms.
• Behavioral: Emphasizes learning behaviors, phobias, and addictions.
• Cognitive: Centers on mental processes and perceptions.
• Phenomenological: Highlights subjective experiences and personal realities.
• Biological: Examines the role of neurotransmitters and hormones.
• Sociocultural: Considers the influence of societal norms and culture.
• Evolutionary: Studies behavior adaptation from ancestral traits.

Heredity vs. Environment

• Heredity (Nature): Genetic transmission from parents, encompassing biological factors present at conception.
• Environment (Nurture): External conditions affecting the organism after conception.

Hereditary Principles

• Consistency: Children resemble their parents.
• Variability: Unique combinations of hereditary factors from both parents.
• Chance: Unpredictable hereditary elements.
• Dominance/Recessiveness: Genes can be dominant or recessive.

Ecological System

• Microsystem: Immediate environment and contacts.
• Mesosystem: Connections between different microsystems.
• Exosystem: Larger social systems impacting the individual, even if not directly experienced.

This quiz explores the foundational concepts of psychology, including its definition, the types of behavior, and methods of observation. Delve into the meaning of the term 'psychology' and understand the difference between overt and covert behaviors. Perfect for beginners seeking to understand psychological science.