Introduction to Psychology

What is Psychology?

• Psychology is the study of behavior and mental processes.
• Psychologists describe, predict, explain and influence human actions and mental processes.
• Psychology was originally part of philosophy.
• Wilhelm Wundt founded the first psychology lab in 1879.

Theoretical Schools of Thought in Psychology

• Structuralism: Focuses on the structure and characteristics of the mind through introspection (Wilhelm Wundt and Edward B. Titchener).
• Functionalism: Focuses on how the mind works and its functions, understanding how behavior helps people adapt to their environment (William James).
• Psychodynamic: Focuses on the unconscious mind and its impact on human behavior (Sigmund Freud).
• Behaviorism: Focuses on observable behavior and how it is learned through conditioning (John B. Watson).
• Cognitivism: Focuses on mental processes such as thinking, memory, and language (George Miller & Ulric Neisser).

Research Methods in Psychology

• Naturalistic Observation: Observing behavior in a natural setting.
• Case Study: In-depth analysis of a single person or setting.
• Self-Report Measures and Surveys: Gathering data from individuals through questionnaires or interviews.
• Correlational Designs: Studying the relationship between variables.
• Experimental Designs: Studying cause-and-effect relationships through controlled experiments.

### Important Concepts In Research

• Population: The entire group of individuals that a researcher is interested in studying.
• Sample: A smaller group of people drawn from the population that participates in a study.
• Random Selection: Choosing participants from a larger population in such a way that everyone has an equal chance of being selected.
• Operational Definition: Translating a general research question into specific measurable procedures that can be observed.

### The Neuron

• Action Potential: A brief electrical charge that travels down a neuron, transmitting neural messages.
• Resting Potential: The neuron is polarized, with a negative charge inside and a positive charge outside.
• Depolarization: The neuron's gates open, allowing sodium ions (Na+) to rush in, reversing the charge.
• Repolarization: Potassium ions flow out, restoring the neuron's original charge.
• Refractory Period: A brief period of time where the neuron won't fire, no matter how much stimulation it receives.

### Neurotransmitters

• Chemical messengers that help neurons communicate with other neurons, muscles, and glands.
• Excitatory: Neurotransmitters that make it more likely that a neuron will fire.
• Inhibitory: Neurotransmitters that make it less likely that a neuron will fire.
• Agonist: Mimics or enhances the effect of a neurotransmitter.
• Antagonist: Blocks or impedes the normal activity of a neurotransmitter.

### The Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)

• Controls involuntary bodily functions (heart rate, breathing, digestion).
• Sympathetic Nervous System: "Fight or flight" response, preparing the body for action.
• Parasympathetic Nervous System: "Rest and digest" response, calming the body and restoring energy.

### The Polygraph

• Uses physiological measures linked to the ANS (galvanic skin response, heart rate) to detect deception.

### The Pituitary Gland

• Controlled by the hypothalamus.
• Releases hormones that influence growth, blood pressure, and other functions.

### Oxytocin

• The "love hormone" associated with child-mother attachment, maternal and romantic love, and trust.

### Sensation & Perception

• Sensation: receiving information from the environment
• Perception: interpreting and organizing sensory information to give it meaning

Explore the foundational concepts of psychology, including its definition, historical origins, and major theoretical schools of thought. Learn about figures like Wilhelm Wundt and Sigmund Freud, and delve into key research methods used in the field. This quiz is perfect for anyone looking to understand the basics of psychology.