Introduction to Psychology

Introduction to Psychology

• Psychology aims to understand behavior

Understanding Behavior

• Individuals are inherently curious about themselves and the people around them.
• A scientific approach is required in psychology
• Psychology is studied in various social settings, including natural environments, laboratories, schools, markets, and organizations

Defining Psychology

• Psychology is derived from "psyche" (soul/mind) and "logy" (study).
• Psychology is the study of mental processes and behavior
• Psychology is a scientific study encompassing thoughts, emotions, perceptions, reasoning, memories, and biological activities that maintain bodily functioning.

Goals of Psychology

• Psychologists aim to describe, explain, predict, and control or change behavior.
• Psychologists observe study habits, motivation levels, and classroom engagement to describe behavior
• Psychologists aim to understand why certain students perform better than others to explain a behaviour
• Psychologists make future predictions based on observed patterns
• Psychologists implement strategies to improve academic performance

Applying Psychological Principles

• Psychologists and mental health professionals possess specialized training in explaining, predicting, and changing behaviors to facilitate lasting positive change.

History of Psychology: Psychological Perspectives

• Structuralism aims to understand conscious experience through introspection with Wilhelm Wundt
• Functionalism focuses on how mental activities help organisms adapt with William James
• Psychoanalytic Theory focuses on the unconscious affecting behavior with Sigmund Freud
• Gestalt Psychology focuses on humans as a whole with Wertheimer, Koffka, and Kohler.
• Behaviorism focuses on observing and controlling behavior with Pavlov, Watson, and Skinner
• Humanism emphasizes the potential for good with Abraham Maslow and Carl Rogers

Wilhelm Wundt and Structuralism

• Wilhelm Wundt is a founder of modern psychology
• He established the first laboratory for psychological research
• Wundt emphasized structuralism and understanding the mind through introspection
• Introspection is the examination of one's conscious experience to break it into component parts

William James and Functionalism

• William James, the first American psychologist, established functionalis
• Functionalism emphasizes how mental activities aid in environmental survival

Sigmund Freud and Psychoanalytic Theory

• Sigmund Freud founded psychoanalytic theory
• Psychoanalytic theory dominated clinical psychology for decades
• Freud studied "hysteria" and neurosis
• Freud believed many patient issues originated from the unconscious mind
• Dream analysis was used to access the unconscious mind
• Psychoanalytic theory focuses on the role of the unconscious and early childhood experiences

John B. Watson and Behaviorism

• John B. Watson is the father of behaviorism
• Watson believed objective analysis of the mind was impossible
• The focus was on controlling observable behavior
• Behaviorism is used in behavioral and cognitive-behavioral therapy

Ivan Pavlov and Classical Conditioning

• Ivan Pavlov discovered classical conditioning
• Pavlov studied reflexes in animals, conditioning them to associate a stimulus (bell) with an unconscious response (salivation)

B.F. Skinner

• Skinner concentrated on how behavior was affected by its consequences
• Skinner studied modifying behavior through reinforcement and punishment, known as operant conditioning

Abraham Maslow and Humanism

• Abraham Maslow proposed a hierarchy of human needs for motivation.
• Maslow believed that once basic survival needs are met, higher-level needs motivate behavior.

Carl Rogers and Humanism

• Carl Rogers developed client-centered therapy, emphasizing the client's lead role
• Rogers believed therapists need: unconditional positive regard, genuineness and empathy

Margaret Floy Washburn

• Margaret Floy Washburn was the first woman to earn a doctorate in Psychology
• Washburn conducted research on animal behavior

Importance of Psychology

• Psychology provides better understanding of self, thought, behavior, and people
• Psychology helps with building relationships, communication, leadership, and managing stress
• Psychology supports coping and resilience

Psychology as a Science

• Psychology uses the empirical method, relying on observation and experimentation
• Psychology focuses on direct observation, experiences, and objectivity rather than argument.
• Replicable, controlled, and unbiased studies are desired
• Psychology uses hypothesis testing, replication, and prediction

Psychologist vs Psychiatrist

• Psychologists focus on psychotherapy and behavioral intervention
• Psychologists typically hold a PsyD
• Psychiatrists are medical doctors that can prescribe medication
• Psychiatrists hold an MD

Subfields of Psychology

• Counseling psychologists help people cope with challenges affecting personal and social functioning.
• Clinical psychologists study, diagnose, and treat psychological disorders from everyday crises to extreme conditions
• Health psychology explores the connection between psychological factors and physical health
• Social psychology is the study of how people's thoughts, feelings, and actions are affected by others, including aggression, liking, persuasion, and conformity.
• Behavioral neuroscience examines the biological basis of behavior with genes and chromosomes
• Educational psychology focuses on learning processes, such as the relationship between motivation and school performance.
• Forensic/Criminal psychology focuses on legal issues such as witness memories.
• Industrial/Organizational psychology studies workplace psychology
• Personality psychology studies behavior consistency and unique traits
• Sports psychology studies the application of psychology to athletic activity and exercise