Psychology Basics and History

Basic Concepts

• Psychology is the scientific study of the mind and behavior.
• It covers a wide range of topics, including cognition, emotion, motivation, perception, and social interaction.
• Psychology uses the scientific method to understand and explain mental processes and behaviors.
• Key goals include describing behaviors, explaining causes, predicting future behaviors, and influencing them.
• Core areas include developmental psychology (lifespan changes), social psychology (interactions), cognitive psychology (mental processes), personality psychology (individual differences), and abnormal psychology (mental disorders).

History of Psychology

• Early philosophical thought about the mind paved the way for psychology as a science.
• Wilhelm Wundt is considered the father of psychology, establishing the first psychology lab in Leipzig, Germany, in 1879.
• Structuralism (Wundt and Titchener) analyzed basic consciousness elements via introspection.
• Functionalism (William James) focused on the adaptive functions of mental processes.
• Gestalt psychology (Wertheimer, Köhler, Koffka) emphasized whole perception over component parts.
• Psychoanalytic theory (Sigmund Freud) focused on unconscious drives and conflicts.
• Behaviorism (Watson, Skinner) focused on observable behaviors, rejecting mental processes.
• Humanistic psychology (Maslow, Rogers) stressed free will, self-actualization, and personal growth.
• Cognitive psychology became a major force in the late 20th century, studying memory, language, and problem-solving.

Methods in Psychology

• Researchers use various methods to study behavior and mental processes.
• Descriptive methods (observation, surveys, case studies) provide snapshots of behavior.
• Correlational studies examine relationships between variables.
• Experimental methods establish cause-and-effect relationships.
• Random participant assignment is crucial in experimental control.
• Statistical analysis interprets data and supports conclusions.
• Ethical considerations are key, including informed consent, confidentiality, and debriefing.

Major Schools of Thought

• Biological psychology: Links biological processes (brain structure, genetics) to behavior.
• Cognitive psychology: Studies mental processes (memory, language, problem-solving, decision-making).
• Behavioral psychology: Focuses on learned behaviors and environmental influences.
• Social psychology: Examines how social interaction and culture impact behavior and mental processes.
• Developmental psychology: Analyzes physical, cognitive, and psychosocial changes throughout life.
• Personality psychology: Investigates unique patterns of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that define individuals.

Mental Health and Disorders

• Significant psychological disorders can greatly impact mental health and well-being.
• Diagnosing and treating mental illnesses involve specialized approaches (therapy, medication).
• Common disorders include anxiety disorders (generalized anxiety, panic), mood disorders (depression, bipolar), personality disorders, and psychotic disorders (e.g., schizophrenia).