Psychology Chapter 1: The Science of Psychology

Ways we determine if something is true.

Knowing something based on feelings.

Accepting something as true because an expert says so.

Knowing something logically.

Knowing something based on observation and experience.

Raise your hand and ask in class if something is unclear.

A way of knowing things based on evidence and observation.

To understand and explain phenomena, use evidence to test things.

A way of knowing based on empirical studies that are informed by prior research and can be tested and potentially disproven (falsifiable).

Yes, psychology is a science because it systematically studies human behavior and mental processes using the scientific method.

A line of inquiry is scientific when it follows these principles: empirical study, systematic observation, objectivity, and public knowledge. Scientific findings are publicly available and can be verified by others.

Research based on systematic observation and experience. It involves collecting and analyzing data through experiments, surveys, or other methods.

Something that appears to be scientific but lacks empirical support, falsifiability, systematic observation, or public knowledge. It may use scientific jargon but doesn't rely on rigorous scientific methods.

The four goals of psychology are: 1. Describe behavior, 2. Explain behavior, 3. Predict behavior, and 4. Control behavior.

Research conducted to understand fundamental psychological processes and expand knowledge, even if it doesn't have immediate practical applications.

Research conducted to solve real-world problems or improve everyday life. It often uses findings from basic research to address practical issues.

Explains what happened in a study or observation. Focuses on observable behaviors and events.

Provides reasons for why a behavior or mental process occurred. Focuses on underlying mechanisms and principles.

Identifies conditions under which future behaviors or mental processes are likely to occur.

Applies psychological knowledge to prevent unwanted behaviors or bring about desired goals.

Science provides systematic and objective methods for understanding phenomena, while common sense is based on intuition and personal experiences.

Psychology provides a scientific framework for understanding human behavior and mental processes, offering explanations and applications beyond intuition or common sense.

Our intuitive beliefs about people's thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

The tendency to focus on information that confirms our existing beliefs, while ignoring evidence that contradicts them.

The practice of questioning assumptions and searching for evidence to support claims.

The willingness to accept that we don't know everything and that there are many unknowns.

The process of coming up with a question or topic to research, often inspired by personal interests, observations, or problems needing solutions.

A key part of research that involves carefully watching and recording events or behaviors in a structured way.

Well-defined and specific questions guiding research, focusing on a particular aspect of a broader topic.

The process of refining a broad research topic into a more focused and manageable area of investigation.

A database containing abstracts (summaries) from peer-reviewed psychology journals. It often includes links to the full papers.

The first tutorial in a course will cover accessing research articles, understanding research methods, and possibly addressing any questions students have about the syllabus or assignment.

Learning how to find and access research articles from the library website, often using databases like PsycINFO.

TAs cannot review entire assignments before grading but can answer specific questions about assignments or unclear aspects.

It's crucial to ask questions if you're confused about concepts or assignments. Don't hesitate to seek clarification during tutorials or office hours.

How using social media affects how male adolescents perceive their bodies. This can include comparing themselves to others or developing unhealthy body standards.

Investigates whether specific music types can trigger memories in individuals with memory loss. It explores if different musical genres or styles have unique effects on memory retrieval.

Examines whether experiencing grief can accelerate the aging process. It explores potential biological or psychological mechanisms that might link grief to accelerated aging.

How personality traits influence leadership styles and their effectiveness within organizational settings. It investigates the connection between individual personality characteristics and leadership behaviors.

How technology impacts the development and manifestation of social anxiety disorder. This could include exploring the role of social media, online interactions, or even the constant connection and pressure.

Examines the effects of incarceration on mental health. This could include looking at factors like stress, isolation, and the potential for trauma and its impact on mental well-being.

Assessing the quality and effectiveness of research questions. This involves considering factors like: 1. Feasibility - Is the research practical to conduct? 2. Interest - Is there a genuine interest in the topic? 3. Importance - Does the research address a significant issue?

Highlights the importance of utilizing library resources, particularly academic databases, for research in psychology. Key databases can be used to access scholarly articles and resources, ensuring the gathering of credible and relevant information.