Psychology Definition and Approaches

Psychology Definition and Approach

• Psychology is the scientific study of behavior and mental processes.
• It explores how individuals think, feel, and act, both individually and in groups.
• Psychology uses descriptive and explanatory approaches.
• Descriptive methods focus on observing and detailing characteristics (e.g., surveys, case studies).
• Explanatory methods aim to explain why and how behaviors occur (e.g., experiments).

Empirical Method

• Psychology relies on an empirical method, using observation, experimentation, and data analysis.
• This approach is grounded in measurable evidence.
• Wilhelm Wundt's 1879 Leipzig laboratory marked the first significant empirical use of psychological methods.
  • He used introspection to investigate consciousness.

Key Figures in Psychology

• Wilhelm Wundt: Considered the "father of modern psychology" focused on structuralism.
  • Structuralism aimed to break down mental processes into their most basic components.
• William James: Proposed functionalism.
  • Functionalism emphasized the purpose of behavior and mental processes in adaptation to the environment.

Research and Methodology

• Non-scientific claims often rely on rationale and anecdotes.
• These approaches lack empirical evidence and can be misleading.
• Confirmation bias is a tendency to favor information supporting existing beliefs.
• Researchers must strive for objectivity and avoid confirmation bias.
• Dr. Abhijit Banerjee's work in development economics highlights how understanding decision-making psychology can advance poverty alleviation.
• A hypothesis is a testable prediction based on a theory.
• Falsifiability is a crucial aspect of research, allowing a theory or hypothesis to be proven false.
• A theory is a broad explanation of phenomena, subject to testing and refinement through research.

Research Approaches

• Inductive approach: Building theories from observations.
• Deductive approach: Testing existing theories through data analysis.
• Case studies: Provide in-depth understanding of individuals or groups, but may lack generalizability.
• Naturalistic observation: Studies behavior in natural settings, creating high ecological validity, but providing limited control over variables.
• Surveys: Useful for large sample sizes, but can suffer from response bias and misinterpretation of questions.
• Correlational research: Investigates relationships between variables, but cannot establish causation.
• Experiments: Involve manipulating an independent variable while controlling other factors.
  • A true experiment involves manipulation of the independent variable, random assignment, and control of extraneous variables.
  • An independent variable is manipulated to observe its effect on the dependent variable.
  • A dependent variable is the variable measured to assess the effect of the independent variable.
• Peer-reviewed journal articles: Crucial for ensuring research credibility and quality.

Biopsychology and Neuroscience

• Nervous system: Composed of the central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS).
  • CNS: Brain and spinal cord
  • PNS: Connects CNS to the rest of the body, further subdivided into somatic and autonomic nervous system
    • Somatic: Voluntary movement
    • Autonomic: Involuntary functions
      • Sympathetic: "Fight or flight" response
      • Parasympathetic: "Rest and digest" response
• Neurons: Specialized cells transmitting electrical signals; including dendrites, axons, and the myelin sheath.
• Neurotransmitters: Chemical messengers influencing behavior (e.g., serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine).
  • Neurotransmitters carry messages between neurons influencing a variety of functions including mood regulation, reward, and arousal.
• Neuroplasticity: The brain's ability to adapt and reorganize its connections.
• Brain regions:
  • Hindbrain: Basic functions (e.g., breathing, movement coordination).
  • Midbrain: Sensory processing, movement.
  • Forebrain: Higher cognitive functions.
    • Cerebral cortex: Higher-order processes, divided into lobes.
      • Frontal lobe: Motor control, planning, speech.
      • Occipital lobe: Visual processing.
      • Temporal lobe: Hearing, memory.
      • Parietal lobe: Sensory information (touch, temperature).
• Endocrine system: Glands (e.g., pituitary) releasing hormones into the bloodstream.