Psychology: Early Schools and Modern Perspectives

Early Schools of Thought in Psychology

• Structuralism broke down mental processes into basic components
• Introspection was used to explore conscious experiences in structuralism
• Functionalism studied the purpose of mental processes for environmental adaptation
• Functionalism examined how behaviors enable individual adaptation
• Psychoanalysis, founded by Sigmund Freud, explored the unconscious mind
• Psychoanalysis also explored childhood experiences and repressed thoughts' impact
• Behaviorism focused on observable behaviors, not mental processes
• John Watson and B.F. Skinner were key figures in behaviorism
• They studied how behavior is learned and reinforced
• Gestalt Psychology viewed experience as more than the sum of its parts
• It studied how people perceive and experience objects as organized wholes

Modern Psychological Perspectives

• The Biological Perspective studies how biology influences behavior
• Genetics and brain chemistry are key areas of focus in the biological perspective
• The Cognitive Perspective examines mental processes such as perception
• Memory and problem-solving are also key areas of focus
• The cognitive perspective emphasizes how people process information
• The Behavioral Perspective is similar to early behaviorism
• It includes a wider range of behaviors and environmental influences
• The Humanistic Perspective emphasizes individual potential and self-actualization
• Carl Rogers and Abraham Maslow are key figures in the humanistic perspective
• The Sociocultural Perspective studies how social and cultural factors affect behavior and mental processes

Goals of Psychology

• Describe Behavior: Detail behaviors in various contexts
• Explain Behavior: Understand the reasons behind behaviors and mental processes
• Predict Behavior: Anticipate how people will act in situations
• Change Behavior: Use psychological principles to help people modify their behaviors positively

Research Methods in Psychology

• Experiments manipulate variables to find cause-and-effect relationships
• Surveys gather data from participants using questionnaires or interviews
• Surveys are used to gather information about thoughts and behaviors.
• Observational Studies observe subjects in their natural environment without interference
• Case Studies analyze a single subject or group in depth
• Case studies are used to explore unique situations
• Correlational Studies examine the relationship between two variables to see if they change together

Steps for Conducting Research in Psychology

• Identify the Research Question: Determine the focus of the study
• Review Existing Literature: Research previous studies on the topic
• Formulate a Hypothesis: Make an educated guess about the outcome
• Select a Research Method: Choose how to conduct the research
• Collect Data: Gather information using the chosen method
• Analyze Data: Interpret the results using statistical tools
• Draw Conclusions: Connect the data to the hypothesis
• Report Results: Share findings with the broader community

Variables in Exploring Tutorial Support's Effect on Academic Performance

• Dependent Variable: Students' academic performance
• Independent Variable: Tutorial support given to students
• Control Group: Students who do not receive tutorial support
• Experimental Group: Students who receive tutorial support