Introduction to psychology

Functionalism and Gestalt Psychology

• William James led the functionalist movement, focusing on how mental processes help people adapt to their environment.
• Gestalt psychology, founded by German scientists like Hermann Ebbinghaus and Max Wertheimer, emphasizes the organization of perception and thinking as a "whole."
• Their central idea is that "The whole is different from the sum of its parts," meaning that our understanding of objects is richer and more meaningful than its individual elements.

Neuroscience Perspective

• This perspective views behavior from the perspective of the brain, nervous system, and other biological functions.
• It focuses on the biological mechanisms underlying human and animal behavior, like how individual nerve cells connect and how inherited traits affect behavior.
• The study of heredity and evolution explores how genetics influence behavior.
• Behavioral neuroscience examines how the brain and nervous system affect our actions.

Women in Psychology

• Margaret Floy Washburn was the first woman to earn a doctorate in psychology and conducted important research on animal behavior.
• Leta Stetter Hollingworth challenged the stereotype of women's inferior intellectual abilities, particularly during menstruation.

Psychodynamic Perspective

• This perspective emphasizes the interplay of unconscious thoughts, feelings, and motivations in influencing behavior.
• It was largely shaped by the work of Sigmund Freud.

Nervous System: Function and Evolution

• The nervous system is divided into the central nervous system, which includes the brain and spinal cord, and the peripheral nervous system.
• The peripheral nervous system is responsible for transmitting information to and from the central nervous system.
• The central core of the brain, also known as the "old brain," controls basic life functions like breathing and heart rate.
• The peripheral nervous system is further categorized into the somatic nervous system, which controls voluntary movements, and the autonomic nervous system, which regulates involuntary functions.
• The autonomic nervous system is divided into the sympathetic nervous system, which prepares the body for "fight or flight" responses, and the parasympathetic nervous system, which calms the body after a stressful situation.

Evolutionary Psychology

• This field explores how our ancestors' genetic inheritance shapes our behavior.
• It examines the evolutionary roots of our nervous system and how it influences our actions.

Psychosocial Development: Erikson's Stages

• Erikson's theory of psychosocial development emphasizes the social and emotional aspects of growth across the lifespan.
• He suggests that development occurs in stages, each presenting a unique challenge for finding a balance between opposing forces.
• Trust vs. Mistrust (0-2 years): Developing trust in caregivers is crucial for a sense of security and safety.
• Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt (2-4 years): Children assert their independence and develop self-confidence.
• Initiative vs. Guilt (4-5 years): Children start taking initiative and exploring their capabilities, learning to feel a sense of purpose.
• Industry vs. Inferiority (5-12 years): Children develop skills and strive for competence in various areas.
• Identity vs. Role Confusion (12-18 years): Adolescents explore their identity by questioning their roles and values.
• Intimacy vs. Isolation (18-40 years): Young adults focus on building meaningful relationships and establishing a sense of belonging.
• Generativity vs. Stagnation (40-65 years): Adults contribute to society and leave a legacy for future generations.
• Ego Integrity vs. Despair (65+ years): Older adults reflect on their life experiences and strive for a sense of fulfillment and acceptance.

Neurotransmitters

• Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that transmit signals across synapses between neurons.
• Glutamate: An excitatory neurotransmitter involved in memory formation.
• GABA: The primary inhibitory neurotransmitter that regulates a wide range of behaviors, including aggression and eating.
• Endorphins: Natural painkillers released by the brain, associated with feelings of pleasure and euphoria. They might be linked to "runner’s high" and the effectiveness of placebos.

Brain Lobes and Functions

• Temporal Lobe: Involved in language comprehension, memory, and auditory processing. It houses Wernicke's area, which is crucial for understanding spoken language.
• Parietal Lobe: Processes sensory information, contributes to motor control, spatial reasoning, and problem-solving.
• Occipital Lobe: Responsible for processing visual information.
• Frontal Lobe: Executes complex cognitive functions like planning, reasoning, and decision-making. It houses the prefrontal cortex, which plays a vital role in personality, social behavior, and emotional regulation.

The Reticular Formation

• Located in the brainstem, it is responsible for arousal, alertness, and the sleep-wake cycle. It filters out background noise and helps us stay alert to important stimuli.

Main Topic 1: What is Psychology?

Main Topic 2: Human Development

Main Topic 3: Neuroscience and Behavior

Main Topic 4: Sensation and Perception

Main Topic 5: States of Consciousness

Main Topic 6: Learning and Memory