SPVV101 Lecture 1: Intro to Psychology

• SPVV101 Lecture 1, Introduction to Psychology

Learning Outcomes

• Define the science of psychology
• Describe the goals of psychology
• Distinguish between psychologists and psychiatrists

Defining Psychology

• Psychology is a science that investigates questions about human behaviour through a scientific approach
• A fundamental question that psychology seeks to answer is "what is human nature?"
• Psychology is practical
• Provides a powerful way of thinking about human behaviour
• It is a broad discipline that includes social science, behavioural science, biological science, cognitive science and health science
• Focuses largely on the experiences of individuals

Goals of Psychology

• To describe, understand (or explain), predict, and achieve some measure of control over the subject of study
• To improve the quality of human life through therapy or research

Distinguish Psychiatrist vs Psychologist

• Psychiatrists study the science of medicine and are trained as medical doctors, then specialise in psychiatry; they prescribe medicine
• Psychologists study the science of the psyche, are trained in psychology, and do not prescribe medicine
• Both professionals can do therapy, but psychiatrists do very little therapy and focus more on medicine in South Africa

Major Subdivisions of the Field of Psychology/Personal Research

• Abnormal psychology or psychopathology
• Career psychology
• Cognitive psychology
• Community psychology
• Developmental psychology
• Environmental psychology
• Forensic psychology
• Health psychology
• Neuropsychology
• Pastoral psychology
• Personality psychology
• Psychological counselling
• Psychological evaluation and assessment
• Social psychology
• Sport psychology

Different Registration Categories For Psychologists Working in South Africa

• Clinical psychologists evaluate, diagnose, and treat individuals with psychological disorders, and treat severe behavioural and emotional problems through interviewing, psychological testing, group and individual psychotherapy
• Counselling psychologists overlap with clinical psychology, but focus on individuals dealing with every day problems with moderate severity and specialise in career counselling
• Educational psychologists focus on promoting cognitive, emotional and social development of children in schools through testing and counselling of school children
• Forensic psychologists apply psychological knowledge, principles, and skills to respond to legal questions in criminal, civil, and family law
• Industrial/organisational psychologists apply psychological knowledge and principles in the world of business and industry in areas such as human resources, improving morale and attitudes, job satisfaction, productivity, and organisational
• Neuropsychologists focus on psychological assessment to diagnose and treat neuropathology (diseases affecting the nervous system)
• Research psychologists focus on planning and conducting research in various psychological domains, validating tools used for research
• Psychology has a unique and important role due to its therapy, assessment and research components