Introduction To Psychology PDF

INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY KARTINI ILIAS (Ph.D) SENIOR LECTURER/CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST FACULTY OF HEALTH SCIENCES, UiTM  LEARNING OUTCOMES Upon successful completion of this lesson students will be able to: 1. Define psychology 2. Describe the history of psychology 3. Describe areas,...

INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY KARTINI ILIAS (Ph.D) SENIOR LECTURER/CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST FACULTY OF HEALTH SCIENCES, UiTM  LEARNING OUTCOMES Upon successful completion of this lesson students will be able to: 1. Define psychology 2. Describe the history of psychology 3. Describe areas, field and careers in psychology 4. Discuss goals in psychology 5. Discuss the enduring issues in psychology WHAT IS PSYCHOLOGY? Psychology is coming from 2 Greek words: i) psyche: means ‘soul’ or ‘spirit’ or ‘mind’ ii) logos: means ‘science’ or ‘knowledge’ or ‘study’ Definition of Psychology is an academic / applied discipline involving the scientific study of human behavior and mental / cognitive processes (Science of behavior & mind) Science a systematized body of knowledge obtained/acquired through observation & measurements of events (empirical evidence) Behavior is anything that an individual does/says that can be observed/measured (overt) e.g. walking, talking, sleeping, physical movements Mental @ cognitive processes our thoughts & feelings that can be translated through observable behavior (covert) e.g. thinking, emotions, sensations, perceptions, memories, dreams, HISTORY OF PSYCHOLOGY Psychology was part of philosophy & biology In the past Physiologists and philosophers investigated & studied psychology from their perspectives. 1879 - Wilhelm Wundt (father of psychology) established the first research laboratory at the University of Leipzig (Germany) for the study of Psychology. This was the “Birth day of Psychology as a Science” - Introspection: Looking inward (i.e., examining and reporting thoughts, feelings, etc.) in studying conscious experiences Wilhelm Wundt (1832–1920)  VIEWS OF PSYCHOLOGY Early & modern views; Structuralism Cognitive perspective Functionalism, Neuroscience/ Biopsychology Gestalt psychology perspective Behaviorism Evolutionary perspective Psychodynamic/ Psychoanalytic Sociocultural perspective perspective Humanistic psychology STRUCTURALISM Founded by Wilhelm Wundt & Edward Titchener The study of the most basic elements/structures/units (i.e. sensations and perceptions), that make up our conscious mental experiences, “What are the elements of Psychological processes?” Conscious experiences – e.g. sensations, feelings, attitude, thoughts Involves Introspection (self-observation of one’s own conscious experiences) Study the structure of mind WILHELM WUNDT FUNCTIONALISM Founded by William James The study of how the mind functions to help us adapt and survive Psychology should study the function of conscious experiences Study of function of mind E.g. – “What do certain behaviors and mental processes accomplish for the person?” WILLIAM JAMES GESTALT PSYCHOLOGY Founded by Max Wertheimer Based on the belief that “the ‘whole’ is greater than the sum of its parts” Studied thinking, learning, and perception in whole units as meaningful perceptual experiences, not by analyzing experiences into parts Psychology should look at the organization of conscious experiences Phi Phenomenon - Illusion of movement created by presenting visual stimuli in rapid succession MAX WERTHEIMER BEHAVIORISM Advocated by J.B. Watson, & B.F. Skinner Emphasized the objective, scientific analysis of observable behaviors Psychology must study observable behavior objectively Only observable (overt) behavior has a place in a scientific psychology - only behavior can be seen/ measured Looks at the effect of environment on behavior by studying relationship between Stimuli: Environmental events Responses: Any identifiable behavior(s) J.B. WATSON & B.F. SKINNER PSYCHODYNAMIC/ PSYCHOANALYTIC Founded by Sigmund Freud Believes that behavior is largely influenced by unconscious forces @ component of mind (wishes, thoughts, desires, drives, urges) deeply rooted within our personality i.e. agression All thoughts, actions, and emotions are determined Early childhood experiences shape unconscious motivations Both a method of treatment and a theory of the mind Neo-Freudians: New or recent; some of Freud’s students who broke away to promote their own theories – Alfred Adler, Anna Freud, Karen Horney, Carl Jung, Erik Erikson SIGMUND FREUD HUMANISTIC Developed by Abraham Maslow and Carl Rogers Goal of psychology is to study unique aspects of the person Focuses on human experience, problems, potentials, and ideals Looks at the importance of human self growth behavior reflects innate ‘actualization’ emphasizes on conscious forces and self perception more positive view of basic forces than Freud’s Each person has innate goodness and is able to make free choices (freewill) Carl Rogers (1902–1987) Abraham Maslow (1908–1970) COGNITIVE Looks at internal cognitive/mental processes such as memory, thought, creativity, reasoning, decision making, language, perception, intelligence, etc. Influences include ❖ Jean Piaget - studied intellectual development ❖ Noam Chomsky - studied language Uses information processing approach: information is gathered from the environment & processed in a series of stages NEUROSCIENCE/ BIOLOGICAL Emphasizes genetics & biological processes in the brain & other parts of the nervous system Looks at the physiological mechanisms in influencing our behavior E.g. the role of nervous system, the endocrine system in specific functions like eating, emotion or learning EVOLUTIONARY Focuses on natural selection, adaptation, & evolution of behavior and mental processes Looks at the possible influence of inherited factors on behavior Behavior is the result of the process of evolution SOCIO-CULTURAL Focuses on aspect of social behavior/ interactions & cultural determinants of behavior & mental processes Studies the impact of cultural factors e.g. ethnicity, socioeconomic status, etc.  BIOPSYCHOSOCIAL MODEL A unifying theme of modern psychology that considers biological, psychological, & social processes ❖ Biological processes (e.g. genetics, brain functions, neurotransmitters, evolution) ❖ Psychological factors (e.g. thinking, personality, emotion, motivation) ❖ Social forces (e.g. family, school, culture, SES) All have interrelated influences & are inseparable BIOPSYCHOSOCIAL MODEL  FIELD IN PSYCHOLOGY (RESEARCH/ ACADEMIC) o Abnormal psychology o Biological psychology o Cognitive Psychology o Developmental psychology o Personality Psychology o Social psychology  ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY o the branch of psychology concerned with abnormal behavior o the scientific study of abnormal behavior in order to describe, predict, explain, and change abnormal patterns of functioning o studies people who are consistently unable to adapt and function effectively in a variety of conditions o knowledge is applied in clinical psychology to treating patients with psychological disorders.  BIOLOGICAL PSYCHOLOGY o scientific study of the biological bases of behavior and mental states o biological psychology or psychobiology is the application of the principles of biology to the study of mental processes and behavior o approach taken in behavioral neuroscience, cognitive neuroscience, and neuropsychology  COGNITIVE PSYCHOLOGY o an approach to psychology that emphasizes internal mental processes o studies cognition/mental processes e.g. Perception, learning, problem solving, memory, attention, language and emotion DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY the scientific study of progressive psychological changes that occur in human beings as they age. focuses on development across the entire life span may emphasise on intellectual, cognitive, neural, emotional, social & moral development  PERSONALITY PSYCHOLOGY o studies enduring psychological patterns of behavior, thought and emotion, commonly called an individual's personality o studies individual differences as well  SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY o study of the nature and causes of human social behavior - how social conditions affect human beings o studies persons and their relationships with others and with groups and with society as a whole e.g. attitudes, prejudice, social cognition, cognitive dissonance, social influence, etc.  FIELD & CAREERS IN PSYCHOLOGY (APPLIED) ❑ Clinical psychology ❑ Counseling Psychology ❑ Industrial/Organizational Psychology ❑ Educational & School Psychology ❑ Forensic/Legal Psychology ❑ Health Psychology  CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY ▪ the application of psychology in a clinical setting, including researching and treating psychological distress, dysfunction or disorder (psychopathology) ▪ Example of Psychological Disorders (mental health problems); depression, anorexia nervosa, post traumatic stress disorder, phobias, schizophrenia, addiction, etc. ▪ interview, assessment, diagnosis, treatment, etc. ▪ clinical psychologist can work with individuals, couples, children, adults, families and groups ▪ may work in psychiatric hospitals, general practice, psychological clinics, or academic centers  COUNSELING PSYCHOLOGY ▪ Branch of psychology providing personal, vocational, and educational guidance ▪ facilitates personal and interpersonal functioning with a focus on emotional, social, vocational, educational, health-related, developmental, and organizational concerns ▪ focusing more on normal developmental issues and everyday stress rather than psychopathology/ psychological disorders ▪ Counseling psychologists are employed in various settings e.g. universities, hospitals, schools, governmental organizations, and community mental health cente  INDUSTRIAL/ORGANIZATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY ▪ concerns the application of psychological theories, research methods, and intervention strategies to workplace issues ▪ attempts to apply psychological results and methods to aid workers and organizations ▪ topics include personnel psychology, motivation and leadership, employee selection, training and development, organizational behavior, and work and family issues  EDUCATIONAL & SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGY ▪ is the study of how humans learn in educational settings ▪ range of specialties including instructional design, educational technology, curriculum development, organizational learning, special education and classroom management ▪ Includes applying principles of psychology to the diagnosis and treatment of students' behavioral and learning problems FORENSIC/LEGAL PSYCHOLOGY is the application of psychological principles and knowledge to various legal activities Forensic Psychology and Legal Psychology form the area known as "Psychology and Law." issues include child custody disputes, child abuse or neglect, criminal responsibility, personal injury, etc.  HEALTH PSYCHOLOGY ▪ considers the biological, cognitive, behavioral, emotional, social, and environmental factors as they relate to health, illness and health care at the level of individuals ▪ the application of psychological theory and research to health, illness and health care ▪ Health psychologists generally work alongside other medical professionals in clinical settings, although many also teach and conduct research PSYCHOLOGY’S GOALS Psychology’s Goals – The four goals of psychology are to: (1) Description: describe particular behaviors by careful scientific observation, (What) (2) Explanation: explain behaviors by conducting experiments to determine their causes, (Why) (3) Prediction: Predict when a behavior being studied will occur in the future, (When) (4) Change: change inappropriate behavior or circumstances. (How)  Descri be GOALS Chang OF Explai e PSYCHO n LOGY Predic t  ENDURING ISSUES IN PSYCHOLOGY Areas that are frequently debated among psychologists because they reflect different perspectives on how people behave and think. Areas where psychologists do not agree and which are, and will be opened for diverse views ❖ NATURE VERSUS NURTURE ❖ PERSON VERSUS SITUATION ❖ STABILITY VERSUS CHANGE ❖ DIVERSITY VERSUS UNIVERSALITY ❖ MIND VERSUS BODY  NATURE VERSUS NURTURE (HEREDITY VERSUS ENVIRONMENT) This debate focuses on whether a person's behavior and traits are primarily determined by genetics (nature) or by their environment and experiences (nurture). Degree of influence that heredity (genetics) & environment have on behavior Are we products of genetic make-up or our environment? E.g. Think about musical talent. Is someone an amazing pianist because they were born with a natural talent (nature), or did they become great because they practiced for hours every day growing up (nurture)? Or It's likely a mix of both?  PERSON VERSUS SITUATION This looks at whether a person's actions are shaped more by their internal characteristics or by the situation they find themselves in. To what extent is behavior caused by processes that occur inside person? To what extent is behavior controlled/caused/triggered by factors outside the person? Do we change according to our environment, or are we the same wherever we go? E.g. A usually calm and patient friend may suddenly become angry in a frustrating situation, like being stuck in heavy traffic. Does their anger come from who they are (a calm person), or is it triggered by the stressful traffic situation?  STABILITY VERSUS CHANGE Are we fundamentally the same person throughout our life? OR Can we change our perceptions, and thus our behavior? OR How much do we stay the same as we develop & how much do we change… E.g. Imagine a high school classmate who was shy and introverted. Ten years later, you meet them again and they are outgoing and confident. Do people fundamentally change, or are they the same underneath it all? This debate plays out in how we view personal growth.  DIVERSITY VERSUS UNIVERSALITY o This looks at whether human behavior and experience are shaped by diverse, unique factors (like culture, gender) or if they are universal across all people. The extent to which every person in certain respects 1. Like all other people 2. Like some other people 3. Like no other person In what ways do people differ in how they think and act? o E.g. In many cultures, people greet each other with a handshake or hug, but in some countries, a bow is more common. While greetings may vary (diversity), the act of acknowledging others with respect is universal.  MIND VERSUS BODY o The r/s between what we experience & biological processes o This debate focuses on the relationship between mental processes and physical states. o Are mental and emotional experiences purely a result of physical brain processes, or is there something more to the mind? o E.g. When you’re stressed about a big exam, you might get a headache or stomach ache. Your mental state (stress) is clearly impacting your physical body. This demonstrates how the mind and body are closely linked REFERENCES Coon, D. & Mitterer, J. O. (2007). Introduction to Psychology: Gateways to mind and behavior (11th ed.). CA: Wadsworth/ Thomson Learning. Huffman, K. (2008). Living Psychology. NJ: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Morris, C. G., & Maisto, A. A. (2007). Understanding psychology (8th ed.). New Jersey: Prentice Hall.