Introduction to Psychology Review (PDF)

Introduction to Psychology Psychology as a Science the scientific study of behavior and mental processes seeks to describe, explain, predict, and control behavior and mental processes Theories a set of hypothesized statements about the relationships among events Theories propose reasons fo...

Introduction to Psychology Psychology as a Science the scientific study of behavior and mental processes seeks to describe, explain, predict, and control behavior and mental processes Theories a set of hypothesized statements about the relationships among events Theories propose reasons for relationships among events, as in perception of a threat can arouse feelings of anxiety. allow us to derive explanations and predictions Historical Foundations of Psychology Socrates Socratic method - asking probing questions to stimulate critical thinking and illuminate ideas. believed that true knowledge comes from within and can be discovered through introspection and philosophical inquiry Plato Psyche – soul Tripartite individual's psyche is made up of three parts and a person's character is dependent upon which of the three is dominant. Plato Rational (head) – truth and logic Reason, analyze, weighs decision Decide what’s best Strengthened by experience Plato Spirited (heart) – strong emotions passion, winning Appetitive (digestive and sexual) - pleasures, comforts, physical satisfactions, and bodily ease Just soul – spirit and logic resists Unjust soul – spirit ignores logic (addiction) Structuralism Wilhelm Wundt – father of psychology; founder Used introspection (Socrates) - careful examination of one’s own thoughts and emotions Structuralism attempted to break conscious experience down into objective sensations, and subjective feelings. Objective sensation – such as sight or tastes Emotional response – memories and dreams believed that the mind functions by combining objective and subjective elements of experience. Functionalism William James He focused on the relation between conscious experience and behavior Functionalism Functionalists looked at how our experience helps us function more adaptively in our environments—for example, how habits help us cope with common situations How do behavior and mental processes help people adapt to the requirements of their lives? Behaviorism the school of psychology that focuses on learning observable behavior behaviorists define psychology as the scientific study of behavior, not of behavior and mental processes studies relationships between stimuli and responses Behaviorism Classical Conditioning – Ivan Pavlov Unconditioned and conditioned stimulus Unconditioned and conditioned stimulus Operant Conditioning – BF Skinner Punishment and rewards Gestalt Psychology Max Wertheimer Gestalt psychologists focused on perception and how perception influences thinking and problem solving. German word “gestalt” – pattern or organized whole Gestalt Psychology we cannot explain human perceptions, emotions, or thought processes in terms of basic units Gestalt psychologists showed that we tend to perceive separate pieces of information as integrated wholes depending on the contexts in which they occur Psychoanalysis Sigmund Freud proposes that much of our lives is governed by unconscious ideas and impulses that originate in childhood conflicts Psychoanalysis Three elements Id – primal urges, wants Ego – that part of the id which has been modified by the direct influence of the external world. Works by reason Superego – ideals, values, and morals Contemporary Perspectives in Psychology Biological Perspective seek the relationships between the brain, hormones, heredity, and evolution, on the one hand, and behavior and mental processes on the other made possible by the nervous system and especially by the brain Humanistic-Existential Perspective Humanism stresses the human capacity for self-fulfillment and the central roles of consciousness, self-awareness, and decision making Existentialism views people as free to choose and as being responsible for choosing ethical conduct. Psychodynamic Perspective pioneered by Sigmund Freud emphasizes unconscious psychological processes Sociocultural Perspective many psychologists believe we cannot understand people’s behavior and mental processes without reference to their diversity Fields of Psychology Fields of Psychology Clinical psychologists - help people with psychological disorders adjust to the demands of life. Counseling psychologists - Their clients typically have adjustment problems but not serious psychological disorders. Fields of Psychology School psychologists - employed by school systems to identify and assist students who have problems that interfere with learning. Educational psychologists usually focus on course planning and instructional methods for a school system rather than on individual children Fields of Psychology Developmental Psychologists - study the changes—physical, cognitive, social, and emotional—that occur throughout the life span. Social psychologists - concerned with the nature and causes of individuals’ thoughts, feelings, and behavior in social situations