Story of Psychology PDF

1 Story of Psychology 1.1 Introduction 1.3 What is behaviour? 1.2 The History of Psychology 1.4 Study of Cognition 1.2.1 Study of consciousness 1.5 Psychology : Indian Perspective...

1 Story of Psychology 1.1 Introduction 1.3 What is behaviour? 1.2 The History of Psychology 1.4 Study of Cognition 1.2.1 Study of consciousness 1.5 Psychology : Indian Perspective 1.2.2 Study of unconscious 1.6 Goals of Psychology 1.2.3 Study of behaviour 1. Behaviour 2. Mental processes 3. Scientific method Learning objectives This chapter aims at facilitating students to 1. know how Psychology has evolved as an important subject to understand human behaviour. 2. understand the basic concepts related to human behaviour. 3. understand the goals of Psychology. 1.1 Introduction Although Psychology is new for us in terms of study, we are aware of this subject from our childhood, because we have been observing different forms of emotions, behaviour, moods of human beings. Human behaviour is full of diversity. This diversity amazes us. When we open daily newspaper or watch news on T.V. we see different aspects of human behaviour. Some examples are given in following pictures. 1  Following are the news in the collage. 1. Spontaneous blood donation by youth for passengers injured in Bus Accidents. 2. Neighbour saves life from a house that caught fire risking his own life. 3. Man killed his own brother due to property dispute. 4. Wife donates her kidney to her husband. 5. Officer arrested for taking a bribe of Rs. 50,000. 6. Arunima Sinha, who lost her both legs in an accident climbed Everest. 7. Student’s suicide due to failure in exam. 8. India lost a cricket match, a viewer furiously broke his T.V. set. 9. France won Football World Cup, citizens celebrated whole night. Activity 1 : l What type of emotions and human nature is expressed through above news? l Apart from above news, what type of news you read in newspapers or see on T.V.? l What could be the possible reasons of such behaviours? When we observe people around us, we realize that some individuals do not lose their courage and overcome difficult situations. On the other hand some commit suicide due to some minor failure. Some do not hesitate to harm others for their motives while some sacrifice their lives for others. We have seen diversity of human behaviour through the above examples. Why is human behaviour so diverse? What type of circumstances lead to these behaviours? Psychology helps us to understand these aspects of human behaviour. 1.2 The history of Psychology Science of soul Psychology is a vast field studying behavioural The first attempt to define psychology was aspects of mankind. This makes it difficult to made on the basis of the terminology used. The define Psychology precisely and in concrete word Psychology was derived from two Greek terms. words – ‘Psyche’ and ‘Logos’. Psyche means soul or mind and logos means science or branch Psychology did not emerge directly as a science. of knowledge. Thus Psychology was meant to be It started as a branch of philosophy. It evolved as the Science or branch of knowledge that deals a separate branch later 19th century. with soul or mind. Plato believed that knowledge is innate, whereas Do you know? John Locke thought that each child is born as an Symbol of Psychology “empty slate” and that knowledge is primarily The symbol of Psychology is acquired through learning and experience. the 23rd Greek alphabet Psi means soul or mind. But later psychologists were not satisfied with this definition. To them, soul was difficult to study as it could neither be visualized nor could be described in concrete terms. Both Soul and mind are abstract concepts. Fig. 1.1 Plato Fig. 1.2 John Locke Rational Sciences establish their facts from 2 observation and experimentation. If Psychology Do you know? is a Science, it must be based on some sort of The year 1879 is an important year in the observation and experimentation. However history of Psychology because it was the neither soul nor mind can be observed. We beginning of systematic study. Psychology cannot see or touch them. We can’t describe its emerged as an independent branch of nature nor can we say where it exists. Therefore, knowledge. the definition of Psychology was modified. Wilhelm Wundt (1832 - 1920) Activity 2 : Do you agree with the definition of Psychology as the Science which deals with the soul? If yes why? If no why? Activity 3 : Collect information about Bahinabai Fig. 1.4 Wilhelm Wundt Chaudhri : Mana (description of Mind) l University of Leipzig, Germany l Established first Psychology Laboratory in htttp/www.youtube.com/watch? v = DEDSDQqNyg4 1879. l Defined psychology as the study of 1.2.1 Study of Conscious consciousness. In late 19th century German Physician and l He used scientific methods to study Philosopher Wilhelm Wundt established first fundamental psychological processes, such Psychological laboratory at Leipzig University as reaction time in response to visual or in 1879 to study human behaviour. He introduced auditory stimuli. the term ‘conscious experience’. The term l He introduced Introspection method. ‘conscious experience’ refers to the awareness of the mental activities of an organism. The 1.2.2 Study of Unconscious awareness includes the stored mental impressions Dr. Sigmund Freud, an Austrian physician or representations of the past, present and defined of Psychology as the study of future. He conducted experiment on reaction unconscious. He believed that most of our time, perception, consciousness etc. After that motives are hidden. There is an unconscious psychology emerged as a science. level of our mind where we push or repress all our threatening urges and desires. He stressed the importance of early childhood experiences and believed that personality is formed in first five years of life. If there are any major psychological problems seen in the person’s life, it has roots in the early years of life. Dr. Sigmund Freud (1856 - 1939) Fig. 1.3 Wundt and his colleagues in the first laboratary of psychology Fig. 1.5 Dr. Sigmund Freud 3  (2) Mental processes l Austrian neurologist and the founder of psychoanalysis In Psychology, we study the external as well as internal factors of behaviour. Here we l Defined Psychology as the study of study the mental processes of an individual. It unconscious. includes thinking, memory, forgetting, emotion, l Believed that early childhood experiences motivation, attention, perception. and unconscious impulses contributed to the development of adult personality and (3) Scientific method behaviour. Experiment means an individual’s objective observations in controlled conditions. Here Activity 5 : a researcher or experimenter can test his assumptions by observing and collecting the data Do you agree with the definition that from sample population. These observations psychology is the study of unconscious? can be generalized for analyzing and predicting What could be the limitations of this human behaviour. definition? 1.3 What is Behaviour 1.2.3 Study of Behaviour John Watson - 1878 - 1958 Wilhelm Wundt defined Psychology as study of Consciousness and Dr. Sigmund Freud as study of Unconsciousness. However, here again, ‘consciousness’, and ‘unconsciousness’ are not observed directly. Hence, John B. Watson redefined Psychology as a Science of human behaviour. The latest definition is - Fig. 1.6 John Watson The study of human behaviour and mental processes. l American psychologist In this definition, following terms are important. l Established school of behaviourism. (1) Behaviour l Conducted research on animal behaviour, child rearing and advertising. In general we can say that behaviour is an organism’s response to various stimuli present in S-O-R Model our surrounding. But each individual might have different response to the same stimulus, because John Watson defined behaviour as anything a of their interest, personality and attitudes. person or animal does, that can be observed, recorded and studied. Behaviour is an organism’s Behaviour is either overt or covert. Overt response to any external or internal stimulus. behaviour includes directly observable responses like walking, talking, dancing etc. This fact is represented by the symbol : Covert behaviour includes responses which are S–O–R, where ‘S’ stands for stimulus ‘O’ stands not directly observable but can be inferred from for organism and ‘R’ stands for Response which behaviour like thinking, feeling etc. is reaction of the organism to the stimulus. 4 Example : walking, playing, dancing, singing, fighting and Stimulus is same, but individual responses are many other things which can be observed directly. different. Covert activities include mental processes like feeling, thinking, remembering, forgetting etc. Stimulus Organism Response which can’t be observed directly. These mental processes can be measured through how people Teacher Rohan – gives answer react to different problems and situations in their lives. asks some Sanika – remains silent questions Sachin – ignores Activity 7 : in the Saurabh – tries to recollect Do you agree with Watson’s definition that classroom answer in his mind psychology is the study of covert and overt behaviour? What are the limitations of this Stimulus is any physical event or condition definition? Can you think of examples which that gives rise to a reaction. The stimulus can can’t be explained with the help of this be external or internal. An Organism stands for definition? human being or an animal, who gives a response to the stimulus. A Response is a reaction of the 1.4 Study of Cognition organism to a given stimulus. During 1950s and 1960s, focus of psychology Activity 6 : shifted from behaviour to cognitive processes. Make a note of how your friends react to the Psychologists were interested in studying same stimulus in a different way. Example. processes like perception, thinking, memory examination. and other higher order activities. Cognitive psychologists are interested in studying inner Behaviour includes overt and covert activities. processes that trigger particular response to the Overt activities include bodily movements like stimulus. 1.5 Psychology in India Just for your reference Table No. 1 Professional development of Psychology in India First psychology department was established in Calcutta University by 1916 Prof. Narendra Nath Sen Gupta. 1925 Indian Psychological Association (IPA) was established and launched the Indian Journal of Psychology 1940 Lumbini Park Mental Hospital was founded in Calcutta. Psychology wing of Defence Research was established. It is part of the Defence 1945 to 1949 Science of Organization of India. National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) was 1955 established in Bangalore. 1962 Indian Academy of Applied Psychology (IAAP) was established. 1962 Establishment of Hospital for Mental diseases at Ranchi. 1968 The Indian Association of Clinical Psychologists was formed. 1989 National Academy of Psychology (NAOP) was founded. 5  have Tamasi qualities are idle and sluggish. They 1.5.1 Psychology : Indian Perspective do not work hard. They seem to be depressed. Many ancient Indian thinkers tried to solve the Rajasi people are aristocratic. Their self esteem mystery of human mind. During the period of is very strong. They think that everything should 2000 B.C. to 500 A. C., Philosophers studied happen according to their own wish. They are mind and human behaviour from different belligerent. People those have Sattvaguna are prespectives and tried to explain ideas like soul, calm and understanding. They do their work mind, intuition and so on. All this was a part of carefully and promptly. They are aware of reality philosophy. therefore they behave calmly. Upanishadas explain the self and personality Activity 9 : structure with the help of concept called Kosha (1) Find out different characteristics of (something similar to cover). Rajas, Tamas and Sattva guna. These are Annamaya kosha, Pranmayakosha, (2) Find out which guna are observed in Manomayakosha, Vidnyanmaya kosha and your personality? Anandmaya kosha. In the fifth century B.C., Patanjali explained They also talked about factors that affected these deep thought about Psychology in Yogsutra. He koshas and also how these koshas determine was the Yogi having a great scientific vision. human behaviour. He studied levels of human consciousness and also proposed ways to evolve spiritually. His According to Ayurveda, there are three types theory of ashtangyoga is useful today also. of doshas, which are Kapha, Vata and Pitta and Eight aspects of ashtangyoga are yama, niyama, these doshas determine Prakruti (characteristics) aasana, pranayam, pratyahar, dharana, dhyan of human beings. For example, individuals who and Samadhi. have kapha as a dominant doshas are calm, flexible, patient, and caring. They have strong memory. It is said, that they take longer to grasp a subject but once they understand it they are able to retain it for a longer time. Individuals who have Vata as a dominant dosha are unpredictable. Their moods and thoughts fluctuate. They get angry very quickly but they also calm down very fast. They are art lovers. Individuals who have Pitta as a dominant dosha are believed to be very sharp. They are known to be short tempered. Activity 8 : Find out more attributes of vata, kapha and pitta and try to find out which two dosha dominate your personality. Fig. 1.7 Aspects of Ashtang yoga Besides doshas, there is another concept to It also helps us to control our wishes and desires. explain human temperament called Guna Many Indian saints and philosophers have made namely, Sattva Guna, Rajas guna, Tamas Guna many comments about mind or human behaviour. Jain Tirthankar, Saint Kabir, Samartha Ramdas, Human body is made up of Rajas, Tamas and Swami Vivekanand etc. highlighted various Sattva Guna. The influence of Gunas is seen in aspects of human mind and behaviour. It reflects the person’s behaviour. For example, people who their understanding of human nature. 6  1.6 Goals of Psychology 1.6.1 Describe: What is happening? (1) Why did you opt for psychology in The primary goal of Psychology is to identify 11th std? and classify behaviours and mental processes as accurately as possible. How do individuals (2) Why did you select psychology over other think? What factors are responsible to stimulate subjects? their behaviour? How do individuals react to (3) Why should we study psychology? a specific situation? To know these answers, researchers need to record a particular behaviour Activity 10 : in the socio-economic, cultural, geographical space. For example People behave differently in Look at the statements given below. Analyse formal and informal situations and their reactions each one of them and come up with goals of are studied in psychology. For this purpose Psychology or role that Psychology plays in researchers use various psychological tools. For real life. example Standardized psychology tests, psycho- (1) A group of psychologists observed analytical techniques, survey method, laboratory 1000 individuals and recorded their experiments and observations. behaviour and reactions. 1.6.2 Explanation : Why it is happening? (2) After analysing their responses, they tried to understand the reasons behind Second major goal of Psychology is to their behaviours. understand the causes of the observed responses by explaining the facts in a meaningful way. (3) These observations can be generalized Psychologists are interested in knowing the to entire population. Therefore reasons behind their reactions. They use behaviour of an individual under standardized psychological tests to understand stressful situation can be predicted. the causes of their behaviour. If a particular behaviour is observed only in one individual, (4) The psychologists came up with some it can not be generalized to entire population. conclusions so that people can change Whereas if it is observed in most of the people, their responses to stressful situations then we can generalize it to entire population. for better. For example, accidents of bike riders are more There are four main goals of Psychology. fatal due to head injury therefore wearing helmet should be made compulsory for bike riders. Four Goals of Psychology 1.6.3 Prediction : What will happen next? 1 Describe What Third major goal of Psychology is to predict how a given condition or set of conditions will affect or lead to particular behaviour and mental 2 Explain Why processes of an individuals. Prediction involves knowledge about the possible outcomes of 3 Predict Anticipate behaviour. Example : If someone drinks alcohol, it will 4 Control Change or Modify slow down his reactions and that will increase possibility of an accident. So driving after consuming alcohol should be strictly avoided. 7  1.6.4 Control : How can it be changed? For example, if some students remain absent in the school or do not study then school Control or modification of behaviour is psychologist can help them to find out the the fourth goal of Psychology. Controlling causes and modify their behaviour. For this behaviour means shaping or moulding behaviour purpose, they may organize some intervention in a particular direction. It is accomplished programs in school. School counsellors can when the researcher uses various principles of study psychological problems of students and psychology to bring successful and smooth help them with proper guidance and counselling. changes in behaviour so that unwanted behaviour Now a days, students experience stress due to patterns can be avoided. Psychologist use bullying, parental expectations, unhealthy various psychotherapeutic techniques to shape competition etc. Counsellor can help these and modify human behaviour. students by making them accept the reasons behind it so that they can modify their behaviour wherever necessary. Fig. 1.8 Describing Behaviour by noting behaviour, Explaining behaviour, Predicting behaviour, Changing behaviour Activity 11 : Activity 12 : Find more examples of each of the above Go through internet and search for researches goals of psychology. They could be real which fit into either of the four categories. examples that you know or you have read Find at least one example each. about or they could be fictional examples. Let us look at the different branches of Psychology in the next chapter. v v v 8 Summary : Psychology has evolved from the quest of man to understand behaviour. From perceiving as a study of soul, mind, consciousness to behaviour and mental processes, it has been still exploring the behavioural aspects of man. It was only in 1879 when Wilhelm Woundt established the first psychology laboratory in Leipzig that it was known to be an independent science. We saw in this chapter that how in India too, the study of human behaviour has been reflected in our Ayurveda and Patanjali Yogsutra. The important goals of Psychology are description, explanation, prediction and control. Key Terms : Key Psychologists : Psychology John Locke : John Locke was an English Behaviour philosopher in the 17th century and gave theory of mind which suggested that each child Overt Behaviour is born as a “an empty slate” and the knowledge Covert Behaviour is primarily acquired through learning and experiences. Stimulus Plato : Plato was Athenian philosopher who Response believed that knowledge is innate. Kapha Wilhelm Wundt : A German physician and Vaat philosopher who established first Psychology Pitta Laboratory in 1879. Ashtanga Yog Sigmund Freud : An Austrian neurologist and psychoanalyst who put forth the concept of Prediction unconscious level of human consciousness and asserted that the unconscious forces have a very strong impact upon behaviour. John Watson : American psychologist who established school of behaviourism. 9  Exercise Q. 1. (A) Complete the following statements (D) Identify the odd item from the following 1. Psychology is a study of................... and give reasons for the same. a. Mind b. Behaviour 1. Soul, Mind, Feeling, Consciousness, Behaviour. c. Soul 2. Walking, dancing, playing, thinking, 2................... processes include thinking, eating. memory, emotions etc. 3. Yam, Niyam, Karya, Aasana, Pratyahar. a. Mental b. Cognitive c. Spiritual 4. Feeling, memory, attention, perception (B) Match the following pairs. (E) Complete the following table. A B 1. - Soul 1. Tri-doshas a) First laboratory 2. John Locke - of psychology 3. - Leipzig university 2. Tri-gunas b) Study of unconscious 4. Sigmund Freud - 3. Wilhelm Wundt c) Perception, 5. - Behaviour thinking, memory etc Q. 2. Explain the following concepts 1. Psychology 4. Sigmund Freud d) Satva, Rajas, Tamas 2. Behaviour 3. Overt Behaviour 5. Cognitive processes e) Ashtanga Yog 4. Covert Behaviour 6. Patanjali f.) Kapha, Vaat 5. Stimulus and Pitta 6. Response (C) State whether the following statements are true or false. Q. 3. Answer the following questions in 35 to 1. Psychology is a study of mind. 40 words 2. The first mental hospital in India was 1. Psychology is a science: explain why? established in Mumbai. 2. Explain the S-O-R model, with your own 3. There was no study of mental processes experience. in India till the formal discipline of 3. Explain the goals of Psychology. Psychology was recognized as a science. 4. Dr. Sigmund Freud proposed the concept Q. 4. Give a historical account of emergence of unconscious. of Psychology as a science. 5. Control is one of the objectives of Psychology. Q. 5. Describe the goals of Psychology. 10