Introduction to Psychology

Psychology

The scientific study of an organisms behaviour and mental processes.

Meaning of Psyche

The mind or soul

Meaning of Logos

Study of

Field of study psychology originated from

Philosophy and physiology

Characteristics of Scientific study

1. It must be tested and not just theoretical.
2. it should be repeatable when the experiment is redone.
3. Findings should apply to a broader society.
4. Variables in the experiment should be countable.

Independent Variable

The experimental factor that is manipulated; the variable whose effect is being studied.

Dependent Variable

the variable that is observed during the experiment

Extraneous variable

the variable that is held constant or controlled during the experiment

Steps of the Scientific Method

1. State the problem

2. Develop a hypothesis

3. Design a study

4. Collect and analyse data

5. Draw conclusions and report results

Behavior

the way an organism responds to stimulus.

Forms of Behavior

1. Overt Behavior

2. Covert behaviors

3. Reflex Behavior

4. Goal-Directed Behaviors

5. Conditioned Behaviours

6. Frustration Behaviour

Overt Behavior

Behavior that has the potential for being directly observed by an individual other than the one performing the behavior.

Covert behaviors

These are behaviors that are not readily observable by an individual. They are internal behaviors that occur in the mind of an individual.

Reflex Behavior

automatic or subconscious responses to stimulus

Goal-Directed Behaviors

These are behaviors aimed at achieving a specific goal or purpose.

Conditioned behavior

behavior that becomes associated with a specific stimulus through conditioning

Frustration Behaviour

The behaviour that occurs when a goal which is supposed to be acheived within a particular time is not acheived

Why animals are used in Psychology research

1. Animals help to understand basic principles underlying human behaviour.
2. Darwin's theory suggests that all animals (including humans) have a common ancestry

What’s the principle of parsimony

the principle states that if two or more theories are capable of explaining a phenomenon, the simpler and most basic one should be taken

Arguments against the use of Animals in Psychology research

1. Violation of animal rights
2. The difference between lab animals and wild animals

When can animals be used for experiments

1. When there are no other alternatives.
2. When it is confirmed that the experiment will not unnecessarily duplicate previously conducted experiments.
3. When the studies are relevant to the improvement of animal and human health.

Goals of Psychology

1. It aims to differentiate normal and abnormal behavior.
2. Aims to understand and explain reasons behind behavior.
3. Seeks to predict future behavior through past studies.
4. Utilizes knowledge to recommend positive behavioral changes for human lives.

Psychologist

Someone who studies human behavior and mental processes

Social workers

individuals who help individuals cope with social and academic issues

Psychiatrist

A medical doctor who treats individuals that are mentally challenged

Subfields of Psychology

1. Developmental pyschology

2. Social psychology

3. Biological pyschology or psychobiology

4. Cognitive psychology

5. Industrial/organizational psychology

6. Experimental psychology

7. Counseling psychologists

8. Clinical psychologists

9. Environmental psychologists

Behavioral Neuroscience

It focuses on the relationship between the nervous system, brain, and behavior.

Experimental Psychology

it deals with understanding various aspects of human cognition, perception, and learning through experiments.

Developmental Psychology

It deals with the study of changes in the human body and the cognitive, emotional, and social development across the lifespan.

Personality Psychology

it studies individual differences in behavior patterns, traits, and characteristics.

Health Psychology

It examines the interplay between psychological factors and physical health and illness.

Clinical Psychology

It's the study of the assessment and treatment of mental illness and psychological disorders.

Counseling Psychology

it focuses on helping people deal with various life challenges and adjustments, including academic, social, and career issues.

Social Psychology

It studies how individuals' thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are influenced by the presence of others.

Biological psychology or psychobiology

This refers to the study of the physical and chemical changes that occur during stress, learning and emotions as well as how our genetic make up interacts with the environment.

Cognitive Psychology

This is the study of how we store, process and retrieve information and how it influences our behaviours.

Industrial/organizational psychology

This refers to the study of the relationships between an individual and their work environments

Counseling psychology

This is the study involved with helping people cope with personal and vocational challengess by recognizing their strengths and resources.

Clinical psychology

This study deals with assessing and treating mental, emotional and behavioural disorders

Cross-cultural Psychology

it examines similarities and differences in behavior across different cultures.

Comparative Psychology

the branch of psychology that deals with the study of animal behaviour

Parapsychology

Th study of anomalies of behaviour and experience called paranormal experiences

Main branches of Parapsychology

1. Extra Sensory Perception

2. Psychokinesis

3. Survival studies

Extra Sensory Perception

The study of communications ostensibly without the known sensory organs

Areas under Extra Sensory Perception

1. Telepathy (mind reading)

2. Clairvoyance/ remote viewing

3. Precognition (Knowledge of events that are yet to happen)

Psychokinesis

This branch deals with the study of how the mind interacts with matter at a distance.

Poltergist

Phenomenon where ghosts or supernatural beings are responisbles for certain disturances

Survival Studies

The branch of parapsychology which investigates survival after bodily death

Areas under Survival studies

1. Near'-death experience

2. Reincarnation

3. Apparitional experiences (Ghost activities)

Pseudo Psychology

a practice that is made to look like psychology but that is actually not psychology.

Types of Pseudo Psychology

• Astrology

• Palmistry

• Graphology

• Phrenology