Chapter 1 General Psychology

Psychology

The scientific study of the mind and behavior

Scientific Method

• Ask a question about how or why something happens.

• Develop a hypothesis — a possible explanation for the phenomenon or observation.

• Make observations or conduct experiments to test whether the hypothesis is valid.

• Analyze the results and publish/share the findings with others.

Scientific Theory

A broad explanation or group of explanations for some aspect of the natural world that is consistently supported by evidence over time

Theory

A well-substantiated explanation of an aspect of the natural world, based on a body of evidence and testing.

Scientists test things that are…

perceivable and measurable

Is psycological science empirical or theoretical?

Empirical- based on measurable data

Empirical

Based on measurable data

Example of empirical data

Asking individuals about whether they sing because they are happy since they are able to tell us vs a hypothesis that a bird sings because its happy

or asking about the brain state of the bird since this can be measured vs the hypothesis that a bird sings because it is happy

Psychology students learn …

critical thinking skills and are trained in the use of the scientific method

Critical thinking

the active application of a set of skills to information for the understanding and evaluation of that information

Critical thinking involves…

maintaining an attitude of skepticism, recognizing internal biases, making use of logical thinking, asking appropriate questions, and making observations

Psychology does what for students?

Increases their scientific literacy and prepares them to critically evaluate the various sources of information they encounter

Psychology is the interaction between our

biology, environment, and experiences in determining who we are and how we will behave