Welcome to Psychology: Chapter 1

psychology

the scientific study of the mind of behavior

nature

• tendencies that are genetic

• born this way

nurture

• tendencies that are learned from the environment

• shaped that way through life experiences

nature vs. nurture

• is a FALSE dichotomy

• genes influence response to surroundings and environmental factors can turn them on/off

• reality is both but depends (one or the other)

what is evolutionary psychology?

Explores ancient human origins and focuses on universally human behaviors

evolutionary psychology in terms of nature vs. nurture

nature: tendencies are universally human
nurture: environmental pressures create different tendencies

cultural psychology

• Culture = norms, rules, customs, beliefs, etc. of a group of individuals

• Focuses on relationship between culture and individuals

• Culture wires brain development with environmental influences

does cultural psychology support the nature or nurture argument?

nurture

What does WEIRD stand for?

Western

Educated

Industrialized

Rich

Democratic

WEIRD cultures

• societal characteristics NOT individual

• US, UK, Canada, Australia

• Psychology uses WEIRD cultures too much; we need more cross-cultural research

psychology vs other social sciences (sociology, anthropology, economics)

psychology: study of mind and behavior INDIVIDUALS

sociology: study of societies, social groups, institutions GROUPS

anthropology: study of cultures in evolutionary contexts CULTURES

economics: study of decision-making, resources, scarcity MARKETS

Where can you find quality information (on psychology)?

• Print news and self-help books (by a known expert)

• Highest quality info comes from JOURNAL ARTICLES