Intro to Psychology

Psychology

The scientific study of behavior and mental processes.

Psyche + Logos

"Mind" + "Study" — the Greek roots of the word psychology.

Early Psychology

Originated in ancient philosophy before becoming a formal science in the late 19th century.

Structuralism

School of thought focused on breaking mental experiences into components like sensations and feelings.

Introspection

Careful examination and reporting of one's own conscious mental experiences.

Functionalism

Focused on how behavior functions to help people adapt to their environments.

Behaviorism I

School of thought that emphasized observable behavior over mental processes.

Gestalt Psychology

Emphasizes perception as whole patterns; "the whole is more than the sum of its parts."

Psychoanalysis

Approach that emphasizes the influence of unconscious drives and childhood experiences.

Unconscious Mind

Contains hidden desires, impulses, and memories outside of awareness.

Dream Analysis

Method for accessing unconscious thoughts through dream interpretation.

Psychotherapy

A form of "talk therapy" used to treat psychological disorders by exploring unconscious conflicts.

Modern Perspectives

Contemporary frameworks for understanding psychological behavior and processes.

Biological Perspective

Studies the influence of brain, genes, hormones, and nervous system on behavior.

Example of Biological Perspective

Using brain scans to understand depression.

Cognitive Perspective

Focuses on internal mental processes like thinking, perception, memory, and problem-solving.

Example of Cognitive Perspective

Analyzing how distorted thinking contributes to anxiety.

Behavioral Perspective

Emphasizes learning via reinforcement and punishment; includes cognitive-behavioral theory.

Operant Conditioning

Behavior is shaped by consequences; reinforced behaviors are more likely to be repeated.

Reinforcement

A consequence that increases the likelihood of a behavior recurring.

Social-Cognitive Theory

Behavior is influenced by environmental factors and personal expectations.

Example of Social-Cognitive Theory

Modeling and positive reinforcement help reduce public speaking anxiety.

Psychodynamic Perspective

Emphasizes unconscious motives, childhood experiences, and internal conflicts.

Neo-Freudian View

Updated perspective that includes social and conscious influences.

Example of Psychodynamic Perspective

Linking childhood trauma to adult depression.

Humanistic Perspective

Focuses on free will, self-awareness, personal growth, and authenticity.

Example of Humanistic Perspective

Therapist helps client align actions with personal values and goals.

Sociocultural Perspective

Studies how culture, ethnicity, gender, and social factors influence behavior.

Example of Sociocultural Perspective

Cultural beliefs about gender roles influence relationship conflicts.

Biopsychosocial Perspective

Integrates biology, psychology, and social environment in understanding behavior.

Example of Biopsychosocial Approach

Depression caused by genes, negative thinking, and social stress.

Subfields of Psychology

Diverse areas including clinical, counseling, educational, forensic, health, and more.

Clinical Psychologists

Treat psychological disorders like depression and schizophrenia.

Counseling Psychologists

Help individuals cope with everyday life challenges and adjustments.

Educational Psychologists

Design and improve teaching methods and assessments.

School Psychologists

Support children with academic and behavioral issues in schools.

Developmental Psychologists

Study physical, emotional, cognitive, and social changes over lifespan.

Personality Psychologists

Study traits and patterns that make individuals unique.

Social Psychologists

Study how individuals are influenced by others and social contexts.

Industrial Psychologists

Apply psychology in the workplace to improve productivity and satisfaction.

Health Psychologists

Explore how psychological factors affect physical health and illness.

Consumer Psychologists

Study how psychological factors influence buying behaviors.

Neuropsychologists

Investigate the relationship between brain structure and behavior.

Geropsychologists

Study mental and emotional changes in aging populations.

Forensic Psychologists

Work within legal settings; evaluate defendants and provide expert testimony.

Sport Psychologists

Help athletes improve focus and manage performance anxiety.

Goals of Psychology

Four main goals: Describe, Explain, Predict, and Control behavior.

Describe

Goal, Observing and noting how behavior occurs.

Explain

Goal, Understanding why behavior occurs based on theory and research.

Predict

Anticipating how individuals will behave in specific situations.

Control

Applying findings to influence or change behavior positively.

Psychology as a Science

Relies on systematic observation, evidence, and critical thinking.

Pseudoscience

Claims to be scientific but lacks empirical evidence and the scientific method.

Examples of Pseudoscience

Acupuncture, astrology, feng shui; rely on belief rather than evidence.

Warning Signs of Pseudoscience

Exaggerated claims, lack of peer review, reliance on anecdotes, vague language.

Placebo Effect

Perceived improvement due to belief in a treatment rather than the treatment itself.

Scientific Skepticism

Approach that requires strong evidence before accepting claims.

Rival Hypotheses

Alternative explanations that must be considered before concluding results.

Correlation vs Causation

Just because two things are related doesn’t mean one causes the other.

Falsifiability

A hypothesis must be testable and able to be proven false with evidence.

Replicability

Study results should be repeatable by others to confirm accuracy.

Extraordinary Claims

Require extraordinary evidence to be accepted.

Occam’s Razor

The simplest explanation is usually the correct one.

Ethical Guidelines in Psychology

Standards to protect participants in research studies.

Informed Consent

Participants must be fully informed and voluntarily agree to participate.

Confidentiality

Participants’ data must be protected and kept private.

Debriefing

Explaining the purpose and procedures of a study after it ends.

Right to Withdraw

Participants can exit a study at any time without penalty.

Avoidance of Harm

Researchers must minimize physical or psychological harm.

Use of Deception

Must be justified and followed by thorough debriefing.

Institutional Review Board (IRB)

Committee that reviews research proposals to ensure ethical standards are met.

Ethical Treatment of Animals

Requires replacement, reduction, refinement, and proper researcher training.

Replacement

Use alternatives to animal research whenever possible.

Reduction

Use the smallest number of animals needed for valid results.

Refinement

Modify procedures to minimize pain or distress to animals.