Psychology 1

Psychology

Scientific study of the mind and behavior.

Misconception

Psychology is often mistakenly viewed as solely treating mental illnesses.

Methodology

Psychology employs rigorous methods to predict and understand phenomena.

Non-textbook definition

Psychology seeks to understand behavior and mental processes for human welfare.

Key terms

Science, behavior, mental processes, and application are essential in psychology.

Major areas of psychology

Includes biological, developmental, cognitive, social and personality, and clinical psychology.

Common Sense Psychology

Everyday beliefs about behavior, such as the safety of wearing seatbelts.

Historical overlap

Psychology shares sentiments with philosophy, which is an older field.

Psychophysics

The study of how people perceive physical properties, significant in the early development of psychology.

Structuralism

Focused on breaking down mental experiences into their smallest parts through introspection.

Introspection

A method used in structuralism, criticized for being too subjective.

Functionalism

Emphasizes the function of behavior and adaptability to the environment.

William James

A key figure in functionalism, influenced by Darwin's theories.

Psychoanalysis

Focuses on the unconscious mind and childhood experiences, pioneered by Sigmund Freud.

Unconscious mind

Freud's concept that it is a powerful force behind thoughts and behaviors.

Gestalt psychology

Asserts that conscious experience is greater than the sum of its parts.

Behaviorism

A perspective that focuses solely on observable behaviors, dominant until the 1970s.

Humanistic perspective

Re-centered psychology to consider internal states and personal growth.

Cognitive revolution

A shift in psychology that emphasized mental processes and cognition.

Psychologists' roles

Include clinical work, social work, public health, and research across various areas.