Unit 1: Intro to Psych & Research Methods

Psychology definition

the scientific study of mental processes/cognitions and behavior

What are mental processes/cognition

sensations, perceptions, dreams, thoughts, beliefs

what are behaviors

any actions we can observe and record

What is pseudo psychology

false or unscientific form of psychology

Ex: zodiac signs, curses, fairy tales, non traditional medicine remidies

Evolutionary

Charles Darwin

Key words: natural selection, survive

Psychoanalytic

Sigmund Freud

Keywords: unconscious, past

Behavioral

B.F Skinner

Keywords: learn

Biological/neuroscience

Roger Sperry & James Olds

Keywords: body, brain, genes

Humanistic

Abraham Maslow & Carl Rogers

Keywords: needs, love, acceptance

Cognitive

Albert Ellis & Aaron Beck

Keywords: thoughts

Social cultural

Lev Vygotsky

Keywords: Cultures

Theory

a general observation and prediction about human thoughts or behaviors

Hypothesis

a testable prediction about human thoughts or behaviors, created from a theory

Longitudinal

same people studied for MANY years

Cross-sectional

study different people (of different ages) NOW and compare their results

Case study

Interview; study 1 person or small group in depth to better understand

Survey

questionnaire, typically anonymous

Clinical Psychologist

Assess, diagnose, and treat mental health conditions through psychological interventions

Forensic Psychologist

apply psychological science to legal and criminal justice systems

Organizational-Industrial psychologist

Work at corporations to help people get along

school psychologist

works in schools and help students and staff

What is the difference between a psychiatrist and psychologist

psychiatrist can prescribe medicine and psychologists cant