Introduction to Psychology

Chapter 1

Psychology

Scientific study of the mind and behavior

Empirical Method

Based on observation, including experimentation, rather than a method based only on forms of logical argument or previous authorities.

Wilhelm Wundt

Credited as the father of psychology, and he created the first laboratory for psychological research. Used the concept of introspection and believed in voluntarism.

Edward Titchener

Wilhelm Wundt’s student who later developed structuralism

Introspection

Looking inward and considering ones own decisions and thinking

Structuralism

Goal was to study consciousness (how the elements in the mind were organized and related to one another).

William James

Developed functionalism, helped establish functional psychology, 1st American Psychologist, criticized Wundt for his boring and narrow ideas, influenced by Darwin. Used introspection as well as questionnaires and mental tests.

Functionalism

How consciousness (thoughts and feelings) functions to help people adapt to their environments

Max Wertheimer

Responsible for gestalt psychology

Gestalt Psychology

Believed consciousness was best understood by observing whole experience, rather than trying to break it down into a cluster of component elements. Contradicts Wundt and his ideals.

Sigmund Freud

Developed psychoanalysis. first to focus on abnormal behavior, believed that problems arising from conflict rest in the unconscious mind.

Psychoanalysis

Believed all behavior & mental processes are directed by unconscious forces (how the unconscious mind affects conscious behavior) and focuses on early childhood experiences. used free association and dream analysis to study unconscious mind.

Free association

Whatever comes to mind without censorship

Behaviorism

Founded by pavlov, watson, and skinner focuses on observing and controlling behavior. learning element is involved.

Watson

Believed that psychology should only study what could be observed. he preferred to focus on observable behavior and try to bring that behavior to a control.

Skinner

Insisted that external factors shape behavior. he concentrated on how behavior was affected by its consequences such as reinforcement and punishment.

Humanism

Developed by maslow and rogers. it emphasizes the potential for good that is innate to all humans. 

Abraham Maslow

Proposed a hierarchy of human needs in motivating behavior. he asserted that so long as basic needs necessary for survival were met like food and water, higher-level needs such as social needs would begin to motivate behavior. 

Carl Rogers

Developed a client-centered therapy method that has been influential in clinical settings.

Ivan Pavlov

Discovered the concept of classical conditioning. Studied conditioned reflexes in which an animal produced a reflex response to a stimulus and, over time, was conditioned to produce the response to a different stimulus.

Noam Chomsky

Was very influential in beginning the cognitive revolution. He believed psychology needed to incorporate mental functioning into its focus in order to fully understand human behavior.

Margaret Floy Washburn

First woman to earn a doctorate in Psychology. Researched on animal behavior, and published an authoritative text on the subject.

Biopsychology

Study how the structure and function of the nervous system generate behavior. Research can include: Sleep, drug use and abuse, ingestive and reproductive behavior, neurodevelopment, plasticity of the nervous system, and how biology correlates to psychological disorders.

Sensation and Perception

Focuses of both physiological aspects of sensory systems and the psychological experience of sensory information.

Sensation

Sensory information such as sights, sounds, touch, and smell.

Perception

Experience of the world which is influenced by where we focus our attention, our previous experiences, and our cultural backgrounds.

Developmental Psychology

Studies the physical and mental attributes of aging and maturation.

Jean Piaget

Famous for this theories regarding changes in cognitive ability that occur as we move from infancy to adulthood.

Personality Psychology

Focuses on behaviors and thought patterns that are unique to each individual. Studies include conscious and unconscious thinking and identifying personality traits. Studied with the Five Factor Model.

Social Psychology

How individuals interact and relate with others and how such interactions can affect behavior.

Health Psychology

Focuses on how individual health is directly related or affected by biological, psychological, and sociocultural influences.

Clinical Psychology

Focuses on diagnosis and treatment of psychological disorders and problematic patterns of behavior. Study involves clinical therapy and counseling.

Industrial/Organizational Psychology

Applies psychological theories, principles, and research to industrial and organization settings. Involves issues related to personnel management, organization structure, and workplace environment.

Sport and Exercise Psychology

Focuses on psychological aspects regarding sports and physical performance. Study includes motivation, performance related anxiety, and general mental well being.

Forensic Psychology

Deals with the justice system. Tasks include assessment of individuals’ mental competency to stand in trial, sentencing and treatment suggestions, and advisement regarding eyewitness testimonies.

PhD or Masters

Most careers in psychology require…

Western, Educated, Industrialized, Rich, and Democratic

WEIRD

Multicultural Psychologists

Develop theories and conduct research with diverse populations, typically within one country.

Cross-Cultural Psychologists

Compare populations across countries.

Francis Cecil Sumner

First African American to receive a PhD in psychology in the United States.

American Psychological Association (APA)

A professional organization representing psychologists in the United States with a mission to advance and disseminate psychological knowledge for the betterment of people.

Counseling Psychology

Focuses on emotional, social, vocational, and health-related outcomes in individuals who are considered psychologically healthy.

PhD

Doctor of philosophy degree

PsyD

Doctor of psychology degree

Dissertation

A long research paper or bundled published articles describing research that was conducted as a part of the candidate’s doctoral training.