Psychology

Understanding the Human Mind and Behavior

What is Psychology?

The scientific study of the mind and behavior.

What does Psychology use to fulfill its goal?

Uses research and experiments to understand how people think, feel, and act.

Why is psychology considered a science? (List all 5 reasons.)

• Uses the scientific method.

• Collects evidence through research.

• Tests hypotheses.

• Results must be repeatable.

• Relies on data, not opinions.

The Four Goals of Psychology are?

1. Describe

2. Explain\

3. Predict

4. Influence

To describe in Psychology is to…

Observe behavior.

To explain in Psychology is to…

Find out why the behavior happens.

To predict in Psychology is to…

Estimate future behavior based on evidence.

To influence in Psychology is to…

Help improve or change behavior.

Examples of what the brain is/does:

• Physical organ.

• Contains neurons.

• Controls the body.

• Can be studied with brain scans.

Examples of what the mind is/does:

• Thoughts

• Feelings

• Memories

• Imagination

• Consciousness

Behavior is…

Any observable action.

The Mental Processes is…

Things happening inside the mind.

What Influences Behavior?

-Biological Factors

-Psychological Factors

-Social Factors

-Environmental Factors

Biological Factors are…

Related to the body.

1. Genetics

2. Brain

3. Hormones

4. Sleep

5. Nutrition

Psychological Factors are…

Related to thoughts and emotions.

1. Personality

2. Beliefs

3. Emotions

4. Memories

5. Attitudes

Social Factors are…

Influence from other people.

1. Family

2. Friends

3. Teachers

4. Culture

5. Peer pressure

Environmental Factors are…

Outside surroundings.

1. Home

2. School

3. Neighborhood

4. Weather

5. Life events

Nature is…

Traits you're born with.

1. Eye color

2. Genetics

3. Natural temperament (biological personality)

Nurture is…

Things learned from experience.

1. Language

2. Education

3. Parenting

4. Culture

Correlation is…

Two things that happen together but don’t prove that one caused the other.
Example: Students who sleep more often have higher grades.

Causation is…

When one thing directly causes another, usually determined by a controlled experiment.

What is Clinical Psychology?

Studies and treats mental disorders.

What is Cognitive Psychology?

Studies thinking, memory, learning, and problem-solving.

What is Developmental Psychology?

Studies how people change from infancy through old age.

What is Social Psychology?

Studies how people are influenced by others.

What is Personality Psychology?

Studies what makes people unique.

What is Biological Psychology?

Studies how the brain and nervous system affect behavior.

What is Forensic Psychology?

Applies psychology to the legal and criminal justice systems.

What is Industrial-Organizational Psychology?

Studies behavior in the workplace.

What is Educational Psychology?

Studies how people learn best.