Goals and Development of Psychology in Ghana

These flashcards cover the goals, history, and current developments in psychology as discussed in the lecture.

Goals of Psychology

The practice of psychology aims to achieve four main goals: describe behavior, understand/explain behavior, predict behavior, and influence/control behavior.

Describe Behavior

The goal of psychology to gather information about behavior to identify its distinguishing features and characteristics.

Understand/Explain Behavior

The goal of psychology aimed at knowing why a particular behavior occurs.

Predict Behavior

The goal of psychology that allows psychologists to determine under what circumstances a behavior is likely to occur.

Influence/Control Behavior

The goal of psychology to ultimately influence behavior by controlling, preventing, or reinforcing it.

Psychological Education in Ghana

Scientific psychology education began in Ghana in the mid-20th century, initially embedded into training programs for service staff.

First Psychology Department in Ghana

Established at the University of Ghana in 1967, marking the independence of psychology as an academic discipline.

Prof. C. E. Fiscian

The first head of the Psychology Department at the University of Ghana.

Ghana Mental Health Act

Passed in 2012, this act addresses mental health issues and promotes the practice of psychology in Ghana.

Ghana Psychological Association (GPA)

A professional association established in the late 1990s that represents the interests of psychologists in Ghana.