Bystander Effect and Psychological Theories Notes

Origin and Definition of Psychology

  • Etymology:
    • “Psych” = mind/spirit/soul
    • “Logos” = study or research
  • Definition:
    • Scientific study of the brain and human mind
    • Examines functions affecting behavior and mental processes
  • Branches:
    • Overt behavior: Observable aspects of behavior
    • Covert mental processes: Internal thoughts that can't be directly observed

Importance of Psychology

  • Purpose:
    • Describe and explain behaviors
    • Predict behaviors
    • Influence behaviors
  • Example:
    • Kitty Genovese's murder illustrates the bystander effect

Bystander Effect

  • Concept:
    • Safety in numbers is a misconception; individuals are less likely to help in a group
    • Diffusion of Responsibility:
    • Individuals see themselves as part of a crowd, believing others will take action
    • Social norms affect behavior, leading to individuals conforming to group dynamics

Historical Context

  • Wilhelm Wundt (1879):
    • Established the first psychology lab, marking psychology as a scientific discipline
    • Advocated for introspection as a method for studying consciousness

The 5 Approaches to Psychology

1. Biological Theories
  • Key Idea:
    • Behavior is influenced by genetics and brain chemistry
    • Actions are a result of chemical reactions rather than thoughts or experiences
  • Implications:
    • Treatment may involve pharmaceuticals or therapy to restore balance
2. Psychodynamic Theories
  • Key Idea:
    • Behavior is driven by unconscious impulses and conflicts
    • Internal desires shape personality and behavior
  • Major Contributor:
    • Sigmund Freud (1856-1939)
    • Developed psychoanalysis focusing on unconscious drives related to sexuality
    • Controversial due to lack of empirical support, especially regarding concepts like psychosexual development
3. Behaviorism
  • Key Idea:
    • Focus on observable behaviors; behavior is conditioned through environmental stimuli
  • Major Contributor:
    • Ivan Pavlov (1849-1936)
    • Known for classical conditioning, e.g., dogs salivating at a stimulus (food) due to learned association
4. Humanistic Theories
  • Key Idea:
    • Emphasizes the inherent goodness of humans and the importance of personal growth
    • Problems stem from societal restrictions and deviation from one’s true nature
  • Major Contributor:
    • Abraham Maslow (1908-1970)
    • Constructed the Hierarchy of Needs:
      • Self-actualization: Achieving one’s full potential requires fulfillment of lower needs first
      • Ranges from physiological needs to self-actualization at the top
5. Cognitive Theories
  • Key Idea:
    • Behavior is driven by thoughts and beliefs, shaped by personal experiences
    • Focuses on mental processes involved in perception and memory
  • Major Contributor:
    • Jean Piaget (1896-1980)
    • Proposed that cognitive development in children progresses as they compare new information to prior knowledge

Consolidation and Application

Importance of Wilhelm Wundt
  • Established psychology as a scientific field through the first lab
  • Introduced Structuralism and introspection methods for studying consciousness
Scenario Application of Psychological Approaches
  1. Behavioral Approach:
    • Example: Teaching with punishments or rewards
  2. Biological Approach:
    • Example: Genetic link in schizophrenia
  3. Cognitive Approach:
    • Example: A child recognizes a zebra based on prior experiences
  4. Humanistic Approach:
    • Example: Understanding happiness through positive thinking
  5. Psychodynamic Approach:
    • Example: Trauma's influence on behavior in therapy