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PSY1011 Lecture 1: History and Science of Psychology

ANCO MONASH University

PSY1011 Lecture 1Week 1: History and Science of PsychologyDr Chris SivaEmail: chis.siva@monash.edu

Lecture 1 Learning Objectives

  • 1.1 Define psychology

  • 1.2 Discuss the contributions of biopsychology and the sociocultural perspective

  • 1.3 Outline the history of psychology

  • 1.4 Distinguish among the major theoretical perspectives in psychology

Misconceptions about Psychology

  • Common myths surrounding psychology:

    • Most people use only 10% of their brain capacity

    • Psychologists can interpret thoughts

    • Human memory works like a video camera

    • Opposites attract

    • Full Moons cause crimes

  • Pop Psychology and common beliefs vs. scientific findings:

    • Exploring which of these beliefs are accurate.

Common Sense and Cognitive Shortcuts

  • Examination of common sayings:

    • Common sense as a reliable source?

    • Sayings like "birds of a feather flock together" and "opposites attract" analyzed.

    • Evaluating phrases such as:

      • Better safe than sorry

      • Nothing ventured, nothing gained

      • Two heads are better than one

      • Too many cooks spoil the broth

      • Absence makes the heart grow fonder

      • Out of sight, out of mind

What is Psychology?

  • Definition: The scientific study of the mind, brain, and behavior.

  • Goals:

    • Understand, explain, and predict human behavior in different contexts.

    • Explore the significance of positive psychology and the pursuit of happiness.

Boundaries of Psychology

  • Challenges in Predicting Human Behavior:

    • Influenced by individual differences, genetics, personality, external factors, and cultural differences.

  • Psychological Approaches:

    • Comparison between neuroscience and clinical psychology.

Fields of Psychology: Behavioral Neuroscience

  • Examines behavior through genetic and biological processes.

  • Localisation of Function:

    • Discrete brain regions play significant roles in different aspects of mental functioning.

Localisation of Function

  • 19th Century Discoveries:

    • Importance of three key discoveries in linking specific psychological functions to brain regions.

    • Impact on further work in behavioral neuroscience discussed.

Fields of Psychology: Sociocultural Determinants

  • Highlights the influence of social interactions and cultural factors on behavior and mental processes.

  • Explores the unconscious impact of aspects such as ethnicity, religion, and socioeconomics on individuals.

Emergence of Psychology Schools

  • Importance of understanding history in psychology:

    • Recognizing past trends and avoiding repeating mistakes (e.g., ethical violations).

    • Introducing new perspectives and shaping modern issues.

History of Psychology: Philosophical Foundations

  • Empiricism:

    • John Locke (1632-1702) proposed that the human mind is a 'tabula rasa' at birth, learning through experience.

    • Contrasted with the idea of innate knowledge.

  • Questions surrounding free will vs. determinism, nature vs. nurture, and other philosophical dilemmas in psychology discussed.

Key Philosophical Issues

  • Key topics include:

    • Free will vs. determinism

    • Nature vs. nurture

    • Rationalism vs. empiricism

    • Reason vs. emotion

    • Continuity vs. discontinuity with animals

    • Individualism vs. relationality

    • Conscious vs. unconscious

    • Mental vs. physical (mind/body)

Free Will vs. Determinism

  • Rene Descartes:

    • Discusses the philosophical debate over free choice versus determinism.

    • Consequences of mind-body separation on psychological studies.

Historical Development of Psychology

  • William Wundt:

    • Established the first psychological laboratory in 1879.

    • Introduced introspection as a method for observing mental processes.

Structuralism

  • Edward Titchner:

    • Student of Wundt, emphasized the analysis of conscious experience.

    • Focus on elements of consciousness: sensation, images, and feelings.

    • Decline of structuralism due to the limitations of introspection.

Psychoanalytic Theory

  • Founder: Sigmund Freud (1856-1939)

    • Importance of unconscious processes in shaping personality.

    • Key components:

      • Id: Pleasure principle

      • Ego: Reality principle

      • Superego: Morality

    • Assignment focus on describing key premises of this perspective.

Functionalism

  • Founder: William James (1842-1910)

    • Influenced by Darwinian principles, sought to understand the functions of the mind.

    • Focused on consciousness as an adaptive trait for survival.

    • Assignment to differentiate between functionalism and structuralism.

Behaviorism

  • Founder: John B. Watson (1878-1958)

    • Central focus on learning principles through observation of behavior.

    • Emphasis on the environment and prediction/control of behavior using studies like Little Albert.

    • Watson's view of the mind as a sealed black box.

Little Albert Study

  • Analysis of the ethical concerns surrounding the Little Albert study, including potential replication issues.

  • Discussion on its significance and its categorization as one of the most criticized studies in psychology.

B.F. Skinner and Behaviorism

  • Emphasis on observational and measurable aspects of behavior.

  • The concept that all behavior is determined by consequences discussed.

Humanistic Psychology

  • Key Figures: Carl Rogers and Abraham Maslow

    • Focus on self-actualization and inherent goodness of people.

    • Emphasizes the importance of empathy in therapy and personal growth.

Cognitive Psychology

  • Founder: Ulric Neisser (1967)

  • Explores perception, processing, and retrieval of information.

  • Highlights the link between memory and decision-making.

  • Emphasis on experimental methods in understanding thought processes.

Evolutionary Psychology

  • Founder: Charles Darwin

    • Examines adaptive traits that influence survival and reproduction.

    • Discusses the theory of inclusive fitness and behaviors related to kinship.

Biopsychosocial Model

  • Integrates various fields of psychology for a comprehensive understanding of human behavior.

  • Question posed on the significance of this model in psychology.

Practical Applications of Psychology

  • Example scenario illustrating the psychological impact of sound on behavior gives insight into various perspectives on explaining behavior.

  • Importance of understanding competing theoretical explanations.

Pathways and Registration in Psychology

  • Outline of steps to becoming a registered psychologist, researcher, or psychiatrist and distinctions between these roles.

Psychology Skills in Employment

  • Discusses transferable skills gained from psychology degrees:

    • Understanding of human behavior

    • Interpersonal communication

    • Problem-solving abilities

    • Scientific skills applicable in various sectors (government, healthcare, corporate).

Societal Relevance of Psychology

  • Inquiry into how different fields address societal questions (e.g., health and sports psychology).

  • Reflection on skills and knowledge psychology graduates possess that apply to real-world issues.

Conclusion

Questions?Thank you!Y'all come back!