PSY1011 Week 1

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!