PSY semestre 1 module 1

PSY 2012 — GENERAL PSYCHOLOGY
Module 1: Introduction to Psychology


LEARNING OBJECTIVES

By the end of this module, students should be able to:

  • Define psychology as a scientific discipline

  • Distinguish between behavior and mental processes

  • Explain the four goals of psychology

  • Understand the origins of modern psychology

  • Identify and compare major psychological perspectives

  • Describe the scientific method in psychology


  1. DEFINITION OF PSYCHOLOGY

Psychology is the scientific study of behavior and mental processes.

Behavior refers to observable actions performed by an individual, such as speaking, studying, or interactinge so x with others. Va sxzezee Be’ln

Mental processes refer to internal experiences that cannot be directly observed, including thoughts, emotions, memory, perception, and decision-making.


  1. GOALS OF PSYCHOLOGY

Psychology has four primary goals:

  1. Describe
    Observe and document behavior.

  2. Explain
    Understand the causes of behavior.

  3. Predict
    Anticipate when behavior will occur.

  4. Influence (or Control)
    Apply knowledge to change or improve behavior.


  1. PSYCHOLOGY AS A SCIENCE

Psychology relies on the scientific method, a systematic approach to research.

Steps of the scientific method:

  1. Identify a research question

  2. Formulate a hypothesis (testable prediction)

  3. Conduct research (experiment, survey, observation)

  4. Analyze data

  5. Draw conclusions

Scientific knowledge is based on evidence and is always open to revision.


  1. HISTORICAL FOUNDATIONS

Psychology originated from philosophy and biology.

1879 marks the beginning of modern psychology as a science when the first laboratory was established.

Structuralism
Focused on analyzing the structure of conscious experience.
Used introspection as a method.

Functionalism
Focused on the purpose of behavior and mental processes.
Influenced by evolutionary theory.


  1. MAJOR PERSPECTIVES IN PSYCHOLOGY

Biological Perspective
Behavior is influenced by brain structures, the nervous system, hormones, and genetics.

Behavioral Perspective
Behavior is learned through interaction with the environment.
Key concepts: reinforcement and punishment.

Cognitive Perspective
Behavior is influenced by mental processes such as memory, attention, and decision-making.

Psychodynamic Perspective
Behavior is influenced by unconscious processes and early life experiences.

Humanistic Perspective
Humans have free will and strive for personal growth and self-actualization.

Sociocultural Perspective
Behavior is shaped by social environments, culture, and group influences.


KEY VOCABULARY

Psychology — scientific study of behavior and mental processes
Behavior — observable actions
Mental processes — internal experiences
Hypothesis — testable prediction
Theory — explanation supported by evidence
Experiment — controlled research method
Reinforcement — consequence that increases behavior
Punishment — consequence that decreases behavior
Cognition — mental activity related to thinking
Conscious — awareness of thoughts and environment
Unconscious — mental processes outside awareness


REVIEW QUESTIONS

  1. Why is psychology considered a science?

  2. What is the difference between behavior and mental processes?

  3. What are the four goals of psychology?

  4. Why is the year 1879 significant in psychology?

  5. Compare the behavioral and cognitive perspectives.

  6. How does the biological perspective explain behavior?


END OF MODULE 1