Lecture 1 Intro to Psychology-1

Course Overview

  • Course Title: SPS 110: Medical Psychology

  • Credits: 2

  • Academic Year: 2023/2024, Second Trimester

  • Instructor: Dr. Abdul-Raheem Mohammed

  • Institution: University for Development Studies, Tamale

  • Contact: armohammed@uds.edu.gh

  • Office Hours: By appointment

Introduction to Psychology

  • Definition: Psychology is the scientific study of behavior and mental processes.

  • Etymology: Derived from Greek words

    • Psyche: Soul or spirit

    • Logia: Study or research

Key Concepts in Psychology

  • Psychology as a Science:

    • Utilizes the scientific method for understanding behavior.

  • Behavior:

    • Studies behavior of both humans and animals; includes overt (observable) and covert (internal) behaviors.

  • Mental Processes:

    • Refers to cognitive functions and internal processes.

Misconceptions about Psychology

  • Common Myths:

    • Involves magic, tricks, and mysticism.

    • Misinterpreted as mind reading or fortune telling.

Para and Pseudo Psychology

  • Parapsychology:

    • Deals with phenomena beyond the five senses (ESP).

  • Pseudo Psychology:

    • Refers to false psychology; methods are not scientifically validated.

Extrasensory Perception (ESP)

  • Definition: Unproven abilities to gain knowledge outside normal sensory channels.

  • Common Types:

    • Telepathy, clairvoyance, precognition, psychokinesis.

Telepathy

  • Description: Thought transfer between individuals without communication channels.

Clairvoyance

  • Definition: Ability to perceive ongoing events in a distant location without prior knowledge.

Precognition

  • Definition: Ability to foresee future events without prior knowledge; akin to prophecy.

Psychokinesis

  • Definition: Mind's power to influence matter without physical contact.

Challenges with Para and Pseudo Psychology

  • Susceptibility to misinterpretation of chance events as paranormal phenomena.

  • Issues with replicability and scientific discredit of unverifiable claims.

  • Potential for fraud and reducing critical thinking among individuals.

Relevance of Psychology

  • Enhances self-understanding and comprehension of others’ behaviors.

  • Provides insights into social behaviors across private and public domains.

  • Equips individuals to assess conflicting human behavior claims critically.

What is Medical Psychology

  • Definition: Application of psychological principles to medical practice focused on both mental and physical disorders.

  • Practices: Includes psychotherapy, behavior modification, cognitive therapy, and more to enhance patients' health.