Comprehensive Notes on Psychology and Ethics

Understanding Psychology

• Definition: Psychology is the scientific study of behavior, mental processes, and the brain (Gazzaniga 2019).

• Methodology: Utilizes scientific methods to gather and analyze data concerning human behavior.

Key Components of Psychology

• Behavioral Differences: Examines how behaviors differ across various cultures and genders.

• Hypothesis and Theories: Employs hypotheses and theories to interpret human behavior.

• Objective Measurement: Focuses on measurable and observable data.

• Biological Influence: Investigates the structure and functions of the brain, nervous, and endocrine systems and their influence on behavior.

• Genetics in Behavior: Researches the impact of genetics on human behavior.

The Nature of Psychology

• Science vs. Art: Psychology is a blend of scientific rigor and artistic understanding of human values.

• Ethical Considerations: Psychologists must adhere to a Code of Professional Ethics to avoid conflicts with personal values and ensure sensitivity to client needs.

Fields of Psychology

• Main Branches:

  • Biopsychology

  • Educational Psychology

  • Clinical Psychology

  • Social Psychology

  • Industrial-Organizational Psychology

  • Sports Psychology

• Specializations:

  • Forensic Psychologists

  • Consumer Psychologists

  • School Psychologists

  • Aviation Psychologists

  • Military Psychologists

Psychological Approaches

• Major Perspectives:

  1. Psychodynamic Perspective: behavior is influenced by unconscious thoughts and childhood experiences

  2. Behavioral Perspective: Behavior is learned from the environment through rewards and punishments

  3. Cognitive Perspective: Focuses on how we think, remember, solve problems, and make decisions

  4. Biological Perspective: Behavior is caused by biology—like the brain, hormones, and genes

  5. Cross-Cultural Perspective: Our culture and social background shape our behavior and thoughts.

  6. Evolutionary Perspective: Behavior develops through natural selection to help us survive and reproduce.

  7. Humanistic Perspective: People are naturally good and want to grow, improve, and reach their full potential.

Understanding Human Nature

• Biological Aspects:

  • Genetic factors and brain structure shape behavior.

  • Supported by evolutionary biology and psychology.

• Psychological Aspects:

  • Consciousness, emotions, motivation, thought processes.

  • Psychoanalysis (Freud), Behaviorism (Skinner, Watson), Cognitive Psychology (Piaget, Bandura), Humanistic Psychology (Maslow, Rogers).

• Social Aspects:

  • Humans are social beings, relying on communication, relationships, and societal norms.

• Cultural Aspects:

  • Human experience and intelligence contribute to cultural development.

• Ethical and Free Will Aspects:

  • Humans have moral reasoning and free will, influenced by society.

• Spiritual Aspects:

  • Belief in something greater gives purpose and meaning to life.

Human Roles in Psychology

• Roles:

  • As Psychologists: Understanding mind, emotions, behavior.

  • As Clients: Receiving help to overcome challenges.

  • As Researchers: Investigating phenomena to broaden psychological knowledge.

  • As Participants: Engaging in research studies under ethical guidelines.

Ethical Research in Psychology

• Importance: Ethics guide how psychologists conduct research, ensuring the welfare of participants.

• Guidelines:

  • Example Inquiry: Impact of social media on self-esteem.

  • Multiple research areas: mental function, antidepressant effects, the role of sleep, etc.

Psychologist Expertise

• Skills Required:

  • Empathy and understanding.

  • Analytical thinking and communication skills.

  • Adherence to ethical practices.

Ethical Considerations in Psychology

• Definition of Ethics: Moral principles governing behavior and actions.

• Core Questions:

  • What makes actions good or right? How do individuals treat each other?

• Relation with Law: Ethics differs from law as it encompasses moral values, while laws impose regulations.

• Professional Code of Ethics: Guidance on conduct for psychologists along with enforcement by organizations.

Summary of the APA Code of Ethics

• Structure: Includes Introduction, Preamble, General Principles, Specific Ethical Standards.

• Enforceability: While the Preamble and General Principles are aspirational, the Ethical Standards establish enforceable rules.

• Application Scope: Covers all psychologist activities in various settings, ensuring ethical adherence in practice, research, and education.