Ch 1 psyc

Chapter 1: What is Psychology

Chapter 1 Overview

  • The Image of Psychology

  • Psychology is a Science

  • Psychology’s Development

  • The Changing Face of Psychology

  • The Profession of Psychology

The Image of Psychology

  • Many common images of psychology and psychologists are inaccurate:

    • Patients lying on a couch

    • Psychologists in white lab coats

    • Just “common sense” observations

  • The field of psychology is large and varied, including:

    • Clinical or Counseling Psychology

    • Health Psychology

    • Developmental Psychology

    • Physiological (Bio-) Psychology

    • Social Psychology

    • Cognitive Psychology

Psychology is a Science

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

  • Behavior includes:

    • Overt actions

    • Emotional reactions

    • Physiological reactions

    • Mental processes (thoughts, ideas, feelings)

  • Classified as a social or behavioral science due to its focus on human behavior.

  • It is a science based on empiricism, meaning knowledge is acquired through observation rather than intuition or logic.

Principles of Science in Psychology

  • Psychology is committed to three key principles:

    • Objectivity: Evaluating research based on merits without biases.

    • Systematic Observation: Following a structured plan for data gathering.

    • Replicability: Confirming findings through repeated observations.

The Scientific Method in Psychology

  • Psychological research follows these five steps:

    1. State the problem

    2. Develop a hypothesis

    3. Design a study

    4. Collect and analyze data

    5. Draw conclusions and report results

Designing a Study

Key Elements

  • Identify key variables and select the best method:

    • Defining variables

    • Experimental vs descriptive methods:

      • Experiments: Determine cause-and-effect relationships.

        • Includes Independent and Dependent Variables.

        • Random assignment of participants.

        • Establishing Experimental and Control groups.

Descriptive Methods

  • Descriptive methods do not establish cause-and-effect:

    • Case Studies: Intensive study of one individual; generalization may be limited.

    • Naturalistic Observation: Data collection through observation in natural settings.

    • Surveys: Constructing questionnaires for a group.

    • Correlational Studies: Examining statistical relationships between variables.

Psychology’s Development

  • Psychology has evolved over 140+ years, rooted in early traditions:

    • Structuralism

    • Functionalism

    • Gestalt Psychology

    • Freud’s Psychodynamic Theory

    • Behaviorism

    • Humanistic Psychology

    • Cognitive Psychology

Key Figures in Psychology

  • Wilhelm Wundt established the first psychology lab in Germany (1879), focusing on cognitive structures.

  • Edward Titchener: explored mind structures and functions, influenced by Darwin and James (Functionalism).

  • Gestalt Psychology emphasized holistic perceptions of experiences rather than separate components.

Major Psychological Perspectives

Psychodynamic Theory

  • Developed by Freud, focusing on unconscious motivations, analyzed through psychoanalysis.

Behaviorism

  • John B. Watson: Advocated an objective, measurable focus in psychology (1913).

  • Skinner: Studied environmental influences on behavior (1940s).

Humanistic Psychology

  • Maslow and Rogers: Focused on positive human values and therapy over research.

Cognitive Psychology

  • Emerged in the 1960s, prioritizing the study of mental processes over behaviorism.

Current Perspectives in Psychology

  • Biopsychology Perspective: Biological foundations of behavior (e.g., genetics, CNS).

  • Positive Psychology: Focuses on studying positive values and well-being.

  • Social/Cultural Perspective: Studies how cultural influences shape behaviors.

  • Evolutionary Perspective: Analyzes behaviors based on evolutionary development.

The Changing Face of Psychology

  • Historically, psychology was dominated by white men; now much more diverse.

  • Increasing representation of women and ethnic minorities:

    • Women outnumbering men in the field.

    • Notable ethnic milestones in leadership (e.g., Latina and African-American women APA presidents).

    • Decline in ethnic bias but still present, such as ethnocentrism.

Factors Influencing Diversity

  • Diversity increasing from various sectors: culture, social class, sexual orientation, age, disability.

  • Cultural Dynamics: Individualist vs collectivist cultures shaping behavior and thought.

  • Social Class: Ongoing influence on worldviews; traditional neglect of lower classes in research.

  • Gender Identity & Sexual Orientation: Expanded definitions and recognition of diversity in identity are now accepted.

Age and Disability Status

  • Growing elderly population underrepresented in research.

  • Development of socially aware programs to support diverse backgrounds and reduce bias.

The Profession of Psychology

  • Psychologists value research and theory, working in diverse settings; require an advanced degree (PhD) and specialized training.

Mental Health Professionals

  • Clinical and Counseling Psychologists: Doctoral degree; provide therapy based on emotional and social factors.

  • Psychiatrists: Medical degree; focus primarily on medication management treating psychiatric conditions.

Other Specializations

  • Psychoanalysts focus on analyzing unconscious motivations.

  • Various roles include:

    • Clinical Psychologists

    • School Psychologists

    • Community Psychologists

    • Forensic Psychologists

    • Experimental and Applied Psychologists

Career Paths in Psychology

  • Popular college major with diverse student backgrounds.

  • Approximately 45% of psychology graduates pursue graduate degrees; others enter varied professional fields.

  • Advanced degree holders enjoy better job opportunities and higher salaries, particularly with licenses.