PSYC 2000 Study Notes

Introduction to Psychology

  • Psychology: The scientific study of mind and behavior.

Objectives

  • Define psychology and its significance.

  • Understand historical figures: Wundt, James, Freud, and their influences.

  • Explore major psychological movements: Structuralism, Functionalism, Behaviorism, Psychoanalysis, Gestalt Psychology, Humanism, Cognitive Revolution.

  • Recognize contemporary psychology's diversity.

Key Concepts in Psychology

  • Psychology: Focuses on the human experience: brain, consciousness, memory, etc.

  • Behavior vs. Mental Processes: Observable actions vs. latent constructs (thoughts, feelings).

  • Scientific Method: Hypothesis testing through data collection.

Historical Movements

Structuralism

  • Founded by Wilhelm Wundt, focusing on conscious experience using introspection.

  • Edward Titchener expanded on Wundt's ideas.

Functionalism

  • Developed by William James; focused on how consciousness helps adapt to the environment.

  • Inspired by Darwin's evolutionary theory.

Psychoanalytic Theory

  • Sigmund Freud theorized the unconscious mind's role in behavior.

  • Emphasizes early childhood development and unconscious desires.

Gestalt Psychology

  • Focuses on perception as a whole rather than individual parts.

  • Influential in sensation and perception research.

Behaviorism

  • Ivan Pavlov: Classical conditioning.

  • John Watson: Advocated for observable behavior.

  • B.F. Skinner: Concentrated on consequences of behavior (operant conditioning).

Humanism

  • Emphasizes inherent goodness and self-actualization.

  • Key figures: Carl Rogers (client-centered therapy) and Abraham Maslow (hierarchy of needs).

Cognitive Revolution

  • Renewed focus on the mind driven by advancements in related fields (linguistics, neuroscience).

  • Noam Chomsky emphasized understanding mental functioning.

Feminist and Multicultural Psychology

  • Emphasis on the contributions of women: Margaret Floy Washburn, Martha Bernal, Dr. Rheeda Walker.

  • Importance of studying psychological impacts of culture.

Contemporary Areas of Psychology

  • Biopsychology: Link between biology and behavior.

  • Evolutionary Psychology: Behavior as a result of adaptations.

  • Sensation & Perception: Study of sensory information.

  • Cognitive Psychology: Examines thought processes.

  • Developmental Psychology: Changes throughout life span (Jean Piaget).

  • Personality Psychology: Individual behavioral traits.

  • Social Psychology: Interactions and relationships.

  • Clinical Psychology: Diagnosis and treatment of disorders.

  • Health Psychology: Influence of psychological factors on health.

  • Industrial-Organizational Psychology: Apply psychology at work.

  • Forensic Psychology: Interaction of psychology with legal matters.