PSYC1101_-_26_Feb_20-s1-low
Introduction to Psychology 101
Welcome to the course, first assessable class for the exam.
The course is like "tapas" – providing a range of topics to help decide on future paths in psychology.
Presented by Jason Bell, Associate Professor in School of Psychological Science.
Personal Background
Jason's journey: Former high school dropout, PhD from UWA.
Topics of expertise: Visual perception, recognition of shapes and objects, applied settings (e.g., Navy periscopes, clinical disorders).
Objectives of the Course
Core focus on research design and understanding various aspects of psychology.
Importance of vocabulary and frameworks for understanding content.
Discussing neurotransmitters, cause and effect, cognitive processes.
Overview of Research Design
Research Design: Frameworks for addressing psychological questions.
Importance of understanding hypothesis formation for lab reports.
Types of research discussed: Observational and manipulative.
Example: Testing interventions like therapy for depression requires understanding of scientific methods.
Historical Foundations of Psychology
Start with the history of psychology to frame the discipline.
Scientific thinking: Formulating hypotheses and understanding areas of research.
Explore perspectives: Behavioral, cognitive, biological aspects of psychological phenomena.
Interactive Learning
Discussion on individual interpretation of images (e.g., old lady vs. young woman) provides insight into cognitive processes.
Engaging students in displaying different perspectives to highlight psychology's complexity.
Philosophy and Psychology
Discussion on the mind-body problem: Monism vs. Dualism.
Monism: Everything can be explained by physical brain activity.
Dualism: Mind as separate from the brain, introducing philosophical complexity in understanding consciousness.
Evolution of Psychology from Philosophy
Introduction to phrenology: Initial belief linking physical traits to mental attributes, popular in the 1800s.
Functional Specialization: Concepts that certain brain areas correspond to specific cognitive functions (e.g., language, facial recognition).
Behaviorism
Overview of behaviorism: Examines observable behavior rather than internal states.
Key Figures: Pavlov's classical conditioning (dogs), Skinner's operant conditioning (Skinner boxes).
Implications for understanding disorders like depression focusing on behavior, rather than innate characteristics.
Psychodynamic Theory
Freudian theory examines the influence of early childhood experiences on behavior.
Emphasis on unconscious and conscious motivations using the iceberg metaphor (id, ego, superego).
Limited emphasis on Freudian concepts in modern Australian psychology.
Cognitive Psychology
Describes the mind as a computer, focusing on processes like reasoning, decision making, and problem-solving.
Understanding differences in cognitive processing related to conditions like depression.
Biological Perspective
Understanding behavior through biological processes: Neurotransmitter activity, brain structure, and functioning.
Example of research on kittens showing the effect of environmental stimulation on brain development.
Integrating Perspectives
Modern psychology often combines techniques to cover strengths and weaknesses across approaches.
Use of fMRI and DTI to explore brain activity and its relation to psychological processes.
Practical Research Examples and Methodologies
Importance of scientific approach to acquire knowledge and formulate beliefs scientifically.
Examples of correlational studies, observational methods, case studies, and surveys in research.
Emphasis on gathering reliable evidence and being cautious of generalizations and biases in interpretation.
Conclusion and Course Structure
Overview of expectations: Combining lectures with textbook reading for deeper understanding.
Encouragement to engage in research participation and to reflect on learned content.
Invitation to ask further questions and seek guidance as needed throughout the semester.