module 2

2.1 What is Psychology? and In Class Lecture/Discussion

  • Definition of Psychology

    • The scientific study of behavior and mental processes.

    • Components of psychology include:

    • Behavior: Observable actions of individuals.

    • Mental processes: Private thoughts, feelings, and motives.

  • Scientific Method in Psychology

    • Psychologists use a systematic approach to gather knowledge through the following five steps:

    • Observation: Carefully observing behaviors or phenomena.

    • Hypothesis Formation: Creating a testable prediction based on observations.

    • Experimentation: Conducting experiments to test the hypothesis under controlled conditions.

    • Data Collection: Gathering and analyzing data from experiments to determine results.

    • Conclusion: Drawing conclusions and publishing results for peer review.

  • Difference between Hypothesis and Theory

    • Hypothesis: A specific, testable prediction about the expected outcome of a study.

    • Theory: A broader explanation encompassing multiple hypotheses; based on a large body of evidence.

  • Value of Education in Psychology

    • Understanding human behavior and mental processes enhances personal and professional relationships.

    • Promotes critical thinking and scientific reasoning.

    • Provides insight into mental health, improving societal understanding of psychological issues.

    • Opens job opportunities in various fields such as healthcare, education, and research.

  • Majors in the MSU Denver Department of Psychology

    • Multiple psychological majors offered; specific number to be referenced from departmental resources.

  • Specialized Classes in the Department

    • Specialized courses available include but are not limited to:

    • Abnormal Psychology

    • Developmental Psychology

    • Cognitive Psychology

    • Social Psychology

  • Approach to Understand the Brain and Behavior

    • Psychology adopts a biopsychosocial approach, integrating biological, psychological, and social factors to comprehend behavior and mental processes.

  • Subdivisions of Psychology

    • Multiple subdivisions covered, including:

    • Clinical Psychology

    • Counseling Psychology

    • Cognitive Psychology

    • Developmental Psychology

    • The Chair of the department focuses on specific interests based on research contributions and application.

2.2 History of Psychology and In Class Lecture/Discussion

  • Structuralism

    • Definition: An early school of psychology that aimed to understand the structure of the mind by analyzing the components of mental experiences.

    • Key Contributors:

    • Wilhelm Wundt: Established the first psychology laboratory and promoted introspection as a method of study.

    • Edward Titchener: Developed Wundt’s ideas into American structuralism and emphasized the use of introspection.

  • Introspection

    • Definition: A method in structuralism where subjects reported their conscious experiences in response to stimuli.

    • Used to provide insight into the human mind, but criticized for subjectivity.

    • Stimulus Error: Incorrect interpretation of one’s internal experience due to external stimuli biases.

  • Functionalism

    • Definition: A school of psychology that focused on how mental and behavioral processes function and enable adaptation to the environment.

    • Key Contributors:

    • William James: Emphasized the purpose of consciousness; published "The Principles of Psychology."

    • Charles Darwin: Influenced the study of behavioral adaptation through evolution and natural selection.

  • Gestalt Psychology

    • Definition: A psychological approach that emphasizes the whole over the sum of its parts.

    • Max Wertheimer: Established Gestalt psychology and discovered the phi phenomenon (illusion of movement when two stationary lights blink alternately).

  • Metaphor of a Puzzle

    • Structuralism: Analyzing individual pieces.

    • Functionalism: Understanding how the pieces fit together for overall function.

    • Gestalt: Seeing the puzzle as a whole picture rather than focusing on individual pieces.

  • Freud’s Psychoanalytic Theory

    • Key Components include:

    • Unconscious mind: The part of the mind that houses feelings, desires, and experiences that are not consciously accessible.

    • Childhood experiences impact adult behavior and personality.

    • Positive Influences: Initiated a focus on childhood, mental processes, and therapeutic techniques.

    • Negative Influences: Criticized for lack of empirical evidence; seen as deterministic.

  • Behaviorism

    • Definition: A psychological approach that emphasizes the study of observable behavior, discarding introspection.

    • Key Figures:

    • Ivan Pavlov: Noted for classical conditioning (Pavlov’s dogs experiment).

    • John B. Watson: Advocated for behaviorism as the science of behavior.

    • B.F. Skinner: Introduced operant conditioning.

    • Skinner Box/Operant Conditioning Chamber: A controlled environment used to study operant conditioning, where subjects can be rewarded or punished for behavior.

  • Humanism

    • Definition: A psychological perspective that emphasizes the uniqueness of each individual and personal growth.

    • Key Figures:

    • Carl Rogers: Developed client-centered therapy.

    • Abraham Maslow: Known for the hierarchy of needs leading to self-actualization.

  • Cognitive Revolution

    • New focus on cognitive processes (thinking, memory) after behaviorism.

    • Main Influencers:

    • Figures such as Noam Chomsky and George A. Miller contributed to changing the views on cognitive psychology.

  • Treatment of Women and Minorities

    • Examination of how women and minorities were treated in psychology; emphasized the need for their contributions.

    • Recognition of diverse perspectives leading to a more inclusive and cross-cultural examination of psychology.

2.3 Contemporary Psychology and In Class Lecture/Discussion

  • American Psychological Association (APA)

    • Purpose: To advance the understanding of the science and practice of psychology.

    • Founding: Established in 1892.

    • Membership: Composed of researchers, educators, clinicians, consultants, students, and health service providers.

  • Subdivision of Psychology

    • Eleven subdivisions discussed, each with distinct areas of work and research:

    • Clinical Psychology

    • Counseling Psychology

    • Educational Psychology

    • School Psychology

    • Industrial-Organizational Psychology

    • Social Psychology

    • Developmental Psychology

    • Cognitive Psychology

    • Neuropsychology

    • Forensic Psychology

    • Health Psychology

2.4 Careers in Psychology and In Class Lecture/Discussion

  • PhD vs. PsyD in Psychology

    • PhD: Focuses on research and academic knowledge; prepares for careers in research and teaching.

    • PsyD: Concentrates on clinical practice, with less focus on research; geared towards individuals interested in providing psychological services.

  • Career Opportunities with a PhD

    • Academic settings: Professorship, researcher, or administrator.

    • Non-academic settings: Clinical psychologist, consultant, corporate trainer, or policy maker.

  • Difference between Psychologist and Psychiatrist

    • Psychologist: Typically holds a PhD or PsyD; provides therapy and counseling; cannot prescribe medications in most states.

    • Psychiatrist: Holds a medical degree; prescribes medications; focuses on biological aspects of mental health.

  • Careers with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology

    • Potential careers include:

    • Human Resources

    • Case Management

    • Public Relations

    • Market Research Analyst

    • Social Services Worker

    • Mental Health Technician