Psychology Exam Notes

Psychology Overview

• Definition of Psychology: Study of the mind, rooted in Greek words 'Psyche' (soul) and 'Logos' (study).
• Domains of Study:
  • Psychological disorders (e.g., Acrophobia, Zoophobia)
  • Human behaviors (e.g., mating, fighting)
  • Hormonal influences on brain activity.

Historical Development

• Wilhelm Wundt: 1832 German professor, established psychology as an independent discipline in 1879; known as the founder of psychology.
• Founding of Psychological Laboratories: 24 labs opened by Wundt's students between 1883-1893.
• G. Stanley Hall: Important figure in U.S. psychology, founded the first psychology research lab in 1883, and a driving force behind the American Psychological Association (APA).

Schools of Thought in Psychology

Structuralism vs. Functionalism

• Structuralism: Founded by Edward Titchener; focuses on analyzing consciousness into its basic elements via introspection.
• Functionalism: Proposed by William James; emphasizes understanding the function of consciousness rather than its structure.

Behaviorism

• John B. Watson: Highlighted observable behavior; argued against studying consciousness using a scientific, objective approach.
• B.F. Skinner: Supported basic behaviorist principles, emphasizing external stimuli, and the influence of the environment over genetics.

Psychoanalysis

• Sigmund Freud: Proposed the psychoanalytic theory, emphasizing unconscious determinants of behavior, conflicts, and psychoanalysis.

Humanism

• Carl Rogers and Abraham Maslow: Formulated humanistic psychology, focusing on personal growth and self-actualization, highlighting the human potential for change.

Modern Developments in Psychology

Cognition and Biological Bases

• Increased interest in cognition (mental processes) and physiological bases continues to shape modern psychology.

Evolutionary Psychology

• Analyzes behaviors in terms of their adaptive value across generations.

Cultural Diversity in Psychology

• Recognizes the importance of cultural context in psychological research and practice; awareness of ethnocentrism.

Seven Research Areas in Psychology

1. Developmental Psychology
2. Social Psychology
3. Experimental Psychology
4. Physiological Psychology
5. Cognitive Psychology
6. Personality
7. Psychometrics

Psychological Research

Methodological Approaches

• Scientific Approach: Goals include measurement, understanding, and practical application.
• Types of Research: Experimental, descriptive/correlational research, naturalistic observations, case studies, and surveys.

Descriptive Statistics

• Central Tendency Measures: Mean, median, and mode; understanding variability (standard deviation).
• Correlation: Measures the strength and direction of relationships between variables.

Applications and Issues in Psychology

Applied Psychology

• Clinical Psychology: Diagnose and treat psychological disorders.
• Psychoanalysis and Behavior Therapy: Treatment modalities with historical context; emphasis on intervention techniques.

New Directions

• Mental Health Awareness: Growing awareness of psychological well-being and treatment accessibility issues.

Final Notes

• Psychology as a Diverse Field: Evolving understandings of human behavior, significance of a cultural lens in research, and a holistic approach to understanding mental processes and disorders.