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PSIN1514_2025_chapter_1_slides_1_

Unit 1 Chapter 1: Finding out about People

Learning Outcomes for Chapter 1

  • After studying this chapter, you should be able to:

    • Define psychology and describe important constructs, contextual, and historical issues in psychology (Ch. 1, pp. 1-12).

    • Describe the main schools of thought in contemporary psychology (Ch. 1, pp. 17-20).

    • Appreciate psychology as a profession in South Africa, including registration categories and collaboration with traditional healers (Ch. 1, pp. 12-16, 21-22).

    • Describe the different sub-disciplines of psychology (Ch. 1, p. 15).

Defining Psychology

  • How would you explain/define psychology in your own words? Key words and descriptive phrases are sufficient.

Psychology Defined

  • Psychology: The scientific study of the mind, mental processes, and behavior, and the application of this knowledge to everyday life.

What Does "Scientific Study" Mean?

  • Engaging in rigorous methods to identify, analyze, and describe phenomena.

  • Utilizes experimental and measurement techniques to explain human psychological makeup.

  • RESEARCH must be done

Science and Profession

  • Psychology as science:

    • Investigates mind, mental processes & behavior using scientific methods.

    • Aims to explain phenomena through experimentation.

  • Psychology as a profession:

    • Applies scientific knowledge in the real world, especially in treating mental illnesses.

What are Mental Processes?

  • Brain activities necessary for systematic actions, changes, and functions such as thoughts, memories, perceptions, and reasoning.

  • Importance of mental processes in influencing behavior.

  • Disorders can be detected through disrupted thought patters

Etymology of Psychology

  • Greek Roots:

    • Psyche: Means soul, breath, spirit.

    • Logos: Means study, meaning.

  • Literal Definition: "Study of the mind."

  • Symbol: Psi (Ψ), the Greek letter representing psyche.

Understanding the Mind

  • Originates in the brain, facilitating human consciousness.

  • Encompasses conscious and unconscious processes.

  • Responsible for executing mental processes that influence behavior.

  • Attributes sentience to humans (emotional, responsive, intellectual).

Understanding Mental Processes

  • Activities that lead to mental functions and actions.

  • Disturbance in thought processes can indicate mental disorders.

  • Mental processes are foundational to behavior.

Understanding Behavior

  • Definition: Any response by an organism.

  • Behavior depends on mental processes.

    • Example 1: Step on a snake → perceive danger → adrenaline response → run.

    • Example 2: Adequate rest → brain triggers wake cycle.

Brief History of Psychology (Internationally)

  • Formalized as a scientific discipline in Germany - 1879 (Wilhelm Wundt).

  • Philosophy roots trace back to Greece (5000 BC), China (4000 BC), Egypt (1550 BC).

  • Initially philosophical, lacking scientific testing.

  • Historical beliefs often involved religious interpretations (demon possession).

Brief History of Psychology in South Africa

  • Recognized as a formal discipline in the 1920s.

  • Initially part of philosophy departments; not independent.

  • Influenced by Northern hemisphere psychology until late 20th century.

Theoretical Perspectives in Psychology

  • Main schools of thought:

    • Psychoanalytic

    • Behavioral

    • Humanist

    • Positive

    • Biopsychological

    • Cognitive

    • Sociocultural

    • Community Psychology.

Psychoanalytic Perspective

  • Key Figures: Freud, Jung.

    • Focus on childhood experiences, defense mechanisms, and the unconscious through means like hypnosis and free association.

Behavioral Perspective

  • Behavior is shaped by the environment.

  • Focus on observable experiences and empirical evidence (Pavlov, Watson, Skinner, Bandura).

  • Concepts of conditioning and reinforcement.

Humanist Perspective

  • Focus on self-actualization and personal growth.

    • Needs hierarchy:

      • Physiological

      • Safety

      • Love & belonging

      • Esteem

      • Self-actualization.

  • Concepts of free will and natural striving toward growth (Maslow, Rogers).

Positive Psychology

  • Emerged from Humanism (Seligman).

  • Aims to identify conditions for human flourishing, minimizing focus on psychopathology.

Biopsychological Perspective

  • Human behavior results from internal processes (biological, physical, and chemical).

    • Key focus on brain and hormonal systems.

Cognitive Perspective

  • Examines interpretation and understanding of stimuli and events.

  • Influenced by theorists like Piaget and Vygotsky.

Sociocultural Perspective

  • Emphasizes the role of culture in experiences and behavior.

  • Advocates for a relative understanding of behaviors based on cultural context.

Community Psychology Perspective

  • Focuses on individuals within communities and broader societies.

  • Aims for prevention and early intervention in psychological services.

Understanding Psychology as a Profession

  • Minimum academic requirements to call oneself a psychologist in South Africa:

    • Bachelor's Degree

    • Honours Degree

    • Master's Degree

    • PhD.

Registration and Categories of Psychologists in South Africa

  • Registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA):

    • Clinical

    • Counselling

    • Educational

    • Industrial

    • Research

    • Neuropsychology.

  • Minimum requirements include a Master’s degree, internships, board exams, and community service for clinical psychologists.

Speciality Fields of Practice

  • Industrial Psychology: Focuses on workplace relationships.

  • Clinical Psychology: Handles serious psychological distress.

  • Counselling Psychology: Aids well-adjusted individuals with normal life issues.

  • Educational Psychology: Involves assessment in educational contexts.

  • Research Psychology: Engages in empirical investigations.

  • Neuropsychology: Evaluates neurological conditions.

  • Registered Counsellors: Conduct screenings and referrals.

  • Psychometrists: Perform assessments and testing.

Development of Psychology: South Africa

  • Evolved from philosophy disciplines at universities.

  • All South African universities now offer psychology.

  • Contributions to research and therapy fields are recognized internationally.

Considerations in Development

  • Questioning the relevance of Westernized perspectives in varied contexts.

  • Identifying elements of universality alongside cultural differences.

  • Emphasizing the importance of research in psychological development.

Challenges in Psychology: South Africa

  • Development of psychometric tests and shortages in professional psychologists.

  • Highlighting the need for more black psychologists and accessible services.

  • Critical reflection on these challenges for potential solutions.

Collaboration with Traditional Healers

  • Traditional healers' roles are gaining acknowledgment within healthcare.

  • Their understanding of cultural context can surpass that of Western-trained professionals.

  • Often more accessible and less stigmatized than psychological services.

  • Importance of learning collaboration techniques for effective referrals.

Sub-disciplines in Psychology

  • Fields of interest for psychologists, distinct from registration categories and theoretical perspectives:

    • Developmental Psychology

    • Personality Psychology

    • Health Psychology

    • Social Psychology

    • Child Psychology

    • Sport Psychology

    • Career Development.

Extra Resources

  • Videos:

    • Crash Course: Introduction to Psychology

    • Being a Traditional Healer in the 21st Century

    • Connecting Modern Medicine and Traditional Healing.

  • Techniques:

    • KWL Reading Strategy: What do you Know? What do you want to know? What have you Learned?

    • Mind mapping tutorials.

Questions?

  • Open floor for any questions regarding the material discussed.