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.