CHAPTER ONE: ESSENCE OF PSYCHOLOGY

Chapter Overview

• Introduces the concept of psychology.

• Key topics include:

  • Definition of psychology and related concepts.

  • Goals of psychology.

  • Historical background and major perspectives in psychology.

  • Branches/subfields of psychology.

  • Research methods in psychology.

Learning Appetizers

• A psychologist asked university freshmen to define a psychologist. Responses included:

  • Someone who reads palms.

  • A fortune teller.

  • A person who understands thoughts.

• Exploration of these views throughout the chapter.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of this chapter, students will be able to:

• Define psychology.

• Show historical roots of psychology.

• Point out the goals of psychology.

• Identify early schools and modern perspectives.

• Discuss differences among psychological perspectives.

• Identify subfields of psychology.

• Differentiate major research methods in psychology.

• Explore major steps in scientific research.

1.1. Definition of Psychology and Related Concepts

Brainstorming Questions

• What comes to mind with the word psychology?

• Have you encountered any psychology-related content? Share your thoughts.

• What do you expect from psychology courses?

Definition and Scope

• Psychology: Derived from Greek psyche (mind) and logos (study);

  • It refers to the scientific study of thoughts and behaviors of humans and animals.

  • Psychologists agree on a scientific definition based on the following aspects:

    • Science: Employs scientific methods to study behavior and mental processes.

    • Behavior: Encompasses all overt actions and reactions as well as covert mental processes.

    • Mental Processes: Internal activities such as thinking, feeling, and remembering.

Reflection

• How does this definition compare to your previous understanding of psychology?

1.2. Goals of Psychology

Brainstorming Questions

• Why do you think psychology is important?

• What do psychologists do when studying behavior?

Goals

• Description: Observing behavior to find answers about what, where, and to whom it happens.

• Explanation: Finding reasons for observed behaviors to form theories.

• Prediction: Determining future occurrences based on past behaviors.

• Control: Modifying behaviors from undesirable to desirable outcomes, focusing on changing habits effectively.

Reflection

• Discuss relationships and differences among the four goals of psychology.

1.3. Historical Background and Major Perspectives in Psychology

Brainstorming Questions

• How long has psychology existed?

• Where did psychology originate?

Foundations and Developments

• Psychology emerged as a distinct field in 1879, founded by Wilhelm Wundt in Leipzig, Germany.

• Key developments in psychology were led by various schools of thought.

1.3.1. Early Schools of Psychology

• Structuralism: Focuses on the structure of the mind, founded by Edward Titchener.

• Functionalism: Founded by William James, investigates the function of consciousness.

• Gestalt Psychology: Emphasizes the holistic perception of stimuli; Max Wertheimer's contributions.

• Behaviorism: Founded by John B. Watson focusing on observable behavior.

• Psychoanalysis: Sigmund Freud's theory highlighting the unconscious mind.

Reflection

• Compare early schools in terms of their object, goal, and method of study.

1.3.2. Modern Schools of Psychology

• Modern views include psychodynamic, behavioral, humanistic, cognitive, biological, and sociocultural perspectives.

Reflection

• Discuss the lessons learned from early schools that inform modern psychology.

1.4. Branches/Subfields of Psychology

Brainstorming Questions

• Where do psychologists work post-graduation?

Subfields

• Developmental Psychology, Personality Psychology, Social Psychology, Cross-cultural Psychology, Industrial Psychology, Forensic Psychology, Educational Psychology, Health Psychology, Clinical Psychology, and Counseling Psychology.

Reflection

• Prepare a report on psychology applications in fields such as health and education.

1.5. Research Methods in Psychology

Definition and Types

• Scientific Method: Systematic observations and analysis to test theories.

• Types of Methods:

  • Descriptive Research: Observes behavior.

  • Correlational Research: Measures relationships between variables.

  • Experimental Research: Identifies cause-effect relationships.

Steps in Scientific Research

1. Defining the problem.

2. Formulating the hypothesis.

3. Testing the hypothesis.

4. Drawing conclusions.

5. Reporting results.

Reflection

• Explain research methods in psychology and their ethical procedures.

Summary

• Psychology defines as a science of behavior and mental processes focusing on description, explanation, prediction, and control of psychology.

• The field began as an independent science about 125 years ago and consists of various perspectives (early and modern) and numerous applications in health, education, and beyond.