FREL1500 Lecture 1_What is Psychology

Lesson Overview

What is Psychology?

• Definition: Psychology is the scientific study of behavior and mental processes. The word psychology is derived from two ancient Greek roots: "Psyche" meaning soul or mind, and "-ology" meaning a field of study.

• Goals: The primary goals of psychology include:

  • Describe: Observing and describing behavior and mental processes.

  • Explain: Understanding the reasons behind behaviors and mental processes.

  • Predict: Anticipating behaviors based on observed patterns.

  • Control: Influencing behaviors to achieve desired outcomes.

Importance of Studying Psychology

• Psychology is practical- it provides tools applicable in daily life.

• It facilitates critical and scientific thinking, enabling individuals to analyze and understand situations within a broad context.

• The field covers diverse areas, making it relevant across various disciplines and professions.

The Scientific Method in Psychology

• Step One: Conceptualize a problem to investigate.

• Step Two: Collect information or data relevant to the problem.

• Step Three: Draw conclusions based on the data collected.

• Step Four: Revise research conclusions or theories based on findings.

Different Types of Psychologists

• Industrial/Organizational Psychologists: Focus on workplace behavior, including personnel selection, leadership, job satisfaction, and organizational structure.

• Sports Psychologists: Help athletes enhance performance through training sessions, motivation strategies, and emotional control under pressure.

• Educational Psychologists: Assess academic potential, conduct research on effective learning strategies, and diagnose student behavioral problems.

• Clinical Psychologists: Work with severe mental and behavioral issues, providing diagnosis and treatment in various settings.

• Counseling Psychologists: Address less severe personal issues, assisting with adjustment problems in life situations such as school or marriage.

Key Distinctions in Psychology

Psychologists vs. Psychiatrists

• Educational Background: Psychologists usually have a degree in psychology, whereas psychiatrists have a medical degree.

• Advanced Training: Psychologists gain a master's or doctorate in psychology; psychiatrists receive specialized training in psychiatry.

• Methods of Treatment: Psychologists offer psychotherapy, while psychiatrists can prescribe medication alongside therapy.

Roles of Psychologists

• Academic/Research Psychologists: Focus on establishing and validating theories.

• Psychological Practitioners: Apply psychological principles in various settings such as clinics and schools.

• Psychologists in Other Settings: Engage in roles that utilize psychological knowledge for practical applications.

Perspectives in Psychology

• Biological Perspective: Examines the relationship between physical makeup and behavior, focusing on biological processes.

• Cognitive Perspective: Utilizes principles of information processing to understand mental processes, including how information is processed and retrieved.

• Behavioral Perspective: Investigates how environmental stimuli trigger behaviors, influenced heavily by figures like Watson and Skinner.

• Whole-Person Perspectives: Includes the Psychoanalytic, Humanistic, and Trait approaches, which consider the individual's holistic experience.

• Developmental Perspective: Explores life changes and growth, addressing the nature vs. nurture debate.

• Socio-Cultural Perspective: Investigates how cultural and social contexts shape behavior and psychological constructs.

Conclusion

• No single approach in psychology can provide a definitive answer; rather, each theory contributes to a comprehensive understanding of human behavior and mental processes.