Psychology 2e - Chapter 1 Notes

What is Psychology?

  • Psychology is the scientific study of behavior and mental processes (the mind).
  • Uses the scientific method to investigate human issues.
  • Relies on empirical-based evidence, critical thinking, and skepticism.
  • Behaviors are observable (e.g., smiling, walking).
  • Mental processes are not observable (e.g., feelings, thoughts).

Defining Psychology

  • Psych (Soul) + Ology (Scientific study of) = Psychology (Scientific study of the mind and behavior).
  • Psychologists study the human experience, from brain function to consciousness, memory, and mental health.

Beginning of Psychology

  • Western Philosophy is the origin of Psychology.
  • Biology and Physiology influenced psychology's scientific advancements.
  • Wilhelm Wundt (1832-1920): Established the 1st psychology lab (1879, Leipzig, Germany).
    • Known as the "Father of Psychology."

History of Psychology: First Psychological Perspectives

  • Structuralism:
    • Understanding conscious experience through introspection.
    • Introduced measuring mental processes.
    • Key figure: Wilhelm Wundt
  • Functionalism:
    • Focused on how mental activities help organisms adapt.
    • Key figure: William James

Other Early Psychological Perspectives

  • Psychoanalytic Theory:
    • Focuses on the role of the unconscious in affecting conscious behavior.
    • Key figure: Sigmund Freud
  • Gestalt Psychology:
    • Focuses on humans as a whole rather than individual parts.
    • Key figures: Wertheimer, Koffka, Kohler
  • Behaviorism:
    • Focuses on observing and controlling behavior.
    • Key figures: Pavlov, Watson, Skinner
  • Humanism:
    • Emphasizes the potential for good that is innate to all humans.
    • Key figures: Abraham Maslow and Carl Rogers

Sigmund Freud (Psychoanalytic Theory)

  • Founded psychoanalytic theory.
  • Studied "hysteria" and neurosis.
  • Theorized that problems arise from the unconscious mind.
  • Believed the unconscious could be accessed through dream analysis.
  • Focuses on unconscious and early childhood experiences.

Gestalt Psychology

  • German psychologists (Kohler, Koffka, Wertheimer) who immigrated to the U.S.
  • Gestalt = "Whole"
  • Sensory experiences are perceived as a whole, influencing perception.

John B. Watson (Behaviorism)

  • Known as the father of behaviorism.
  • Focused on observable behavior.
  • Objective analysis of the mind was impossible
  • Used in behavioral and cognitive-behavioral therapy.

Ivan Pavlov (Behaviorism/Classical Conditioning)

  • Discovered classical conditioning.
  • Studied conditioned reflexes (e.g., salivating to a bell).

B. F. Skinner (Behaviorism/Operant Conditioning)

  • Studied how behavior is affected by consequences.
  • Focused on reinforcement and punishment in driving behavior (operant conditioning).

Abraham Maslow (Humanism)

  • Proposed a hierarchy of human needs in motivating behavior.
  • Basic needs (e.g., food, water) must be met before higher-level needs (e.g., social needs).

Carl Rogers (Humanism)

  • Developed client-centered therapy.
  • Therapists need:
    • Unconditional positive regard
    • Genuineness
    • Empathy

The Cognitive Revolution

  • Emerged in the 1950s with new perspectives in linguistics, neuroscience, and computer science.
  • The mind became the focus of scientific inquiry.
  • Noam Chomsky influenced the cognitive revolution, emphasizing mental functioning.

First Diversity in Psychology

  • Margaret Floy Washburn:
    • First woman to earn a doctorate in Psychology (1894).
    • Professor at Vassar College
    • Researched animal behavior APA president (2nd woman)

Contemporary Psychology: Branches of Psychology

  • Biopsychology and Evolutionary Psychology
  • Sensation and Perception
  • Cognitive Psychology
  • Developmental Psychology
  • Personality Psychology
  • Social Psychology
  • Health Psychology
  • Industrial-Organizational Psychology
  • Sports and Exercise Psychology
  • Clinical Psychology
  • Forensic Psychology

Biopsychology

  • Studies how the nervous system generates behavior.
  • Includes neuropsychology.
  • Research areas: sensory and motor systems, sleep, drug use, reproductive behavior.

Sensation and Perception

  • Focuses on physiological and psychological aspects of sensory information.
    • Sensation: Sensory information (e.g., sights, sounds).
    • Perception: Experience influenced by attention, experiences, and culture.

Developmental Psychology

  • Studies the physical and mental attributes of aging and maturation.
  • Includes moral reasoning, cognitive skills, and social skills.
  • Jean Piaget: Famous for theories on changes in cognitive ability from infancy to adulthood.

Personality Psychology

  • Focuses on unique behaviors and thought patterns.
  • Studies conscious and unconscious thinking and personality traits.

Social Psychology

  • Studies how individuals interact and relate with others.
  • Includes prejudice, discrimination, attraction, and interpersonal conflicts.

Health Psychology

  • Focuses on how health is affected by biological, psychological, and sociocultural influences.
  • Biopsychosocial model: Health/illness is determined by these interactions.

Clinical Psychology

  • Focuses on diagnosis and treatment of psychological disorders.
  • Involves clinical therapy and counseling.
  • Cognitive-behavioral therapists consider cognitive processes and behaviors.

Other Branches of Psychology

  • Industrial-Organizational Psychology:
    • Applies psychological principles to industrial and organizational settings.
  • Sports & Exercise Psychology:
    • Focuses on psychological aspects of sports and physical performance.
  • Forensic Psychology:
    • Deals with the justice system, including competency assessment and eyewitness testimony.

Careers in Psychology

  • Most require a PhD or Master's degree.
  • Options: Teaching, Research, Clinical psychologist, Counseling psychologist, Social Work, Corporate and Marketing jobs

Employment in Different Sectors (Psychology Doctorates)

  • University: 26%
  • Hospital or health service: 25%
  • Government/VA medical center: 16%
  • Business or nonprofit: 10%

Job Opportunities (BA in Psychology)

  • Mid- and top-level management
  • Sales
  • Social work
  • Human resources
  • Marketing and sales