Mod 1

Introduction to Psychology

• Definition of Psychology as a Science

  • Psychology is defined as the scientific study of behavior and mental processes.

  • Understanding the limitations of knowledge fosters humility and encourages exploration.

Importance of Critical Thinking

• Critical Thinking:

  • Involves examining assumptions, evaluating evidence, discerning biases, and assessing conclusions.

  • Essential for developing a scientific attitude in psychology.

Historical Foundations of Psychological Science

• Early Philosophers and Theorists

  • Aristotle (before 300 BCE):

    • Theorized about learning, memory, motivation, emotion, perception, and personality.

    • Early questions laid groundwork for future psychological thought.

• Nineteenth Century Developments

  • Structuralism:

    • Founded by Wilhelm Wundt and Edward Titchener.

    • Focused on introspection to uncover the structure of the mind.

  • Functionalism:

    • Influenced by William James and Darwin’s work.

    • Examined how mental processes enable adaptation and survival.

Contributions of Early Women Psychologists

• Prominent Female Figures:

  • Mary Calkins: First female APA president.

  • Margaret Washburn: Second female APA president.

  • Recognition of the gender gap in psychology and publishing.

Increasing Diversity in Psychology

• Current Trends:

  • Women make up 61% of APS members and 75% of psychology students.

  • People of color have earned one-third of recent psychology doctorates (as of 2021).

Evolution of Psychological Schools of Thought

• Behaviourism:

  • Major figures: John Watson, Rosalie Rayner, BF Skinner.

  • Defined psychology as the science of behavior, excluding mental processes.

  • Rejected introspection and focused on observable behavior shaped by consequences.

• Psychoanalytic Theory:

  • Sigmund Freud's emphasis:

    • Unconscious mind and childhood experiences influence behavior.

• Humanistic Psychology:

  • Leaders: Carl Rogers, Abraham Maslow.

  • Focus on human growth potential and need for love and acceptance.

Contemporary Psychological Perspectives

• Integration of Behavior and Mental Processes:

  • Focus on cognition, biology, experience, culture, and gender.

  • Psychology as the science studying both behavior and mental processes.

• Cognitive Psychology and Neuroscience:

  • Study of mental processes including perception, learning, memory, and problem-solving.

  • Cognitive Neuroscience links psychology with brain activity.

• Evolutionary Psychology:

  • Studies the evolution of behavior and mind based on Darwinian principles.

  • Highlights the balance between nature (biology) and nurture (experience).

Genetic and Environmental Influences

• Behavior Genetics:

  • Examines how genetic and environmental factors contribute to individual differences in behavior.

  • Importance of twin studies to understand hereditary vs. environmental influences.

Cultural Influences on Psychology

• Importance of Culture:

  • Culture shapes behavior by establishing norms and values across generations.

  • Awareness of diverse perspectives rather than focusing solely on Western viewpoints.

• Universality in Human Experiences:

  • Common underlying processes, such as loneliness or self-esteem, across different cultures.

Positive Psychology Movement

• Focus on Human Strengths:

  • Led by Martin Seligman.

  • Promoting strengths and virtues that contribute to thriving communities.

• Importance of positive outlook for health and cognitive function.

Biopsychosocial Approach

• Complex Interconnected Systems:

  • Psychology examines interactions between biological, psychological, and social factors.

  • Each perspective provides insights but lacks a comprehensive overview individually.

Levels of Analysis and Psychological Perspectives

• Overview of Understanding Behavior:

  • Perspectives: Neuroscience, Evolutionary, Behavior Genetics, Psychodynamic, Behavioral, Cognitive, Sociocultural.

  • Importance of integrating various levels for a complete understanding of human behavior.

Subfields of Psychology

• Basic Research:

  • Fields include biological, developmental, cognitive, personality and social psychology.

• Applied Research:

  • Areas include industrial-organizational psychology, human factors, counseling, clinical, and community psychology.

Practical Learning Strategies for Students

• Evidence-Based Recommendations:

  • Sleep:** Crucial for memory consolidation and cognitive function.

  • Exercise:** Important for overall well-being.

  • Goal Setting:** Set long-term and daily objectives.

  • Foster Relationships:** Prioritize social connections.

  • Continuous Learning:** Embrace growth mindset by learning daily.

• Effective Study Techniques:

  • Emphasize output over input to reinforce learning.

  • Use methods like summarization, group discussions, and self-testing.

  • SQ3R method for reading comprehension and retention strategies.

Conclusion

• Integration of Psychological Knowledge:

  • Shift from misconceptions to scientifically grounded understanding of behavior.

  • Emphasis on critical thinking and ongoing learning in psychological study.