psych chunk 1 - foundations of psychology
Empirical Research
Definition: Knowledge gained through direct observation and measurement, not opinions or intuition.
Example: Measuring reaction time to test attention span (not just guessing who “seems” more attentive).
Scientific Method
Question/Problem → identify what you want to study.
Hypothesis → make a testable prediction (must be specific).
Test → conduct observation, surveys, or experiments.
Analyze Results → look for patterns, use statistics.
Conclude/Revise Theory → confirm or adjust hypothesis.
Goal: keep research systematic and objective (so findings are reliable).
Basic vs. Applied Research
Basic Research: Expands knowledge for the sake of curiosity.
Example: Studying how memory works in the brain, even if no immediate use.
Applied Research: Uses psychology to solve practical, real-world problems.
Example: Creating therapy techniques to treat anxiety.
Definition of Psychology
The scientific study of behaviour (observable actions) and mental processes (thoughts, feelings, memories, etc.).
Psychology aims to describe, explain, predict, and control behaviour.
Key Debates
Nature vs. Nurture:
Nature: behaviour comes from genetics and biology.
Nurture: behaviour shaped by experience and environment.
Today → most psychologists agree it’s an interaction of both.
Mind vs. Body (Dualism vs. Monism):
Dualism (Descartes): mind and body are separate — mind is non-physical.
Monism: mind and body are connected — mental activity comes from physical brain processes.
Modern psychology = leans toward monism (brain → mind).