Psychology: Early Schools of Thought and Modern Perspectives

Chapter 1: Introduction to Psychology (Pages 1-13)

Scope of Study

• Obligation for Chapter 1: Students are only required to read the first $13$ pages of Chapter $1$, up to the section on "20th Century languages."

• Anything beyond this is optional for general understanding.

Defining Psychology

• Textbook Definition: Psychology is officially defined as the study of mental processes and behavior.

• Textbook's Definition of Mental Processes: Activities of our brain engaged in thinking, observing the environment, and using language.

• Instructor's Critique of Mental Processes Definition:

  • The textbook definition is incomplete because it omits feelings/emotions.

  • Emotions are crucial for mental health and are inherently mental processes.

  • Oddly, the textbook does include feelings later on Page $4$ when discussing the