Psychology Module 1

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PsychologyModule 1
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What is psychology?

• Psychology The scientific study of behavior and
  mental processes
• Scientific research methods are used to answer
  questions about peoples behavior
• Psychologists study both observable, and
  unobservable elements to determine why people act
  the way they do

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When did Psychology begin?

• People have always been trying to understand
  other peoples behaviors
• Perspective- collection of ideas that grows into
  a movement.

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Better questionWhen did modern psychology begin?

• Modern Psychology the last 125 years of study
• German philosopher Wilhelm Wundt is known as the
  Father of Psychology
• In 1879, Wundt devoted his laboratory to
  psychological experiments (in Germany)

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Structuralism

• E.B. (Edward Bradford) Titchener, was a student
  of Wundt
• Titchener introduced Structuralism
• Structuralism theory that analyzed the basic
  elements of thoughts and sensations to determine
  the structure of conscience experience
• Structuralism would be a building block for other
  psychological systems

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Gestalt Psychology

• Gestalt Psychology Psychological perspective
  that emphasized our tendency to integrate pieces
  of information into meaningful wholes
• Taking all the pieces and putting it into a whole
  idea
• Gestalt in German means whole

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What do you see?
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What do you see here?
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Functionalism

• Functionalism Theory that emphasized the
  functions of consciousness and the ways
  consciousness helps people adapt to their
  environment
• William James started functionalism
• He was the first American Psychologist

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Sigmund Freud

• Austrian Physician
• Psychoanalysis
• Freuds theory differed from others in two ways
• It focused on abnormal behavior, attributed to
  unconscious drives and conflicts, stemming from
  childhood
• It relied on personal observations, and not
  controlled lab experiments

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Freud Contd

• Freuds work was not scientific because it was
  based on self reported reflections, not
  scientific methods to gather research
• Freud died in 1939
• The idea that our unconscious thoughts, inner
  conflicts, and childhood experiences affect our
  behavior and personality, is still accepted by
  some

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John B. Watson

• Started Behaviorism
• Focused solely on observable and objectively
  describable acts
• Today, behaviorism focuses on learning through
  rewards and observation

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Maslow Rogers

• Humanistic psychologists who emphasized the
  conscious experience
• Said humans have free will in their decision
  making and are not controlled by series of rewards

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Piaget

• Swiss psychologist
• Known for his work about how children develop
  their thinking abilities

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New Areas of Psychology
Behavior Genetics thought that focuses on how
much our genes and our environment influence our
individual differences This is a combination of
behaviorism and genetics. Is there a gene that
specifically control certain actions. What is
inherited?
Evolutionary Psychology combines biological,
and social aspects while studying behaviors that
helped our ancestors provide
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New Areas
Positive Psychology Movement that focuses on
the study of optimal human functioning and the
factors that allow individuals and communities to
thrive. Suggest focusing on improving the
positive things in life rather than repair the
worst thing.
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Careers in Psychology
Clinical and Counseling Psychologists represent
more than half of all psychologists They will
diagnose and treat people with disorders. Academi
c Psychologists work at universities doing
research Basic Research Science aiming to
increase the scientific knowledge base Applied
Research Scientific study aiming to solve
practical problems
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Careers in Psychology contd
-Industrial and organizational psychologists help
businesses and companies run more efficiently and
promote a better work environment. -Lots of
companies today either have full-time
psychologists or hire consultants to come in and
assess their workplace. About 4 of people become
school psychologists.
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When it doubt, keep it simple