What is Psychology?

Psychology - “the study of the mind” psyche – breath, spirit, soul logos – study of a subject

Philosophy Physiology The subject of Psychology has it’s roots in the very different disciplines of Philosophy and Physiology

What is Psychology? Philosophy – “the love of wisdom” Descartes (1596–1650) and Dualism. The idea that the mind and the body are distinct Approach uses Intuition, logic, reason The study of the body Observation Experimental method Philosophy Physiology

What is Psychology? Psychology became the scientific study of human and animal mental functions and behaviour

Psychology as a Science Psychology applies the methods of science in its search for explanations of behaviour. As opposed to “pop psychology” (sometimes called “armchair psychology”)

Eyewitness experiment

Psychology as a Science Researchers have a question such as “If we hypnotise eyewitnesses, is their recall of an event improved?’ An experiment is designed to collect data that is unbiased. The data is used to answer the question.

Can Hypnosis Improve eyewitness Memory? (Sanders & Simmons 1983) Can hypnosis improve eyewitness memory? What do you think? Make a prediction

Can Hypnosis Improve eyewitness Memory? Hypothesis (research question): Hypnotized subjects show better recall of a simulated crime than non-hypnotized subjects

Can Hypnosis Improve eyewitness Memory? Experiment: Participants were shown a simulated crime scene (video of a pick-pocket) Participants returned a week later to pick the thief out of a police line-up Some of the participants were hypnotised, some were not

Can Hypnosis Improve eyewitness Memory? Results: Data was collected about the accuracy of participants identifications and their confidence in their choice

Can Hypnosis Improve eyewitness Memory? Conclusion: Hypnotising the ‘witnesses’ did not improve their recollections. It actually made their performance worse.

What is Psychology? Psychology is approached scientifically Psychology has diverse theories and applications Psychology evolves in a social context

Varieties of Psychology Cognitive Psychology Eg CBT is used to help people overcome phobias

Varieties of Psychology Clinical and Counselling Psychology Helps people with mental illness such as depression, schizophrenia and personality disorders

Varieties of Psychology Forensic Psychology The study of criminal behaviour eg working with repeat offenders or crime prevention

Varieties of Psychology Occupational Psychology Psychology in business eg hiring, fostering the culture of a firm, realising staff potential

Varieties of Psychology Environmental Psychology Relationship between people and their surroundings, eg town/building/ product design

Varieties of Psychology Other Examples: Evolutionary, Neuroscience, Experimental, Biopsychology, Gender, Cultural, Social, Developmental