PSYCH Ms. Hill Chapter 1 The Evolution of Psychology From Speculation to Science: How Psychology Developed Psychology Today: Vigorous & Diversified

Have you ever wondered… Why do I like the people, food, or music that I like? Or, why do I not like certain things or have an irrational fear of certain things, like spiders, heights, or public speaking? Why do I feel a sudden boost in mood when my favorite song comes on the radio? Why did I cheat on my test… my diet, my boyfriend or my girlfriend? Why do I get so tired or maybe bored in a certain class? (of course not in psychology though)

Or… Have you ever wondered?? Are first-born children more driven to achieve? only children? the middle child? Does handwriting offer any clues to my personality? Do my dreams really mean anything? Does hypnosis really work? Why my family or my relationships look so dysfunctional at times and what to do about it?

What is Psychology? What is your definition? How would you define it? Write it out. Then we will share it & improve the definition.

What is Psychology? Psyche – meaning the soul Logos – referring to the study of a subject “The study of the mind.” Has a foundation in philosophy & physiology

What is Psychology? Link to the full videoLink to the full video on Annenberg's Website

What is the engine of Psychology?

Stability v. Change Do we change over time in distinct and universal stages or do we basically remain the same drooling, slobbering, simple beings of our beginnings? Do these things change? Personality traits, sense of humor, tastes, etc… Can a shy child become the teenage class clown? Do we become adults or are we always just big kids? Do our personalities change in different situations?

Rationality vs. Irrationality Are we wise or not? Why do we do things that are bad for us when we know they are bad? We screw up, we make mistakes, and we lose sight of good judgment But, we often don’t change behavior, we don’t seem rational

Nature vs. Nurture Am I the way I am because I was born that way or because of my surroundings? Biology (genes) vs. Experience Can I ever be like these people, or does nature give me limitations?

Example from the animated movie Megamind Nature vs. Nurture?

The curious case of Phineas Gage -Personality comes from the brain, not heart. -We can operate on the brain and people could survive. -Very famous example in medical & psychological research.

“The American Crowbar Case”

Phineas Gage – A song by Hank Green

Oh, Phineas Gage was 25 years old in And he liked his job, working at the railroad, but he had another fate. He was blasting rock when something distracted him. And he forgot to put the tamping sand in. He shoved the tamping rod into that little hole onto the blasting powder. And suddenly his entire left frontal lobe had been turned into clam chowder. Oh this is the story of Phineas Gage, who was stabbed in the brain. And once your frontal lobe has been destroyed, you can never go home again.

A little while later Phineas Gage was sitting on his bed. He told the doctor the tamping rod had shot straight through his head. But the doctor could not believe what Phineas said. For if that were the case he surely would be dead. But then Phineas had a coughing fit. And a teacup full of brains fell out of his head. And that was more than the doctor could explain. Oh this is the story of Phineas Gage, who was stabbed in the brain. And once your frontal lobe has been destroyed, you can never go home again.

Well the doctor told the family to prepare for Gage's death. 'Cause the one you take before your head gets stabbed is usually your last breath. And Phineas spent the next few months in bed. In and out of consciousness, with a swelling in his head. But mere months after the accident, he walked right down his stairs, as if having lost a quarter of his brain left him no worse for wear. Oh this is the story of Phineas Gage, who was stabbed in the brain. And once your frontal lobe has been destroyed, you can never go home again.

But unfortunately for Phineas, our story won't end there. The reason we still know his name is the strangest part of this affair. After his brain was scrambled his friends and family said, "Oh, this is no longer Phineas. There's a new man here instead." And thus we know that operating on the brain needn't not cause death. And that what makes a person who he is, is not the heart but the head. Oh this is the story of Phineas Gage, who was stabbed in the brain. And once your frontal lobe has been destroyed, you can never go home again.

Modern Day Phineas Gage day-phineas-gage-man- survived-rod-brain html day-phineas-gage-man- survived-rod-brain html

Things to leave with: Have article read by THURSDAY! And be ready to discuss!