Psychology The scientific study of behavior and mental processes. ◦ Scientific research methods. ◦ ALL observable behavior. ◦ Mental processes include thoughts, feelings and dreams.

Wilhelm Wundt ( ) Father of Psychology Founder of modern psychology Opened the 1 st psychology lab in 1879.

E.B. Titchener ( ) Founder of Structuralism Analyzed the intensity, clarity and quality of the parts of consciousness: the structure

Structuralism Studied the basic elements (structure) of thoughts and sensations. Broken down into three parts: ex. sensations, feelings, thoughts

Gestalt Psychology Whole is different from the sum of its parts. Ex: Notes of music put together and you have a song

William James ( ) First American psychologist Author of the first psychology textbook Founder of Functionalism

Functionalism Emphasized how consciousness helped people adapt to their environment ◦ James composed a list of 37 instincts that cause human behavior  Ex. cleanliness, curiosity, sympathy, jealousy

Mary Calkins 1890 ◦ (James) 1 st female admitted into Harvard’s Graduate seminar ◦ 1 st to achieve PhD ◦ Harvard denied ◦ Memory researcher ◦ 1 st woman president of the APA ◦ Calkins couldn’t graduation

Margaret Floy Washburn 1 st woman to earn PhD from Harvard 2 nd female president of the APA Animal behavior research The Animal Mind

Sigmund Freud ( ) Psychoanalytic perspective Behavior explained by unconscious

Freud’s Influence Influence on “pop culture” ◦ Freudian slips ◦ Anal-retentive Influence on psychology ◦ Psychodynamic theory ◦ Unconscious thoughts ◦ Significance of childhood experiences

Ivan Pavlov ( ) Russian Physiologist Studied learning in animals Emphasized the study of observable behaviors Classical conditioning Ex. dogs

John B. Watson ( ) Founder of behaviorism Studied only observable and objectively described acts – unconscious was of little value Environment molds our behavior

B.F. Skinner ( ) Behaviorist Focused on learning through rewards and punishment and observation Operant conditioning Rats and pigeons Food = reward Shock = punishment

Six Contemporary Psychological Perspectives

Psychological Perspectives Method classifying a collection of ideas Also called: ◦ “schools of thought” ◦ “psychological approaches” View BEHAVIOR from a particular perspective

Cognitive Perspective Focus: How we take in, process, store, and retrieve information Behavior is explained by how a person interprets the situation – grocery store

Biological Perspective Focus: How our brain chemistry and genetics underlie a given behavior, thought or emotion “feel-good” chemicals in the brain can affect behavior - depression

Social-Cultural Perspective Focus: How thinking and behavior change depending on the setting or situation Influence of other people present

Behavioral Perspective Focus: We learn through rewards, punishments, and observations Behavior explained by previous learning Unconscious = little value

Humanistic Perspective Focus: Healthy people strive to reach their full potential Behavior is motivated by satisfying needs (safety, hunger, thirst)

Psychodynamic Perspective Focus: Behavior is affected by unconscious drives, conflicts, motivation and unresolved inner conflicts from one’s childhood.

Behavior Genetics: Behavior is affected by genes and the environment Nature vs. nurture Evolutionary Psych: Combines aspects of biological, psychological, and social perspectives Positive Psych: To study and promote optimal human functioning

What do they do? Psychologist? Psychiatrist? Counselor? x.cfm?guidAssetId=AA6602D9-68D7- 4B9C-9DEA- F90CBDA22A38&blnFromSearch=1&prod uctcode=US

Clinical Psychologist Diagnose/treat patients with psychological problems Largest number of professional psychologists

Academic Psychologist PhD in Psychology = TEACH Research Expand knowledge base of psychology

Biological Psychologists Explore the physiological roots and results of behaviors. Might ask: ◦ “Do repetitive behaviors, such as piano playing, produce changes in the brain?”

Social Psychologist Explore the influence others have on behavior. Might ask: ◦ “Under what circumstances do young adults conform to the wishes of their peers?”

Developmental Psychologists Study the growth or development that takes place from womb to tomb. Might ask: ◦ “How do the friendships of 6-year olds differ from the friendships of 10-year olds?”

Cognitive Psychologist Study thought processes. Might ask: ◦ “How does the memory of an old home phone number affect the memory of a new home phone number?”

Majoring in Psychology… Skills possessed by graduates: ◦ Strong “people” skills ◦ Good problem solving skills ◦ Communication skills ◦ Analyzing skills ◦ Listening skills ◦ Well developed, higher level thinking skills ◦ Good research and writing skills

Sample Job Titles: Mental health care worker Residential care worker Career resource coordinator Events coordinator Student Advisor Youth care worker Police officer / FBI After hours emergency worker Job coach Fundraiser Psychiatric assistant Volunteer manager / coordinator

Areas of Employment: Retirement homes Hospitals Non-profit organizations Small-businesses Human resource dept. Street outreach Volunteer services Employment agencies Residential treatment centers Personal / Family counseling Law Enforcement office Post-secondary schools Career centers