What is Psychology? Part 2 د.برجان هاشم طه Psychiatrist MBChB MSc CAP FICMS(psych)

Behavioral Neuroscience Approach the brain and nervous system play important roles in understanding behavior and mental processes. As cognitive psychologists do, neurobiologists believe that thoughts have a physical basis in the brain The human brain is only a 3-pound lump of matter, but in this lump are more than 100 billion interconnected nerve cells. Electrical impulses zoom throughout our brain cells, and chemical substances are released as we think, feel, and act.

Evolutionary Psychology the importance of adaptation, reproduction, and "survival " in explaining behavior. Our behavior is to allow individuals to survive or to fail. David Buss' (1995, 1999) believes that just as evolution shapes our physical features, such as body shape and height, it also influences how we make decisions, how aggressive we are, our fears, and mating patterns.

Sociocultural Approach This approach emphasizes that culture, ethnicity, and gender are essential to understanding behavior, thought, and emotion. Aspects of sociocultural approach: Culture is the behavior patterns, beliefs, and other products of a particular group of people, such as values, work patterns, music, dress, diet, and ceremonies, that are passed on from generation to generation. Ethnicity is based on nationality characteristics, race, religion, and language. gender, the sociocultural dimension of being female or male. Sex is the biological dimension of being female or male.

Which Approach Is Best? No single theory offers all the answers; each contributes to the science of psychology. Some psychologists adopt a particular approach; others take a more eclectic approach.

What Are the Goals of Psychology? Description of Behaviors: Naming and classifying various observable, measurable behaviors Understanding: The causes of behavior(s) Prediction: behaviors Control: Altering conditions that influence behaviors.

what are important Psychology's Specializations?

Areas of Specialization Clinical and Counseling Psychology is the most widely practiced specialization in psychology: They diagnose and treat people with psychological problems.

Specialties in the Fields of Clinical and Counseling Psychology Psychotherapy With many subspecialties such as family therapy, group therapy, drug therapy, individual therapy, biofeedback, and sex therapy Clinical Child Psychology Assessment (giving tests), severely disordered children, learning disabilities, reading problems, mental retardation, and parent education Behavior and Mental Disorders Alcoholism, delinquency, crime, suicide, eating disorders, and depression Medical Psychology Often working in hospitals in concert with physicians and other medical personnel, hospital care Gerontology Specializing in the growing area of older adults' mental disturbances Community Mental Health Working in community mental health clinics Physically Handicapped Working with the disabled, blind, and hearing impaired

Clinical Psychologists and Psychiatrists Clinical psychologist has a doctoral degree in psychology. Psychiatry is a branch of medicine practiced by physicians with a doctor of medicine (M.D.) degree who subsequently specialize in abnormal behavior and psychotherapy. Clinical psychologists and psychiatrists both are interested in improving the lives of people with mental health problems. One important distinction is that psychiatrists can prescribe drugs, whereas clinical psychologists cannot.

Community Psychology Community-based mental health centers outreach programs to people in need, especially those who traditionally have been underserved by mental health professionals. also concerned about prevention. They try to prevent mental health problems by identifying high-risk groups.

Experimental Psychology involves areas in which psychologists often conduct basic research and use an experimental strategy.

Neuroscience and biological Comparative psychology focus on biological processes, especially the brain's role in behavior. Many of these scientists use animals in their research and investigate how the brain processes information to the effects of hormones on behavior.

Developmental Psychology is concerned with how we become who we are, from conception to death. In particular, developmental psychologists focus on the biological and environmental factors that contribute to human development.

Social Psychology deals with people's social interactions, relationships, and attitudes. Social psychologists believe we can better understand mind and behavior if we know something about how people function in groups.

Personality Psychology focuses on the characteristics of individuals. Personality psychologists study self-concept, aggression, moral development, gender roles, and inner or outer directedness.

School and Educational Psychology is concerned with children's learning and adjustment in school. School psychologists work in elementary and secondary school systems, testing children, working on educational planning teams. Educational psychologists work at colleges and universities, and do research on learning. 

Cross-cultural Psychology examines the role of culture in understanding behavior, thought, and emotion. Cross-cultural psychologists compare the nature of psychological processes in different cultures.

Women's Psychology emphasizes the importance of promoting the research and study of women, applying the information to society and its institutions.

Health Psychology is a multidimensional approach to health that emphasizes psychological factors, lifestyle, and the nature of the health care delivery system. Health psychologists may work in physical or mental health areas. Some are members of multidisciplinary teams that conduct research or provide clinical services.

Forensic Psychology applies psychological concepts to the legal system. Crimes, responsibilities, e.g. abuse cases.

Which Areas of Psychology Interest You the Most? Think about the areas of psychology described in the text. Which areas interest you the most? _____ Clinical and Counseling Psychology _____ Community Psychology _____ Experimental Psychology _____ Physiological Psychology and Neuroscience _____ Developmental Psychology _____ Social Psychology _____ Personality Psychology _____ School and Educational Psychology _____ Industrial/Organizational Psychology _____ Cross-Cultural Psychology _____ The Psychology of Women _____ Health Psychology _____ Forensic Psychology _____ Sports Psychology

Different Perspectives in Psychology Biological Psychology Behavioral/Clinical Psychology Cognitive Psychology Social-Cultural Psychology

Biological Perspective Focus How the body and brain create emotions, memories, and sensory experiences. Sample Issues How do evolution and heredity influence behavior? How is brain chemistry linked with moods and motives?

Behavioral/Clinical Perspective Focus How we learn from observable responses. How to best study, assess and treat troubled people. Sample Issues How do we learn to fear particular objects or situations? What is the most effective way to alter certain behaviors? What are the underlying causes of: Anxiety Disorders Phobic Disorders Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders

Cognitive Perspective Focus How we process, store and retrieve information. Sample Issues How do we use info in remembering and reasoning?

Social-Cultural Perspective Focus How behavior and thinking vary across situations and cultures. Sample Issues How do we differ, as products of different social contexts? Why do people sometimes act differently in groups than when alone?