Introduction and History of Psychology
What is Psychology? Psychology is the scientific study of behavior and mental processes. “Psychology” has its roots in the Greek words of “psyche,” or mind, and “- ology,” or a field of study.”
What do we mean by behavior? Behavior is any action or reaction which causes a human or animal to adapt to its environment. Behavior can be overt=observable Behavior can be covert=internal or hidden
Scientific Method The science of psychology is based on objective, verifiable evidence obtained using the scientific method.
What is Real Psychology & what is Pseudopsychology? Pseudo-psychology is the phony or unscientific psychology which pretends to be the real thing.
Pseudo-psychology produces confirmation/hindsight bias
Led Zeplin? “Yes, there are two paths you can go by, but in the long run there’s still time to change the road you’re on.”
Now listen carefully.. “Here’s to my sweet Satan, the one whose little pathways make me sad, whose power is Satan.”
Psychology vs. Psychiatry Psychiatrists hold MDs and have specialized training in the treatment of mental and behavioral problems. Psychology is a much broader field which has many different specialties.
Early History
Wilhelm Wundt Wilhelm Wundt (Voont) widely considered the father of psychology. Wilhelm Wundt 1832-1929
Psychology Today Psychology today arises from 6 main perspectives: Biological Cognitive Psychodynamic Behavioral Sociocultural Evolutionary
Biological View: The biological view looks at how our physical make up and the operation of our brains influence our personality, preferences, behavior patterns, and abilities. Influence of Darwin According to biological view, our behavior is a result of heredity and environment.
Cognitive View According to the cognitive view, our actions are a direct result of the way we process information from our environment. Cognitions are thoughts, expectations, perceptions and memories
Psychodynamic View Psychodynamic psychology suggests we are motivated by irrational desires generated in our unconscious minds. Work of Sigmund Freud. Think: violence, sex, conflict & horror!
Humanistic Psychology A viewpoint which emphasizes human ability, growth, potential and free will. Emphasis on the positive side of human nature. Criticized because it is not highly “scientific.”
Behavioral Psychology John Watson B.F. Skinner Watson argued that the science of psychology should only deal with observable events: stimuli from the environment and the organism’s (person/animal) response to that stimuli. Believed all behaviors are shaped by rewards & punishments. Believed in the power of the situation/environment.
Sociocultural View This view emphasizes the importance of social interaction, social learning and a cultural perspective. What is culture? Culture: a complex blend of learned beliefs, customs, values and traditions developed by a group of people and shared with others in the same environment. Culture is socially constructed.
Cultural Relativity Behavior should be judged by the practices and values of a particular culture.
Psychology’s newest frontier…. Positive Psychology
Martin Seligman
The Science of Happiness… Happiness = Genetic Set + External Circumstances Intentional Activities
Proof……The Nun Study 678 Participants- Sisters of Notre Dame Longitudinal study- Alzheimer’s All born before 1917 At age 22, each asked to write a one-page autobiography
For example… “God started my life off well by bestowing upon me grace of inestimable value… The past year which I spent as a candidate studying at Notre Dame has been a very happy one. Now I look forward with eager joy to receiving the Holy Habit of Our Lady and to a life of union with Love Divine. “ “I was born on Sept. 26, 1909, the eldest of seven children, five girls and two boys… My candidate year was spent in the mother-house, teaching chemistry and second-year Latin at Notre Dame. With God’s grace, I intend to do my best for our Order, for the spread of religion and for my personal sanctification.”
Findings…. Strong positive correlation between positive emotional content and longevity (6-7 decades later) Optimism is associated with long life.
Consider this…