What is Psychology?

Defining Psychology Origin Word comes from Greek Psyche= Mind or soul Ology= Study of Ok….but do we really study the mind and soul?

Defining Psychology Psychology Scientific study of behavior and mental processes Behavior = any observable or overt action or reaction of a living organism Behavior occurs on several different levels Ex: action of nerve cells, sweat glands, as well as aggression and problem solving

Characteristics of Behavior 1) Organism The living biological entity of a hum being or animal and its own biological capacities and characteristics 2) Motivation Forces that act to energize, direct, sustain and stop behavior 3) Cognition What the organism knows, thinks and remembers 4) Competence Skills and ability (how well a task can be performed)

Let’s Practice Michelle and john are walking down the street in deep conversation. They approach a street crossing at which the walk light is flashing “Don’t Walk.” Michelle glances up as they near the corner and stops. John keeps on walking as he is talking. Out of the corner of her eye, Michelle sees a car beginning a turn into John’s path. Michelle screams and grabs John’s arm to pull him out of danger. John looks up, startled, just in time to see the car and jumps back out of the car’s path. Michelle and John stand still and silent for a few moments. Then, they start laughing. Identify the Actions, Thoughts, and Behaviors for both Michelle and John.

Practice Continued Actions Thoughts Feelings Michelle John

Real world Behavior While you are at lunch: Be on the look out for behavior! Report back on the behaviors that you observed!