Introduction to Psychology Chapter 1 Talbot

What is Psychology? The ________________ study of __________ & ____________processes. Science implies ___________. –Scientific observation Research method Behavior Mental Processes

Psychology’s Goals Describe – name or classify Understand – Why? Predict – forecast behavior Control – alter conditions that influence behavior

History (as a field of study) Outgrowth of ____________. As a science started around Willhelm Wundt StructuralismFunctionalismBehaviorismGestaltPsychodynamicHumanisticCognitive

Psychology as a Profession Psychologist v. Psychiatrist PsychologistPsychiatrist Counselor & Social Worker BEWARE of the “clinician”.

Professional issues APA – American Psychological Association State and Federal Licensing Boards Ethics/ Ethical guidelines –Levels of training and competency –Respect for dignity, privacy, confidentiality (HIPAA). –Protection from harm.

Scientific Method Observation Define the problem (Operationally define) –Reliability –Validity Propose a hypothesis Gather evidence Publish results Theory build

How do we gather the data? Survey Case study/ Clinical method Naturalistic Observation –Hawthorne effect, Observer Bias, Correlational Observation –Three possibilities –Correlational Coefficients Experimental method – Cause and Effect –Independent Variable Dependent Variable –Experimenter effect –Control –Placebo effect –Random Sampling

Ethics in research Do no harm Describe risks Ensure participation is voluntary Minimize discomfort Maintain confidentiality Use deception only when necessary Debrief Provide results Treat with dignity and respect