Chapter 1 The Science of Psychology

1. What is Psychology ? A. The Fields of Psychology Developmental Psychology Study of how people change over time Physiological Psychology Study of how biology controls behavior Experimental Psychology Perform experiments to study psychology

Personality Psychology Study of how people differ from one another Clinical and Counseling Psychology Study and treatment of psychological disorders

Social Psychology Study of how people influence one another Study of group behavior Industrial and Organization (I/O) Psychology Study of psychological principles in industry and business

Five Enduring Issues B.Five Enduring Issues Person–Situation Is behavior caused by factors inside the person or outside? Nature – Nurture (Heredity–Environment) Is the person we become a product of innate, inborn tendencies, or a reflection of experiences and upbringing?

Stability–Change People remain unchanged vs. change Diversity-Universality How are we different vs. the same Mind–Body Relationship between experience and biological processes

C.Psychology As Science Scientific method Other behavioral sciences Sociology, anthropology Political science, economics, history

2.The Growth of Psychology A.The "New Psychology": A Science of the Mind Wilhelm Wundt and Edward Bradford Titchener: Structuralism Basic units of experience William James Functionalism Studied how we use perception to function in its environment.

Sigmund Freud: Psychodynamic psychology Individual unconscious factors John B. Watson: Behaviorism Studied only observable behaviors B.F. Skinner: Behaviorism revisited Expanded behaviorism

B.Cognitive Revolution The precursors: Gestalt psychology We perceive things as whole patterns Humanistic psychology Realizing full potential The rise of cognitive psychology Study of mental processes

C.New Directions Evolutionary psychology? Adaptive value of behaviors and mental process Positive psychology Focusing on attitude Multiple perspectives No single right answer. Where are the women? Important contributions despite discrimination

3.Human Diversity A. Gender Psychological and social meanings attached to being biologically male or female Gender stereotypes Limited view of people based on gender For example, “Only men can be police officers”

Feminist psychology Study of the psychology of women Sexual orientation Gender to which one is sexually attracted

B. Race and Ethnicity Racial and ethnic minorities in psychology Race is subpopulation defined by identifiable characteristic Ethnicity common cultural heritage; religion, language, ancestry C. Culture Tangible goods and values, attitudes, behaviors, and beliefs that are passed on from generation to generation

4.Research Methods in Psychology A.Naturalistic Observation Systematic observation in natural setting B.Case Studies Intensive description and analysis of one or several people C.Surveys Questionnaires or interviews

D.Correlational Research Research techniques based on the naturally occurring relationship between two or more variables. Can make predictions Math and English placement tests SAT and school success Job testing and success on the job

E.Experimental Research Subject or participants Independent variable Cause (what you are studying) Dependent variable Effect (result of experiment)

Experimental group Receive special treatment Control group Does not receive special treatment but is the same in every other way Experimenter bias Expectations by experimenter influence outcome also teachers

F.Multimethod Research Combining methods

G.Importance of Sampling Sample Small representative subset Random sample Every subject had equal chance of being selected Representative sample Characteristics of participants correspond to larger population H. Human Diversity and Research Avoiding cultural bias

5.Ethics and Psychology A.Ethics in Research on Humans Informed of nature of research Informed consent documented Risks and limits on confidentiality explained Alternative academic credit so truly free choice for students

Deception cannot be used about aspects of research that would affect participant's willingness to participate Deception about the goals of research used only when absolutely necessary B.Ethics in Research on Nonhuman Animals According to the APA, psychologist using animals in research must ensure “appropriate consideration of [the animal’s] comfort, health, and humane treatment.”

6.Careers in Psychology A.Academic and Applied Psychology Educational or research facilities B.Clinical Settings Therapy in hospitals and clinics

C. Licenses Psychologists - Ph.D Psychiatrists - M.D. Psychoanalysts Can be M.D. or Ph.D Additional specialized training Social Workers - M.S.W. or D.S.W. Marriage Family Therapists - M.A.