The Discipline of Psychology-Intro Unit 1 What is Psychology? What is Psychology? Why do we study Psychology? Why do we study Psychology? Why is Psychology considered a science? Why is Psychology considered a science? How did Psychology Begin? How did Psychology Begin? The history of Psychology. The history of Psychology.

Psychology “Psyche” = Soul/mind “Logos” = Logic/Science The scientific study of behavior and mental processes The scientific study of behavior and mental processes – Behaviors – observable actions – Mental processes – cognitive activities, private mental events – Cognition/cognitive-Thinking, “the process of thought.”

Why do we study Psychology? You tell me… You tell me… List at least three reasons you believe people study behavior and mental processes. List at least three reasons you believe people study behavior and mental processes.

The Goals of Psychology Description of behaviors: Naming and classifying various observable, measurable behaviors Description of behaviors: Naming and classifying various observable, measurable behaviors Understanding: The causes of behavior(s) Understanding: The causes of behavior(s) Prediction: Forecasting behavior accurately Prediction: Forecasting behavior accurately Control: Altering conditions that influence behaviors Control: Altering conditions that influence behaviors – To control unwanted behaviors (e.g., smoking, tantrums, etc.)

The Big Issues in Psychology  Nature Vs. Nurture = The biggest issue is the debate over the influence of biology and the environment. Are we more a product of our biological make-up (our genetics)... Are we more a product of our biological make-up (our genetics)... Or does our environment and our experiences play the largest role in determining who we are? Or does our environment and our experiences play the largest role in determining who we are?

Biology vs. Experience Biology vs. Experience Am I the way I am because I was born that way, or because of my surroundings? Am I the way I am because I was born that way, or because of my surroundings? Can I ever be like these people, or does nature give me limitations?

Venus and Serena Williams, two sisters, are considered world-class tennis players. Is their success a result of their similar genes, or evidence of their similar training?

The Big Issues in Psychology Continuity VS Stages Continuity VS Stages – Does growth and development happen gradually… – Or in distinct stages?

Psychology is a Science Psychologists conduct experiments, make observations, and seek evidence. Psychologists conduct experiments, make observations, and seek evidence. The scientific method is used The scientific method is used – empirical evidence – information gained from direct observation and measurements. – used to prove theories or settle disputes about behavior by collecting data. – observable facts FIGURE 1.5 Psychologists use the logic of science to answer questions about behavior.

Figure 1.1 FIGURE 1.1 Results of an experiment. The graph shows that horn honking by frustrated motorists becomes more likely as air temperature increases. This suggests that physical discomfort is associated with interpersonal hostility. (Data from Kenrick & MacFarlane, 1986.)

A Brief History of Psychology The Ancients 500BCE The Ancient Greek Philosopher Socrates – “Know Thyself” The Ancient Greek Philosopher Socrates – “Know Thyself” – Looking within The Ancient Chinese Philosopher Confucius – “Human Nature is the Order of Heaven” The Ancient Chinese Philosopher Confucius – “Human Nature is the Order of Heaven”

A Brief History of Psychology The Middle Ages 1000CE Abnormal Behavior = possessed by the devil Abnormal Behavior = possessed by the devil Trial by “Ordeal” Trial by “Ordeal”

A Brief History of Psychology The Birth of Modern Psychology 1879 Wilhelm Wundt “Father of Psychology”“Father of Psychology” Founded the 1 st psychology lab in GermanyFounded the 1 st psychology lab in Germany Makes it a scienceMakes it a science Study focused on inner sensations and mental processes-consciousnessStudy focused on inner sensations and mental processes-consciousness Emotional responses and Mental imagesEmotional responses and Mental images

Psychoanalysis Late 1800’s-early 1900’s Sigmund Freud Sigmund Freud  Probably the most famous of early psychologists. Now part of pop culture.  Emphasized the importance of unconscious motives and internal conflicts in determining human behavior.  Sexual & aggressive urges (hidden impulses)  Freudian slip of the tongue, dream analysis, etc.

Freud contd. Oedipus complex Oedipus complex – Castration anxiety – Penis envy

Freud in pop culture

A Brief History of Psychology Behaviorism 1920 John B. Watson John B. Watson Unscientific to study thoughtsUnscientific to study thoughts Limit psychology to the study of observable behaviorsLimit psychology to the study of observable behaviors Behaviorism – scientific study of observable behavior.Behaviorism – scientific study of observable behavior.

Behaviorism B.F. Skinner B.F. Skinner  Introduced concept of reinforcement.  If animal is rewarded (reinforced) for performing a task, the task is more likely to be performed in the future.  Animals can be taught complex behavior patterns.  Believed people learn in same way.

Skinner Box

A Brief History of Psychology A Few Setbacks Phrenology late 1800’s Phrenology late 1800’s – Personality traits can be derived from the shape of the skull. – Now considered a pseudoscience.

A Brief History of Psychology A Few Setbacks Conditions in “Mental Institutions” Conditions in “Mental Institutions”

A Brief History of Psychology A Few Setbacks Lobotomy-cutting nerves in frontal lobe of brain.

Decreased agitation and emotional response Increased apathy and passivity Ended with the intro of antipsychotic drugs-Mid 50’s

Psychological specialties (a sample) Clinical-help with severe psychological problems of adjustment and change of behavior – –Anxiety, depressionDrugs, addiction – –DisordersWeight issues – –Relationships – –Psychologists council – –Psychiatrists council & prescribe drugs if needed (medical degree) Counseling-help with less severe problems – –Clarifying goalsAdjustment problems – –Meeting challenges School- Student problems, student centered – –Peer group issuesIssues interfering with learning – –Learning disorders Educational-help students learn, school wide/district centered – –Instructional methodsStandardized tests – –Motivation/beliefs Economic factors

Psychological specialties (contd.) Developmental-deal with changes during lifespan – –PhysicalEmotional – –CognitiveSocial Social-behavior in social settings – –External influencesAttraction – –ConformityGroup behavior – –PrejudiceAggression Experimental-explore psychological/biological relationships – –Endless opportunities at the university level. Industrial/organizational-deal with people and work issues – –Behavior in organizations/businesses – –Hiring, training, promotions, etc. Forensic-deal with criminal behavior in the justice system – –Testify in courtFamily violence – –Hostage crisisProfilers