What is Psychology? And what can I do with it?

Definition of Psychology The scientific study of behavior ◦Can be human or animal With humans, Psych deals with everything that people think, feel, or do.

Goals of Psychology Describe past or current behavior Explain past or current behavior Predict future behaviors/patterns Influence behavior using scientifically gathered information to solve a problem ◦Applied psychology: Psychological principles/practices used to accomplish practical goals

Psychology as a Profession Psychologist: scientist who observes, analyzes, and evaluates behavior. Tend to hold their doctorate Psychiatrist: a medical doctor who has received increased specialization in assisting those with behavioral, emotional, or behavioral disorders ◦Is licensed to prescribe medication and perform operations

Psychology as a Profession Clinical: diagnose and treat people with emotional issues. ◦Tend to work in private practices, hospitals, prisons, clinics ◦Approx. ½ of all Psychologists Counseling: helps people deal with problems of everyday life. ◦Tend to work in private practices, schools, and large businesses. Both require a Doctorate to practice in most states.

Psychology as a Profession Developmental Psychology: study all types of changes in life Educational Psychology: deal with the concerns of teaching children and adolescents Community Psychologist: may design/run a mental health clinic for the govt. or a private firm Industrial/Organizational: study production, working conditions, training workers, placing job applicants where they are best suited, etc

The APA American Psychological Association: interest group made up of 154,000 members in the U.S. If going into Psychology, get to know it. The APA also has its own style of writing/publishing comparable to MLA Style We will be using APA here, as you will in most “soft science” classes in college.

Review John wants to work for a large corporation, possibly in their H.R. dept. Phil wants to diagnose and provide therapy to schizophrenia patients at a state “mental institution” Jessica tests children who show signs of developmental delays

Review Danielle prescribes medication from children with ADHD George listens to his patients’ difficulties and helps them develop a plan for handling them. Michele works with autistic children at a public middle school.