Subfields of Psychology AP Psychology Ms. Desgrosellier

Objectives: SSSSWBAT describe the major subfields of psychology. SSSSWBAT identify the three main levels of analysis in the biopsychosocial approach, and explain why various perspectives are complimentary.

Three Main Levels of Analysis WWWWhy do we have different levels of analysis? TTTThe differing complementary views from biological to psychological to social-cultural, for analyzing any given phenomenon. WWWWe exist in different levels (i.e. part of our larger social system; smaller systems, like the nervous system, etc.) IIIIt could be caused by many different things. FFFFor example, why do people like music?

Biopsychosocial Approach BBBBiological, psychological and social- cultural factors – gives a complete picture AAAAn integrated perspective that incorporates biological, psychological, and social-cultural levels of analysis

Biological GGGGenetics (predispositions; mutations) NNNNatural selection of adaptive physiology and behaviors GGGGenes responding to the environment

Psychological LLLLearned fears and other learned expectations EEEEmotional responses CCCCognitive processing and perceptual interpretations

Social-cultural PPPPresence of others CCCCultural, societal, and family expectations PPPPeer and other group influences CCCCompelling models (such as the media)

Current Perspectives ((((see table 1.1, pg 9): NNNNeuroscience: how the body and brain enable emotions, memories, and sensory experiences EEEEvolutionary: How the natural selection of traits promotes the perpetuation of one’s genes BBBBehavior genetics: How much out genes and our environment influence our individual differences.

PPPPsychodynamic: how behavior springs from unconscious drives and conflicts. BBBBehavioral: How we learn observable responses CCCCognitive: How we encode, process, store, and retrieve information SSSSocial-Cultural: How behavior and thinking vary across situations and cultures

How would each perspective view an abstract like sadness? NNNNeuroscience: what parts of the brain light up when someone is sad? Is there a change in neurotransmitters? EEEEvolutionary: How would sadness contribute to survival of the fittest? BBBBehavior genetics: How does heredity and experience shape our emotional states?

PPPPsychodynamic: Sadness is a reaction to a repressed memory, or not dealing with some hidden emotion. BBBBehavioral: might study body language when someone is sad or what external stimuli trigger sadness CCCCognitive: how our interpretation of a situation affects our sadness and how sadness might affect our thoughts. SSSSocial-Cultural: which situations cause the most sadness, how do different cultures express sadness, cross-cultural comparison, etc.

Complementary? HHHHow do all these different perspectives complement each other? They cover different aspects that some might miss Psychology has its limits – it cannot answer everything!

Subfields of Psychology BBBBasic research: Builds psychology’s research base Research for knowledge’s sake. AAAApplied research: Attempts to solve practical problems E.g. industrial/organizational psychologists who study and advise behavior in the workplace E.g. Drug research – trying to find a cure for schizophrenia

CCCCounseling psychologists: Help people cope with challenges (including academic, vocational, and marital issues) by recognizing their strengths and resources CCCClinical psychologists: Assess and treat mental, emotional, and behavior disorders BBBBoth: Administer and interpret tests Provide counseling and therapy Sometimes conduct basic and applied research

PPPPsychiatrists: Often provide psychotherapy Also are medical doctors, licensed to prescribe drugs and otherwise treat physical causes of psychological disorders Some clinical psychologists want this right too, and NM was the first state to grant that right in 2002 to specially trained and licensed Clinical Psychologists

Psychology is Interdisciplinary CCCConsider what psychologists can do: Teach in medical or law schools, or seminaries Work in hospitals, factories, and corporate offices. Work with the fields of mathematics, history, or linguistics

How many perspectives???  According to the American Psychological Association, there are over 50 subfields in psychology.  Developmental: focuses on changes in our over the life span (in thought, in moral reasoning, etc.)  Traffic Psychology: Traffic psychology the study of the behavior of road users and the psychological processes underlying that behavior as well as to the relationship between behavior and accidents

Modern Culture IIIIt also influences modern culture Child rearing theory Perceptions of people with mental disorders Gender issues

Unit 1 Exam FFFFriday, September 18, 2009 SSSSee objectives for topics that will be on the exam RRRRead over your notes RRRRead (or re-read) Module 1 in your book FFFForm a study group CCCContact Ms. Desgrosellier with any questions or concerns!