Chapter 1: Introduction Dr. M. Davis-Brantley
What is Psychology? Psychology is the scientific discipline that studies behavior and mental processes In order to understand or explain human behavior scientists conduct experiments to gather a better understanding of humans To do this, there must be an opening of the mind. –Why? Consider stereotypes and prejudices
Critical Thinking What is Critical Thinking? Critical Thinking is an approach to thinking characterized by skepticism and thoughtful analysis of statements and arguments Features of Critical Thinking 1.Maintain a “healthy” skepticism—Keep an open mind 2.Examine the assumptions or premises of arguments 3.Be cautious in drawing conclusion from “evidence” 4.Consider alternative interpretations of research evidence—especially if the evidence seems to show cause and effect –Ex: In areas where there are lots of churches, there are lots of liquor stores. Why? 5.Don’t Oversimplify 6.Don’t Overgeneralize 7.Apply critical thinking to all areas of life –Ex:Tupac and B.I.G. are still alive –My horoscope for today…..
Critical Thinking Cont’d –Ex:Tupac and B.I.G. are still alive –My horoscope for today…..horoscope –Pet Rock Phenomenon of the 1970’sPet Rock Pictures History
Critical Thinking Cont’d Pseudoscience -- A method or system that claims to have a scientific basis but does no, such as astrology. Barnum Effect —The tendency of people to accept overgeneralized descriptions of personality as accurate appraisals of their own personalities –A good circus has a “little something for everybody” Psychology can’t rely on the Barnum effect: Has to be a science
The Study of Human Behavior Scientific Method is a method for obtaining scientific evidence in which a hypothesis is formed and tested Hypothesis is a prediction that is tested through research –Ex: Children who watch violent television, tend to be more violent towards peers Correlation is a statistical association or relationship between two variables, expressed in the form of a correlation coefficient (-1.00 to +1.00) –Positive correlation: Ex: Intelligence and academic achievement –Negative correlation: Ex: Stress and Health Replication—is an extremely important step in scientific research, Why?
The Study of Human Behavior Case Study Method is a method of research based on a carefully drawn biography obtained through interviews, questionnaires, or psychological tests Survey is a means of information gathering in which a large number of individuals are interviewed or asked to complete questionnaires in order to learn about the individual Social Desirability Bias is the tendency for people to respond in socially desirable ways Generalize—to extend from the particular to the general Population—A complete group of organisms or events Sample—Part of the population selected for research
The Study of Human Behavior Experimental Method—is the scientific method that seeks to confirm or discover cause-and-effect relationships by introducing independent variables and observing their effects on the dependent variable Treatment—the condition received by participants so that its effects may be observed Experimental Group—A group of subjects who receive a treatment in an experiment Control Group—The group of subjects that do not receive the treatment Placebo—A bogus treatment that has the appearance of being genuine