Unit 1: Scope, History, and Methodology By: J. Mulder AP Psychology

What is psychology? Psychology is a science Definition : the scientific study of behavior and mental processes Psychology is a science BECAUSE psychologists rely on scientific research methods. Psychologists study your behavior (the observable things you do) and your mental processes (the unobservable- thoughts, feelings, and dreams)

Modern Approaches Biological Evolutionary Psychodynamic Behavioral Cognitive Humanistic Social-Cultural

Biological Approach (AKA Neuroscience) Assumes that behavior and mental processes are largely shaped by biological processes. –The brain –Hormones –Other chemicals –Genetics –Nervous System

Evolutionary Approach Assumes that the behavior of animals and humans today is the result of evolution though natural selection. –Inherited, adaptive, aspects of behavior.

Psychodynamic Approach Assumes that our behavior and mental processes reflect constant, and mostly unconscious, psychological struggles within us. –Rooted in Freud’s Theories

Behavioral Approach Assumes that human behavior is determined mainly by what a person has learned, especially from rewards and punishments. –Associated with John Watson and B.F. Skinner –Ignores EVERYTHING but what is observable!

Cognitive Approach Focuses on how the brain takes in information, creates perceptions, forms and retrieves memories, processes information, and generates integrated patterns of actions. –How does it get from out there ->brain -> back out there.

Humanistic Approach Views behavior as controlled by decisions that people make about their lives based on their perceptions of the world. –Emphasizes individual potential for growth.

Social-Cultural Approach Views behavior as controlled by different situations and cultural attitudes. –This is becoming a very important approach in are shrinking global society.

Anger Biological Anger/ Aggression is a result of the body releasing adrenalin in preparation of a possible fight and to protect the body. Evolutionary Anger/ Aggression were important because it helped humans to better protect their territory and property. Psychodynamic Anger is a sign of inner turmoil at not being able to express deeper primitive urges. Behavioral Anger / Aggression is a response learned by watching others. A bully had learned to be aggressive because he/she is rewarded with lunch money. Cognitive Incident: Someone cuts in-line at the movie theater. 1)perceives that someone has cut, 2) recalls that this is inappropriate, 3) decides that the other person was behaving wrongly, 4) labels the person as rude, 5) considers possible responses and their consequences, 6) decides that shoving the person is the best response, 7) executes that response Humanistic Incident: Someone cuts in-line at the movie theater. You get angry because YOU feel that your anger at that person is justified. (someone else may feel differently) Social-Cultural Incident: Someone cuts in-line at the movie theater. You get angry because social rules dictate that line-cutting is inappropriate. Your response to the line cutting may differ depending on your social and/or cultural rules (getting security, dealing with it yourself, ignoring it).

What YOU need to know! The approaches are important to know. You will see them appear many times throughout this course. They can however be difficult to manage when thinking about psychological issues. For most of the content in this course, we will use the levels of analysis to view psychological problems

Three Main Levels of Analysis The three levels of analysis offer complementary outlooks. Often looking at a problem from one outlook does offer a complete solution. BIOLOGICALCOGNITIVE SOCIAL-CULTURAL Behavior / Mental Processes

Levels of Analysis Approach (Biopsychosocial Approach) Social-cultural Influences presence of others cultural, societal, and family expectations peer and other group influences compelling models (such as media) Behavior or mental process Cognitive Influences learned fears and other learnt expectations emotional responses cognitive processing and perceptual interpretations Biological influences genetic predispositions genetic mutations natural selection of adaptive physiology and behaviors genes responding to environment