Psychology is… I. The scientific study of mental processes and behaviors Behavior: any activity, voluntary or involuntary, performed by a subject (animal or person) Mental process: Thoughts, creation and recall of memories, problem solving, emotions QUICK WRITE: list examples of voluntary and involuntary actions

Psychology is also… II. The scientific study of why people do what they do Nature?OR Nurture? In plain language: Was I born preprogrammed to behave and think and feel as I do? Did I learn through experience how to behave and think and feel as I do? OR

nature 1. DNA/genetics – "Switches" on genes that turn off or on due to environmental stimuli – mental disorders (OCD, schizophrenia) and other genetic diseases – IQ--intelligence quotient???? – Predisposition for certain behaviors: addiction, risky behavior, shyness 2. Physiological responses to stimuli – pain – pleasure – reflexes – “instinct” – “flight or fight” QUICK WRITE: Explain why IQ has a “?” by it. Define “predisposition” Define “physiological” QUICK WRITE: Explain why IQ has a “?” by it. Define “predisposition” Define “physiological”

nature 3. Chemical processes within the body – Hormones, enzymes, neurotransmitters 4. Brain structures and neural pathways – Different parts of brain control hunger, fear, pleasure, desire, memory, reading, writing... – Sensory centers – optic – olfactory – auditory – taste – Neural pathways form while in utero--shape thinking processes, abilities, and behavioral responses QUICK WRITE: Define “in utero”. Define “neural pathways” QUICK WRITE: Define “in utero”. Define “neural pathways”

nurture 1. The environment (home and neighborhood) in which one is raised  Unhealthy: dysfunctional, abusive, violent  Healthy: stability, safety and security 2. Relationships with parents and peers  Healthy: stable, supportive, open, honest, and trusting  unhealthy: abusive, neglectful, cold, passive, manipulative 3. Imitation of modeled behaviors from media, real life 4. Peer pressure 5. Cultural and gender norms and expectations 6. Reinforcement (punishment or reward) of behaviors 7. Exposure to environmental toxins, chemicals, drugs, alcohol  Chemicals from outside world interact with our internal chemistry to cause behaviors and thought changes 8. Nutrition Quick Talk: What things do you think will appear in this list?

What do psychologists do? Explain why people are the way they are Diagnose and treat mental, relationship, emotional and behavioral problems Help identify people’s strengths and weaknesses Explain the behavior and thinking of individuals and groups Predict behaviors of people in certain situations Identify the genetic, hormonal, environmental, social, and other causes of behaviors and mental processes Help people understand themselves and the root cause of their inter- and intra-personal problems QUICK WRITE: What is the difference between “inter” and “intra” personal? Provide 1 example of an interpersonal and 1 example of an intrapersonal problem a person might have. QUICK WRITE: What is the difference between “inter” and “intra” personal? Provide 1 example of an interpersonal and 1 example of an intrapersonal problem a person might have.