THE scientific study of behaviour and mental process

Understand the main theories and perspectives in Psychology Understand the major contributions of important psychologists to the study of psychology Identify and understand the major fields of study in Psychology Understand quantitative and qualitative methods of research and when they are used

Psychology is the study of the mental processes and behavior. The term psychology comes from the Greek word psyche meaning "breath, spirit, soul" and the logia meaning "study of." Psychology emerged from biology and philosophy and is closely linked to other disciplines including sociology, medicine, linguistics, and anthropology.

Why Study Psychology?

Biological- role of biological process and heredity in explaining behaviour Psychoanalytic- role of unconscious motivation Behavioural- role of the environment in shaping and controlling behaviour Cognitive- importance of the mental process that underline behaviour Humanistic- importance of the individual subjective experiance as a key to understand Evolutionary- role of the inherited tendencies that behaviour have proven adaptive in humans Sociocultural- effects of society or culture and behaviour

Interpreting and manipulating mental ideas and images to obtain information, to reason and to solve problems The ability of humans that defines who we are

The Brain What makes our brains and cognitive process different and unique from other species?

This theory suggests two different sides of the brain control two different modes. It also suggests what side we prefer Left Right Logical Sequential Random Rational Intuitive Analytical Holistic Objective Synthesizing Looks at Parts Looks at wholes

It is human thinking and reason that make us unique We try to rearrange information in new forms that allow us to answer questions or solve problems Manipulate what we know into categories or concepts

Deductive Reasoning- Applying general assumptions to specific case Inductive Reasoning- Collecting specific information to form assumption

Trial and Error Long term memory Working backwards from goal Dividing problem into parts Insight to make comparisons

Society produces both mass murderers and saints. Do our genes create us or does the environment? Consider the following case. Gerald Levy and Marl Newman are twins who were separated at birth. Each did not know the existence of the other until recently. However, their lives developed in astonishingly similar fashions. Levy studied forestry; Newman planned to study it. Both had jobs in supermarkets and in installation. Both were unmarried and find the same kind of women attractive. They share similar hobbles and enjoy John Wayne movies and professional wrestling. Both like Chinese food and the same brand of beer. Even their mannerisms are similar. Now how much do you think that human behaviour is dependent on genetics and how much on the environment?

List and explain three reasons for your response. You may argue both sides of the issue. Rank these reasons - from most important to least important - in your opinion. Include in your comments an explanation of your ranking.