1. + Intro to Psychology What is psychology? 2014

2. + What is Psychology?

3. + Psychologists study both, Overt behaviors: actions and responses which are observable. And Covert behaviors: private and internal activities, such as, thinking, remembering, and other mental events.

4. + How do psychologists find information to support their theories? Empiricism: Information is gained through direct observation. Data is collected and conclusions drawn based on what was observed.

5. + Here is an example: The question-- Do drivers become more hostile when it is hot outside? Two psychologists decided to find out by creating an experiment that would rely on empirical evidence. They parked a car in a one lane intersection and counted the number of times cars behind it honked in conjunction with the heat.

6. + The results…? Drivers in cars without air conditioning stuck behind the parked vehicle were much more likely to honk and honk for extended periods of time. So what? Studies such as this can teach us interesting information about human frustration, aggression, and discomfort.

7. + Scientific Observation Collecting empirical (observable) data requires the use of a research method. Critical thinking: the ability to evaluate, compare, synthesize, analyze, and critique information. Critical thinkers question assumptions, and look for alternative conclusions.

8. + Four principles of Critical Thinking 1. Empirical testing and evidence are necessary to prove theories. 2. Judging the quality of the evidence is crucial. 3. Authority or expertise do not guarantee an idea is true or valid. 4. Open mindedness is a must when following the evidence! Let’s Try this!!!

9. + Well, What about Common Sense? QUIZ TIME!!!

10. + Ok…So Common Sense is not the best source of information to use… Why?

11. + Psychology Specialties Developmental Psychologists Biopsychologists Learning Theorists Cognitive Psychologists Personality Theorists Gender Psychologists Sensation and Perception Psychologist Cultural Psychologists Comparative Psychologists

12. + Animals and Psychology Psychologists seek the natural laws governing the behavior of any living creature. Animal models are used to discover principles that apply to humans (obesity, memory, stress, learning, etc).

13. + What is the purpose of all this? To describe, understand, predict, and control behavior. Find answers to big life questions like, 1. What happens when the right side of the brain is damaged? or 1. Is there more than one type of memory?

14. + Psychologists’ goals… 1. Description: Describing, identifying, and classifying a behavior. 2. Understanding: What causes the behavior is known. 3. Prediction: the ability to predict a behavior accurately. 4. Control: altering conditions that influence behavior in a predictable way.

15. + In other words… 1. What is the nature of this behavior? 2. Why does it occur? 3. Can we predict when it will occur? 4. What conditions affect it?

16. + Your Turn… What is psychology? What types of questions do psychologists aim to answer? What methods are used by psychologists to answer these questions?

17. + Intro to Psychology… Crash Course https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vo4pMVb0R6M