1. Chapter 1 WHAT IS PSYCHOLOGY
HOLT Psychology
9/16/2018
Chapter 1 WHAT IS PSYCHOLOGY
Section 1: Why Study Psychology?
Section 2: What Psychologists Do
Section 3: A History of Psychology
Section 4: Contemporary Perspectives
Chapter 1

2. The Study of Behavior and Mental Processes--Behavior & Thinking
Chapter 1
What is Psychology?
The Study of Behavior and Mental Processes--Behavior & Thinking
Behavior—any action that can be observed and measured
Cognitive activities—thinking, dreaming, memory, and perceptions
Psychological constructs—methods used to “measure” cognitive activities

3. GOALS OF PSYCHOLOGY Observe Describe behavior Explain Predict Control
Chapter 1
Section 1: Why Study Psychology?
Question: What are the goals of psychology, and how is psychology a science?
GOALS OF PSYCHOLOGY
Observe
Describe behavior
Explain
Predict
Control

4. THE SCIENCE OF PSYCHOLOGY
Chapter 1
Section 1: Why Study Psychology?
Question: What are the goals of psychology, and how is psychology a science?
THE SCIENCE OF PSYCHOLOGY
Psychology is a social science but has its foundation in the natural sciences.
It deals with the structure of human society and interactions of individuals who make up society.
Research—methods used to test ideas & gather data
Psychological Theories and Principles—deal with the data gathered in research—enough evidence can change a theory into a principle

5. Chapter 1
Section 2: What Psychologists Do
Question: What do psychologists do, and what are their areas of specialization?
PSYCHOLOGISTS
Test ideas using various research methods such as surveys and experimentation
Consult and teach

6. AREAS OF SPECIALIZATION
Chapter 1
Section 2: What Psychologists Do
Question: What do psychologists do, and what are their areas of specialization?
AREAS OF SPECIALIZATION
Clinical – the largest group – treat psychological problems
Counseling – treat adjustment problems
School – deal with students who have problems that interfere with learning
Educational Psychologist – focus on course planning and instructional methods

7. AREAS OF SPECIALIZATION (continued)
Chapter 1
Section 2: What Psychologists Do
Question: What do psychologists do, and what are their areas of specialization?
AREAS OF SPECIALIZATION (continued)
Personality Psychologist – identify characteristics or traits
Social Psychologist – concerned with people’s behavior in social situations
Experimental Psychologist – conduct research into basic processes

8. AREAS OF SPECIALIZATION (continued)
Chapter 1
Section 2: What Psychologists Do
Question: What do psychologists do, and what are their areas of specialization?
AREAS OF SPECIALIZATION (continued)
Industrial and Organizational Psychologist – focus on people in work and business
Environmental Psychologist – focus on ways in which people influence and are influenced by physical environment
Consumer Psychologist – study the behavior of shoppers to explain and predict behavior

9. AREAS OF SPECIALIZATION (continued)
Chapter 1
Section 2: What Psychologists Do
Question: What do psychologists do, and what are their areas of specialization?
AREAS OF SPECIALIZATION (continued)
Forensic Psychologist – are concerned with how psychological problems give rise to criminal behavior
Health Psychologist – study the ways in which behavior and mental processes are related to physical health

10. Question: How has the study of psychology developed over time?
Chapter 1
Section 3: A History of Psychology
Question: How has the study of psychology developed over time?
PSYCHOLOGY DEVELOPED OVER TIME
Began in ancient Greece
Socrates & Plato—Introspection—“Know thyself”
Aristotle—Associationism—“Cause & Effect”
Hippocrates—linked physical health with emotional state—biological influence on behavior & thinking

11. PSYCHOLOGY DEVELOPED OVER TIME (Cont.)
Chapter 1
PSYCHOLOGY DEVELOPED OVER TIME (Cont.)
The Middle Ages and Birth of Modern Science
Reflected superstitions of the times—Middle Ages ( A.D.)
Direct result of suppression of ideas by the monarchy and church leaders
Changed with the reformation (1500s), renaissance (1600s), and enlightenment (1700s)—Freedom of expression

12. PSYCHOLOGY DEVELOPED OVER TIME (Cont.)
Chapter 1
PSYCHOLOGY DEVELOPED OVER TIME (Cont.)
Contributions were made with modern scientific methods by psychologists such as:
Wilhelm Wundt—Structuralism
William James—Functionalism
John B. Watson—Behaviorism
B.F. Skinner—Reinforcement
Sigmund Freud—Psychoanalysis

13. SEVEN MAIN CONTEMPORARY PERSPECTIVES IN PSYCHOLOGY
Chapter 1
Section 4: Contemporary Perspectives
Question: What are the seven main contemporary perspectives in psychology?
SEVEN MAIN CONTEMPORARY PERSPECTIVES IN PSYCHOLOGY
Biological – nervous system, glands, hormones, genetic factors
Evolutionary – physical traits, social behavior
Cognitive – interpretation of mental images, thinking, language
Humanistic – self-concept

14. SEVEN MAIN CONTEMPORARY PERSPECTIVES IN PSYCHOLOGY (continued)
Chapter 1
Section 4: Contemporary Perspectives
Question: What are the seven main contemporary perspectives in psychology?
SEVEN MAIN CONTEMPORARY PERSPECTIVES IN PSYCHOLOGY (continued)
Psychoanalytic – environmental influences, learning, observational learning
Learning – effects of experience on behavior
Sociocultural – ethnicity, gender, culture, socioeconomic status