1. Introducing Psychology
Why Study Psychology?

2. Main Idea
Through the study of psychology, people can discover psychological principles that have the potential to enrich the lives of humans.

3. Objectives
Describe the range of topics that are covered in an introductory psychology course.
Cite the goals and scientific basis of psychology.

4. Personal Goals Gaining Insight Into Behavior
Learning about your own behavior, thoughts, and feelings
Learning about others
Acquiring Practical Information
Rewards and Punishment in dealing with pets and children
Mnemonic devices / memory aids
Emotional Disturbances

5. Overview of Psychology
Psychology – the scientific study of behavior and mental processes.
Behavior is any action that other people can observe or measure.
Mental processes (Cognitive) are private mental processes including thoughts, feelings, emotions and fantasies.

6. What Psychologist Study
Both Animal and Human Behavior
Study everything people think, feel and do
All study behavior systematically

7. Goals of Psychology
Observe
Describe
Explain
Predict
Influence

8. Psychology as a Science
Basic Science
Studies conducted to discover information about human or animal behavior.
Applied Science
Look for ways to take what is know in psychology to benefit a certain group

9. Scientific Basis of Psychology
Scientific Method
Identifying a problem
Formulation of Hypothesis
Data Collection
Experiments
Surveys
Case Studies
Analysis of Data