1. Introduction to Psychology
Mr. Leonoff
Psychology
WIC High School

2. What is Psych? Crash Course Def: Scientific study of mind and behavior
Behavior – everything we do that can be directly observed
Mind – mental processes
Thoughts and feelings that cannot be observed

3. Science of Psych Crash Course
Theories – general beliefs that help explain observations
Hypotheses – assumptions that can be tested for accuracy

4. Science of Psych Scientific Method Theory Hypothesize Identify Analyze
Collect Data
Revising Theory

5. Science of Psych Collecting Info Observation Naturalistic Observation
Know what you are looking for
Control certain factors to see results
Naturalistic Observation
Real life observation
No manipulation or control
Interviews
Face to Face Communication
Questionnaires
Read and respond to questions

6. Science of Psych Collecting Info, Cont. Random Sample Case Studies
Every member of a population or group has an equal chance of being selected
Case Studies
In-depth look at an individual to find more information about person and/or behavior
Read pg. 37 The Case of Clever Hans & Discuss
Standardized Tests
People answer a series of written or oral questions to study responses relative to others
Stanford-Binet intelligence Test
Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory

7. Science of Psych Physiological Research
Controlling the processes of the brain to study effects
Ex: electrical stimulation of certain areas of the brain to study aggression
Ex: increasing hormone concentration in the bloodstream to study effects
Not ethical to do with humans – used mainly on animals

8. Science of Psych Correlational Strategy Experimental Strategy
How two or more events are related
Correlation does not mean Cause
Correlation vs. Causation
Experimental Strategy
Determine the cause of behavior
Cause: event being manipulated
Effect: behavior that changes due to Cause
Experimental Design

9. Science of Psych Experimental Strategy, Cont. Random Assignment
Subjects picked at random to decrease results based on pre-existing conditions
Experimental Group
Experience is manipulated
Control Group
Experience is like normal
Compare results of both groups

10. Science of Psych Experimental Strategy, cont. Independent Variable
Can be changed independently of other factors
Factor that is manipulated
Dependent Variable
Depends of what happens to subjects in the study based on the independent variable

11. Science of Psych Experimental Strategy, Cont. Double-Blind Procedure
Neither the participants or the data collectors will know which group is the control or experimental group.
Placebo Effect
Experiment will have effects based on belief that it will work, not because of variables
Ex: Sugar Pills
Read pg. 38 The Amazing Power of the Placebo Effect
Discuss

12. Science of Psych Ethics Must Take Caution while experimenting
Protect subjects from physical and mental harm
Subjects must give informed consent to participate in a study
Complete Disclosure
Will it ruin the study???
Animal Experiments…

13. Areas of Specialization
Clinical and Counseling Psychology
Psychiatry
Experimental and Physiological Psychology
Developmental Psychology
Social Psychology
Personality Psychology
School and Educational Psychology
Industrial and Organizational Psychology
Sport Psychology