1. Chapter 1 Introduction to Psychology

2. Psychology Scientific study of behavior and mental processes Can provide useful insight into behavior Think, feel, and do Use psychology to modify or change behavior

3. Goals for Psychology Describe or gather information about behavior Explain why behavior is occurring Predict what organisms will do or how they will think or feel in various situations Influence behavior in helpful ways Psychology can be viewed as an applied science Use scientific method

4. Brief History 1800’s – believed behavior was influenced by the shape of the head Called: Phrenology – the practice of examining bumps on a person’s skull to determine that person’s intellect and character traits

5. Structuralism Wilhelm Wundt (1832-1920) Interest on how the human mind worked Structuralist – interested in basic elements of human experience Developed – introspective (self observation)

6. Functionalism William James (1842-1910) Often called the “father of psychology” All activities of the mind – serve one major function; to help us survive as a species Functionalists – study how animals and people adapt to their environment

7. Inheritable Traits Sir Francis Galton (1822 – 1911) Studied how heredity influences a person’s ability, character, and behavior Flaw: person’s heredity and environment interact to influence other characteristics

8. Gestalt Psychology German psychologists: Wertheimer (1880-1943), Kohler (1887-1967), and Koffka (1886-1941) Psychology involves the whole, not just parts; Gestalt Sensations are assembled into perceptual experiences

9. Contemporary Approaches Uses many different approaches: Figure 1.9 (pg. 21)

11. Psychology as a Profession Vocabulary