© 2008 the mcgraw-hill companies, inc. chapter 1 what is psychology?
TRANSCRIPT
© 2008 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
Chapter 1What is Psychology?
© 2008 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
Chapter Preview
Defining Psychology
Historical Foundations of Psychology
Contemporary Approaches to Psychology
Specializations and Careers in Psychology
Application: Health and Wellness
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Psychology: Defined
The scientific study of behavior and
mental processes
Key components of this definition: Science Behavior Mental Processes
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Psychology and Common Sense
Is psychology simply common sense?
Sometimes yes, but sometimes no…
Hindsight Bias
Unexpected Findings
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Positive Psychology
Psychology has traditionally focused on the negative aspects of human experience, but the discipline is concerned with much more than disordered behavior!
Positive Psychology Movement Experiences people value Traits associated with optimal functioning Positive group and civic values
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Historical Approaches
Western Philosophy
Biology and Physiology
Wilhelm Wundt (1832-1920) First Psychology Laboratory (1879)
established at the University of Leipzig
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Structuralism
Wundt: Identify structures of the mind Research described dimensions of feeling:
Pleasure / Displeasure Tension / Relaxation Excitement / Depression
Methodology: Introspection
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Functionalism
William James and Pragmatism Identify the functions of the mind
Focused on interactions with environment Adaptive significance: “Why?” Flow of thought: Stream of consciousness
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Psychology and Evolution
Charles Darwin (1859)
Natural Selection There exists a constant struggle for resources Nature will favor those traits that promote
reproduction and survival Environmental changes alter evolution’s course
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Contemporary Approaches
Seven Current Psychological Perspectives
Biological
Behavioral
Psychodynamic
Humanistic
Cognitive
Evolutionary
Sociocultural
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The Biological Approach
Focuses on the brain and nervous system Central to understanding behavior, thought,
and emotion Neuroscience
Structure, function, development, genetics, biochemistry of the nervous system
Chapter 3: Biological Foundations of Behavior
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The Behavioral Approach
Focuses on the environmental determinants of observable behavior
Notable Behaviorists: John Watson, B.F. Skinner
Early conflicts with cognitive psychologists Chapter 7: Learning
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The Psychodynamic Approach
Emphasizes unconscious thought, conflict between internal drives and society, and early family experiences All influence behavior, thought, and emotion
Notable Psychodynamic Theorists Sigmund Freud, Erik Erikson, Alfred Adler
Chapter 11: Personality
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The Humanistic Approach
Focuses on positive human qualities, capacity for self-actualization, free will Developed in response to the behaviorist and
psychodynamic approaches Notable Humanistic Theorists
Carl Rogers, Abraham Maslow Chapter 11: Personality
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The Cognitive Approach
Emphasizes the importance of mental processes to problem solving, learning and memory
Mental processes control behavior through memories, perceptions, and thinking
Chapter 9: Thinking, Language, and Intelligence
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The Evolutionary Approach
Emphasizes the relevance of evolutionary theory to all behavior and mental processes Current function reflects changes that occurred
in response to ancestral environments Notable Evolutionary Psychologists
David Buss, Leda Cosmides, John Tooby Chapter 3: Biological Foundations of
Behavior
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The Sociocultural Approach
Examines how social and cultural environments influence behavior and mental processes In contrast to the evolutionary approach
Studies differences between ethnic and cultural groups within a country
Chapter 12: Social Psychology
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Contemporary Approaches
Seven Current Psychological PerspectivesBiological
Behavioral
Psychodynamic
Humanistic
Cognitive
Evolutionary
Sociocultural
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Critical Controversy: Altruism
Altruism Defined Voluntary behavior intended to help others Not motivated by expectation of personal gain
Altruism: The Evolutionary Approach Kin selection and inclusive fitness
Altruism: The Sociocultural Approach Social relationships unfold over time
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Areas of Specialization
Specializations are not mutually exclusive
Highlighted by “Intersections” in the text
American Psychological Association Abbreviated: APA Currently 56 divisions / specializations
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Areas of Specialization
Physiological Psychology
Behavioral Neuroscience
Developmental Psychology
Sensation and Perception
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Areas of Specialization
Cognitive Psychology
Learning
Motivation and Emotion
Personality Psychology
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Areas of Specialization
Social Psychology
Industrial and Organizational Psychology
Clinical and Counseling Psychology
Health Psychology
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Areas of Specialization
Community Psychology
School and Educational Psychology
Environmental Psychology
Psychology of Women
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Areas of Specialization
Forensic Psychology
Sport Psychology
Cross-Cultural Psychology
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Intersection: Culture and Emotion
Complete the “Happiness” scale in the text Sum your ratings and divide the total by 5 Higher scores = higher perceived happiness
Despite numerous cultural differences, most people report being happy
But culture can impact perceived happiness
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Intersection: Culture and Emotion
Individualistic Cultures Individuals viewed as unique and distinct from
their social group Value independence
Collectivistic Cultures Emphasize social group and the individual’s
role within that group Value interdependence
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Careers in Psychology
What do psychologists do? And where? Business Social and Human Services Research Education Research Laboratories Clinical and Private Practice Settings
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Careers in Psychology
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Careers in Psychology
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Psychology: Health and Wellness
Psychology is concerned with Mind-Body Connections
The mind impacts the body Examples?
The body impacts the mind Examples?
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Chapter Summary
Explain what psychology is and describe the positive psychology movement.
Discuss the roots and early scientific foundations of psychology.
Summarize the main themes of seven approaches to psychology.
Evaluate areas of specialization and careers in psychology. Describe the connections between the mind and the body.
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Chapter Summary
Defining Psychology The scientific study of behavior and mental
processes Historical Foundations of Psychology
Origins in philosophy and physiology Structuralism – Wilhelm Wundt Functionalism – William James Evolutionary Theory – Charles Darwin
© 2008 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
Chapter Summary
Contemporary Approaches to Psychology Seven current approaches – complementary
Specializations and Careers in Psychology Business, social and human services, research Education, research, clinics and private practice
Application: Health and Wellness The mind-body connection is a “two-way street”