© 2008 the mcgraw-hill companies, inc. chapter 1 what is psychology?

© 2008 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

Chapter 1What is Psychology?

© 2008 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

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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

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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”