Introduction to

Psychology

What is Psychology?

A Social Science (1 of the 7 social sciences)Rooted in the “Natural Sciences” (deal with the physical

world i.e. physics, chemistry, biology, etc.)

A Social Science (1 of the 7 social sciences)Rooted in the “Natural Sciences” (deal with the physical

world i.e. physics, chemistry, biology, etc.)

Definition: Scientific Study of Behavior and Metal Processes

The Breakdown:

• Behavior any human action that observable and measurable

The Breakdown:

• Mental Processes things humans can do with their mind (i.e. dreams, perceptions, thoughts, memories, beliefs, reason, emotion, etc.)

What about the unobservable?

Psychological Constructs: theories or concepts which are NOT observable

How to use:• By asking questions • Getting feedback• Research

• Cannot be seen, touched, or measured directly

Goals of Psychology:

Observe Describe

Explain

Behavior and Mental Processes

In order to…

Control Predict

Assignment:1. Copy the “Truth or Fiction” statements on p.4 in

your textbook onto the bottom of these notes.2. Read Chapter 1 by Wednesday August 20th 3. Determine if the statements are “Truth or Fiction”

AND state why.4. Be prepared for a Reading Quiz