psychology – the big picture what is psychology? diversity of professions psychological...
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What is Psychology
Etymology (literal origin)‘Psyche’ – greek for mind or soul‘Logos’ – greek for study ofSyllabus Definition:• the scientific study of how we think, feel and act • the scientific study of behaviour and mental processesNote: disagreements about the definition, what and how researchshould be conducted still exist among psychology practitioners.
KEY TERMS
WHAT IS BEHAVIOUR?
Includes actions, thoughts and feelings
WHAT ARE MENTAL PROCESSES?
Processes that are based in the brain and directly affect one’s behaviour such as perception, memory, reasoning, logic, attention, decision-making
Contemporary Psychology
POPULAR
Fads and fashions
Based on common sense
Common practice – widely held beliefs and expectations of behaviour
Staple of media, constantly in public view
SCIENTIFIC
Based on empirical evidence
Cumulative body of knowledge obtained from theory-driven application of the scientific method
Findings published in professionally reviewed scientific journals - too technical for the general population!
Is ‘Common Sense’ good Psychology?
Popular beliefs are usually based on common sense or intuition. How accurate are the following popular beliefs? (See Ans on p490 Txtbk)
1. Psychics have special insights and can help police solve crimes. ( True/False)
2. Looking after children at home is always better for them than daycare. ( True/False)
3. Playing violent video games makes children aggressive. ( True/False)
4. Males are more aggressive than females. ( True/False)
5. Older people are a burden to their families and society. ( True/False)
Non-Psychology Careers that apply knowledge, methods and techniques from Scientific Psychology
Professional: Technical: Police investigator Police negotiator Intelligence officer Animal trainer Recruitment officer Public relations officer Hospitality staff Sales person Sports coach Personal trainer Web designers Game designers
Anthropologist Medical Practitioner Sociologist Social worker Market researcher Nurse Teacher Speech pathologist Criminologist Managers Financial Analyst Advertising Executives
DIVERSITY OF PSYCHOLOGY:Areas of Specialisation in Psychology
Academic psychologist – conducts research in areas of interest in psychology combined with teaching and supervision of graduate students
Clinical psychologist – assess, diagnose, treat and/or prevent mental health problems
Clinical neuropsychologist – assess and diagnose brain impairments and how it affects thinking, emotions, behaviour and personality; also involved in rehabilitation and management of people with brain impairments
DIVERSITY OF PSYCHOLOGY:Areas of Specialisation in Psychology
Community psychologist – concerned with community issues such as recreation, homelessness, social or mental health
Counselling psychologist – help people deal with personal and relationship problems
Educational and developmental psychologist – provide assessment, intervention and counselling to address developmental and educational issues.
Forensic psychologist – apply psychological knowledge to assess, intervene and research in the legal system and correctional services.
DIVERSITY OF PSYCHOLOGY:Areas of Specialisation in Psychology
Health psychologist – works on the promotion and maintenance of health-related behaviour, prevention and treatment of psychologically based illness, analysis and improvement of the healthcare system
Organisational psychologist – help people function effectively in their work environments
Sports psychologist – provide counselling and therapy to help athletes achieve peak performance and develop personal well-being and life adjustment skills.
PSYCHOLOGY CONCEPTS
SELFBiological InfluencesCognitionDevelopmental
PsychologyPsychology of Personality
OTHERSSocial PsychologyRelational InfluencesCommunication
SOCIETYCultureSocial Values and PracticeSocial, Historical and
Political Influences
RESEARCH METHODSPlanning and Conducting
Psychological ResearchProcessing and Evaluating
Psychological Research
•Refer to 3A/3B syllabus