Chapter 1 The Science of Psychology Slide 2 of 27 A Little Exercise See in class!

Chapter 1The Science of Psychology

Slide 2 of 27

A Little Exercise

See in class!

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Topics to Explore

1. The Science of Psychology

2. Major Perspectives in Psychology

3. Psychologists & Their Specialties

Part 1The Science of Psychology

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What is Psychology?

• Psychology- Psyche: Mind- Logos: Knowledge or study

• Definition: The science of behavior and mental processes- Science: Theories tested with research using scientific

method- Behavior: Overt; i.e., can be directly observed (crying)- Mental Processes: Covert; i.e., cannot be directly

observed (remembering)

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Scientific Theory

• Scientific Theory: A system of ideas that interrelates

facts and concepts, summarizes existing data, and predicts

future observations

• A good theory must be falsifiable; i.e., operationally

defined so that it can be disconfirmed

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Concepts & Operational Definitions

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Scientific Method

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• To measure and describe behaviors• To gather empirical evidence: information gained from

direct observation and measurement• To gather data: observed facts

Empiricism

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Study by Kenrick &

MacFarlane (1986)

blocking intersec-

tion with a stalled

car. Recorded

daily temperature

and number of

times other drivers

honked at the

stalled car.

Example of Empirical Study

Part 2Major Perspectives in Psychology

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• Key Idea: Behavior is directed by forces within one’s

personality; forces that are often hidden or unconscious• Emphasizes internal impulses, desires, and conflicts

(especially in the unconscious)• Views behavior as the result of clashing forces within

personality• Has a somewhat negative, pessimistic view of human

nature• Major contributor: Sigmund Freud

• We will explore Freud’s theory later in the semester

A Look Back in History: The Psychodynamic View

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Sigmund Freud

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• Key Idea: Behavior is the result of internal physical,

chemical, and biological processes.• Seeks to explain behavior through the activity of the brain

and nervous system, physiology, genetics, the endocrine

system, biochemistry, and evolution• Has a neutral, reductionistic, mechanistic view of human

nature•Some research methods

- Uses brain scans to gather data (CT, MRI, PET)- Looks at neurotransmitters- Treats psychological problems with medications

Perspective 1: The Biological View

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• Key Idea: Much human behavior can be understood in

terms of the mental processing of information• Concerned with thinking, knowing, perception,

understanding, memory, decision making and judgment• Explains behavior in terms of information processing• Has a neutral, somewhat computer-like view of human

nature.

Perspective 2: The Cognitive View

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• Key Idea: Behavior is shaped and controlled by the

environment.• Emphasizes the study of observable behavior and the

effects of learning• Stresses the influence of external rewards and

punishments• Has a neutral, scientific, mechanistic view of human nature• Major contributors to Behaviorism: Watson and Skinner

- Events in environment Behavior- Watson studied Little Albert; Skinner studied animals

almost exclusively

Perspective 3: The Behavioral View

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Ivan Pavlov

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B. F. Skinner

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• Many thoughts and behaviors are influenced by our

culture.• Psychologists need to be aware of the impact cultural

diversity may have on our behaviors.• What is acceptable in one culture might be unacceptable in

another.• Cultural Relativity: Behavior must be judged relative to the

values of the culture in which it occurs.• Norms: Rules that define acceptable and expected

behavior for members of various groups.

Perspective 4: Sociocultural Approach

Slide 20 of 27Relative Prominence of Major Schools of Thought

Part 3Psychologists and Their Specialties

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• Psychologists: Usually have masters or doctorate.

Trained in methods, knowledge, and theories of psychology.• Psychiatrists: MD; usually use medications to treat

problems. Generally do not have extensive training in

providing “talk” therapy.• Psychoanalysts: Receive additional training post-Ph.D. or

M.D. at an institute. • Psychiatric Social Workers: Many have masters degrees

and perform psychotherapy. Presently a very popular

profession. • Not all psychologists perform therapy!

Many Flavors of Therapists

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Specialties in Psychology

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Where Psychologists Work

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What Psychologists Do (Primary Activity)

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Psychological Viewpoint Questionnaire

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Psychological Viewpoint Questionnaire Score Sheet

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