Section 1 What Is Psychology

Section 1: What is this Psychology you speak of?

Scientific study of behavior and

mental processes.

Psychology relies upon a basis of scientific inquiry and the scientific method of experimentation.

Employment change. Employment of psychologists is expected to grow 15 percent from 2006 to 2016, faster than the average for all occupations. Employment will grow because of increased demand for psychological services in schools, hospitals, social service agencies, mental health centers, substance abuse treatment clinics, consulting firms, and private companies.

Bureau of labor statistics, 2008

69 countries around the world have recognized Psychological Associations.

In 1985, China had 5 universities with psychology programs, by 2000 over 50.

Worldwide, there are 500,000 highly trained psychologists and the number increases.

Out of my way you stupid little

tree.

I never get any

respect.

The first two reasons are because I’m rooted in

Philosophy and Biology…both of which were proven

sciences already.

The third reason is because humans are naturally

curious creatures.

1 What does DNA look like?

2 Why do I exist?

3 What factors in the environment influence short term memory?

4 How does skin help prevent infection?

5 What is the truth?

6 What is real?

7 How do we recall memories?

8 Why do I smell one thing and taste another?

1 What does DNA look like?

2 Why do I exist?

3 What factors in the environment influence short term memory?

4 How does skin help prevent infection?

5 What is the truth?

6 What is real?

7 How do we recall memories?

8 Why do I smell one thing and taste another?

The first psychology experiment rooted in the scientific method is credited to have taken place in Germany in 1879 and tested by Wilhelm Wundt.

Gifford’s beard is a close second place.

The experiment was simple: measure how long it took for the mind to react to hearing a ball drop….not that impressive, but it started the science of psychology.

What is the major difference between the early ‘thinkers’ and Wundt?

He moved Psychology from questioning human behaviors to testing and experimenting to answer those questions.

Psychology has progressed from questioning someone’s reflex times to larger questions about human development.

1. Are differences in personality hereditary or learned from the environment?

2. Are gender differences biologically predisposed or socially constructed?

3. How are humans alike biologically and how are they different based upon cultures?

NATURE VS. NURTURE Nature = genetics Nurture =

environment

Timmy and Tommy were

separated and Timmy

lived in Titusville and Tommy went to Hydetown.

Timmy and Tommy were

separated and Timmy

lived in Pleasantville and Tommy

went to Cherry Tree.

Timmy and Tommy were

separated and Timmy lived in San Antonio and Tommy went to the Bronx in New York

city.

Timmy and Tommy were

separated and Timmy lived in San Antonio and Tommy went to the Bronx in New York

city.

Don’t expect Psychology to answer the ultimate questions.

Ex. Why should I live? Ex. Is there in life, any purpose which

the inevitable death that awaits me does not undo and destroy?

Instead expect it to give you insights into why people think, feel and act as they do.