What is Psychology?

Connect all nine dots with four straight lines while not taking the pencil from the paper.

The Solution

Can You See the Arrow?Can You See the Arrow?

What is PsychologyWhat is Psychology??Psychology is a Psychology is a science.science.What is a science?What is a science?It is a systematic field of study It is a systematic field of study the purpose of which is the the purpose of which is the gaining of facts, truth, or gaining of facts, truth, or knowledge of the physical or knowledge of the physical or material world.material world.Science seeks to gain the Science seeks to gain the knowledge of how the world knowledge of how the world and everything in it works.and everything in it works.

What Defines a What Defines a Science?Science?

Three Concepts Define a Science:Three Concepts Define a Science:1. Theory – Theory – a well-documented explanation of some aspect of the natural world a well-documented explanation of some aspect of the natural world that incorporates facts, laws, inferences, & tested hypotheses.that incorporates facts, laws, inferences, & tested hypotheses.It is not a guess or idea of what might be or unsubstantiated assumptions. A general hypothesis is an educated guess.The Theory of Relativity, The Theory of Quantum Mechanics 2. 2. Principle – Principle – a fundamental, primary, or general law or truth from which a fundamental, primary, or general law or truth from which other laws or truths are derived.other laws or truths are derived.It is based on research, experimentation, & observation.The Principles of Group Dynamics, the Principles of Physics, The Principles of Ethics 3. 3. Law – Law – a statement or relationship or sequence of phenomena that stay the a statement or relationship or sequence of phenomena that stay the same under the same conditions.same under the same conditions.It is reached after experimentation has consistently shown phenomenon to be constant.The Laws of Thermodynamics, the Laws of Genetics

What Areas Comprise Psychology?What Areas Comprise Psychology?

TheoreticalTheoretical

ExperimentalExperimental

ClinicalClinical

What do Psychologists What do Psychologists Seek to do?Seek to do?

DescribeDescribe

UnderstandUnderstand

InfluenceInfluence

PredictPredict

How do Psychologists Get Their Information?How do Psychologists Get Their Information?

Research MethodsResearch Methods 1. Observation Naturalistic or Laboratory Observation2. Interviews & Questionnaires (Surveys)Main limitations to this method: wording of the questions & honesty of respondents 3. Case StudiesIn-depth look at an individual & a specific behaviorLack of generalizability4. Standardized TestingCan be administered to large groups & scores can be compared5. Animal ResearchControls can be placed on the animal so a specific behavior can be observed & manipulated

6. Experimental ResearchThrough careful control of procedures, factors can be studied and manipulated while others are held constant.Variables in research:Independent Variable – manipulated factorDependent Variable – measured factorExperimental Group – experience being manipulatedControl Group – have a controlled experienceProcesses in Research:ObservingHypothesizingResearchingDesigning the ExperimentConducting the ExperimentCollecting & Interpreting the DataTheorizing

The Challenges in ResearchThe Challenges in Research

Ethical ConcernsEthical ConcernsSafety, Informed Consent, & Safety, Informed Consent, & HonestyHonesty

GenderGenderFreedom from biasFreedom from bias

Ethnicity & CultureEthnicity & CultureCultural & Ethnic biasesCultural & Ethnic biases

What is What is Psychology?Psychology?

General DefinitionGeneral DefinitionThe Study of BehaviorThe Study of BehaviorThe Study of the MindThe Study of the MindIs Psychology the study of Is Psychology the study of the mind or behavior?the mind or behavior?Can Psychology be defined Can Psychology be defined in a different way?in a different way?

PsychologyPsychologyPsychePsycheButterflyButterflySoulSoulSelfSelf

LogosLogosA Title, Hundreds A Title, Hundreds

of of MeaningsMeanings““Study of …”Study of …”EnlightenmentEnlightenment

Psychology is:Psychology is:A science which helps A science which helps you to know and you to know and understand yourself.understand yourself.