Approaches to Psychology: Understanding Human and Animal Behavior and Mental Processes, Lecture notes of Psychology

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Unit 1: Chapters 1 and 2 How do we study the mind? Are today’s approaches to psychology adequate?

Unit I Approaches to Psychology

A Theory

 A general framework or idea for scientific study.

Cognition

 The mental processes involved in acquiring knowledge.

Humanistic Approach

 A psychological approach that stresses that humans are free, intelligent creatures trying to achieve personal growth.

(Neuro)biological

 views behavior as the

result of your nervous

system functions and

biology

Sociocultural

 Behavior is

influenced by

rules

and expectations

of

social groups,

families

or cultures.

Evolutionary

Theory that examines behavior in terms of its adaptive value for humans over time.

A Psychiatrist

 Medical doctor who

specializes in the

diagnosis and

treatment of mental

problems and

disorders.

Gerontology

The study of

aging!

DEFINITION CHARACTERISTICS EXAMPLES Non-EXAMPLES

PSYCHOLOGY

WHAT IS PSYCHOLOGY? The scientific study of human and animal behavior and the mental processes.

The Goals of Psychology

 Describe – gathering information about a behavior.  Explain – WHY people and animals act the way they do  Predict – use the knowledge gathered to predict an outcome  Influence – finding out more through research and application of research  Basic Science (Research) v. Applied Science (Use of Research findings to solve problems)

A Few Who Shaped Psychology

 Wilhelm Wundt; William James; Sigmund Freud; John B. Watson; Charles Darwin  In a group of 5 create the profile of the assigned theorist.  Include: What’s their job, where did they study, where are they from, what’s their philosophy, what are their favorite quotes, who are some of their friends, any other general information  Tell me about this person and their contribution to psychology via their Facebook page!

 Prior to 1879 studying behavior was a hobby of physiology and philosophy  Physiology + Philosophy = Psychology  Wilhelm Wundt (1832-1920) University of Leipzig, Germany  Established the first laboratory for the study of psychology in 1879  Wundt known as “Father of Psychology”  Psychology was born Psychology: Birth of a New Science