INTRO TO PSYCHOLOGYWhy Study Pschology

HERE’S THE MAIN IDEA

Through the study of human and animal behavior, people can discover psychological principles that have the potential to enrich the lives of humans.

Section Objective Describe the range of topics that are covered in an introductory

psychology course Cite the goals and scientific basis of psychology

WHY STUDY PSYCHOLOGY

Gaining insight into behavior Ex: comfort level in groups

Acquiring Practical Information Ex: system of rewards and punishments

OVERVIEW OF PSYCHOLOGY

Psychology: scientific study of behavior that is tested through scientific research

This can involve both animals and humans Humans: this covers everything people think, feel, and do.

Psychologists differ in how much importance to place on specific types of behavior Should we study only observable behaviors or are thoughts, feelings,

and fantasies important too?

Psychologists agree that the study of behavior must be systematic

GOALS OF PSYCHOLOGY

Description: describe or gather information about the behavior being studied and present what is known.

Explanation: why do people or animals behave as they do? Psychological Principles: valid ideas about behavior Hypothesis – an assumption or prediction about behavior that is tested

through scientific research Theory – a set of assumptions used to explain phenomena and offered

for scientific study

Prediction: as a result of accumulated knowledge, what will organisms do (in the case of humans what will they think or feel in various situations).

Influence: how can psychologists influence behavior in helpful ways?

SCIENTIFIC BASIS OF PSYCHOLOGY

Scientific Method: a general approach to gathering information and answering questions so that errors and biases are minimized

Wilhelm Wundt is credited with setting up the first psychology lab in Leipzig Germany in 1879.

Despite the scientific method, many questions regarding psychology remain unanswered, and psychologists are constantly coming up with new theories, generating new questions, and performing new psychological studies