Psychology 120 Chapter1 Student Version

8/8/2019 Psychology 120 Chapter1 Student Version

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Psychology, Fourth Edition, James S. NairneChapter 1

Chapter 1: An Introduction to Psychology


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I. Defining Psychology as a Field A. Definition: Scientific study of the mind andbehavior What goes on in our heads? Why do people act, think, and feel the way they

do?

Root word: Psyche = Soul or breath(Greek)


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B .Psychologists focus on:1. Causes & mechanisms of normal behavior 2. And abnormal behavior and mental illness

C. Psychologists use the scientific method todevelop a knowledge base about human andanimal behavior

Scientific:B

ased on observation B ehavior: Observable actions Mind: Subjective experiences such as thoughts,

emotions


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D.What do psychologists do? Theprofession1. Many specializations within the profession

2. Three main types:a. Clinical psychologists: Diagnosing and treating

psychological problems Clinics, private practice, hospitals

Psychiatrists: Medical doctors specializing in psychologicalproblems

Counseling psychologists Focus on specific adjustment issues, e.g., marriage

problems


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b. Applied Psychologists: Not involved withpsychological disorders Mai n focus:

Applying psychology to practical problems inthe real world

Ex ample s: School psychologists Industrial/organizational psychologists Human factors psychologists


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II. Psychological Thought: A Brief History

A. The Mind & B ody1. R. Descartes:

Mind & B ody are two separate entitiesMind controls body through pinealglandHis approach

cannot bestudiedscientifically


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2. Psychologists today:a. Mind & B ody are one and the sameb. Mind arises from brain activity


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B. Nature vs. Nurture: Where Does Knowledge

Come From?1. Key question: To what degree are weshaped by innate/inherited tendencies(genes) and environment?

2 .I. Kant & Nativism: Philosophical positionthat argues that babies are born with knowingcertain things (innate)i. B abies have an inborn mental structureii. Darwin - Natural selection for certain

inborn adaptive traits


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3 . The Modern View: Nature Via Nurture

a. Many characteristics do have a geneticcomponent

i. Examples: Intelligence, personality

b. Experience shapes how thesecharacteristics developi. Example: Educational experiences

We recognize that:


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C. The First Psychology Laboratory1. 1879, University of Lepzig2. Wilhelm Wundt

Philosophy professor with backgroundin physiology

Advocated scientific techniques for studying mental processes

Main focus: Immediate consciousexperience


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C. Early Schools of Thought

1. Structuralisma. Key figures: Wundt, Edward Titchener

b. Analyze elements of sensations and feelingsi. Example: Sensation of taste is made up of

salty, bitter, sour, and sweet

c. Technique: Systematic introspection

d. Self-report by trained individuals


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FunctionalismWilliam James, James Rowland AngellUnderstand mental processes byunderstanding the goal or purpose of those

processes Example: What is the goal or purpose of

memory?Greatly influenced by work of Darwin

Adaptive value of mental processes


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BehaviorismJohn B . Watson, B . F. Skinner Problems with introspection: Cannot directly observe mental events Subjective, varies by individualSolution: Focus only on observable behavior in carefully controlled experiments

Special emphasis on animal behavior


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Sigmund FreudTrained as a medical doctor in ViennaObservation: Some physical problems havepsychological causesEstablished early methods for treatingpsychological disorders


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Solving Problems with the Adaptive MindB ehavior is multiply determined, butpurposefulFocus on the adaptive mind brings relevance

to abstract topics Example: Attribution theory Think: When do you need to interpret the

behavior of others?

Also: Critical thinking How does a topic relate to an actual

survival or practical problem?


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Whats it For?

Goal: Survive in your environmentMental processes contribute to survivalSolving adaptive problems = Find a way to

meet challenges to survival Example: How do you recognize and avoiddanger?

Understanding purpose of processes leads to

better understanding of those processes


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Humanistic PsychologyCriticisms of Freudian psychology: Dark, pessimistic view of human nature Dismisses free will, potential for growthHumanistic psychology: Abraham Maslow, Carl Rogers Humans have great potential for growth

Therapists should encourage this throughnonjudgmental support


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Freuds IdeasPsychoanalysis: Freuds theory of how themind works and how to address disordersPsychological problems solved throughinsightUnconscious mind Conflicts, memories outside of awareness

Many psychological problems arise fromchildhood experiences

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Psychology 120 Chapter1 Student Version