What is Psychology?And what can I do with it?

Definition of Psychology

The scientific study of behavior◦Can be human or animal

With humans, Psych deals with everything that people think, feel, or do.

Goals of Psychology

Describe past or current behaviorExplain past or current behaviorPredict future behaviors/patternsInfluence behavior using scientifically

gathered information to solve a problem◦Applied psychology: Psychological

principles/practices used to accomplish practical goals

Psychology as a Profession

Psychologist: scientist who observes, analyzes, and evaluates behavior. Tend to hold their doctorate

Psychiatrist: a medical doctor who has received increased specialization in assisting those with behavioral, emotional, or behavioral disorders◦Is licensed to prescribe medication and perform

operations

Psychology as a Profession

Clinical: diagnose and treat people with emotional issues. ◦Tend to work in private practices, hospitals,

prisons, clinics◦Approx. ½ of all Psychologists

Counseling: helps people deal with problems of everyday life.◦Tend to work in private practices, schools, and

large businesses. Both require a Doctorate to practice in

most states.

Psychology as a Profession

Developmental Psychology: study all types of changes in life

Educational Psychology: deal with the concerns of teaching children and adolescents

Community Psychologist: may design/run a mental health clinic for the govt. or a private firm

Industrial/Organizational: study production, working conditions, training workers, placing job applicants where they are best suited, etc

The APA

American Psychological Association: interest group made up of 154,000 members in the U.S.

If going into Psychology, get to know it.The APA also has its own style of

writing/publishing comparable to MLA Style

We will be using APA here, as you will in most “soft science” classes in college.

Review

John wants to work for a large corporation, possibly in their H.R. dept.

Phil wants to diagnose and provide therapy to schizophrenia patients at a state “mental institution”

Jessica tests children who show signs of developmental delays

Review

Danielle prescribes medication from children with ADHD

George listens to his patients’ difficulties and helps them develop a plan for handling them.

Michele works with autistic children at a public middle school.