Definition of psychology
The SCIENTIFIC study of BEHAVIOR and MENTAL PROCESSES
Science of psychology
- Critical thinking
- Skepticism
- Objectivity
- Curiosity
(This is the way psychologists approach a topic)
Psychology is not limited to
Psychological disorders.
There are many different types, for example positive psychology
Wilhelm Wundt (1832-1920)
- Established first psychology lab
- Focused on structuralism
Wundt’s structuralism
- Structures of the mind
- Introspection (the process that is used)
William James (1842-1920)
- Focused on functionalism
- Gave psychology the American stamp
James’ functionalism
- Functions / purposes of the mind
- Minds interactions with outside world
- Stream of consciousness
Natural selection
- By Charles Darwin
- Competition for resources
- Favors genetic characteristics that promote reproduction and survival
- Environmental changes alter course of evolution
Contemporary approaches
- Biological
- Behavioral
- Psychodynamic
- Humanistic
- Cognitive
- Evolutionary
- Sociocultural
Behavioral approach
Rejects explanations referencing thought. Focused on what is able to be seen
Psychodynamic approach
- Unconscious thoughts
- Early childhood family experiences
- Conflict between biological drives and demands of society
(Freud)
Humanistic approach
- Positive human qualities / potential
- Free will
Cognitive approach
- Mental process involved in knowing
- Information processing (how humans interpret incoming info, weigh it, store it, and apply it)
Evolutionary approach
Explanations of human behavior
- adaptation
- reproduction
- natural selection
Sociocultural approach
Social and cultural environments
- difference between ethnic and cultural groups
- difference within and across countries
Biological approach
Neuroscience (nervous system)
- structure
- function
- development
- genetics
- biochemistry
Careers in psychology
- Practice / Applied
- Research
- Teaching
Mind-body connection
How the mind impacts the body and how the body impacts the mind
Areas of specialization in psychology
There are 19
Psychology is based on?
Western philosophy, biology, and physiology
