General Psychology 101

Psychology – the scientific study of the mind.
Breaks down to “psych” (mind) and “logos”
Values:
empirical evidence - it relies on direct observation and measurement.
critical thinking reflective and purposeful judgment on what we believe. C.T. evaluating, analyzing, comparing and synthesizing information.
Scientific method is used to meet the four goals of psychology: To describe, to explain, to predict, and to change.
1. Describing Behavior:
Records of occurring behavior.
2. Explain:
Theories are explanations of what causes behavior.
Nature/Nurture controversy – weather behavior is controlled by biological genetic factors or behavior is influenced by environment.
I.e. Depression (related to physical changes in the brain)
Reasons Why:
Nurture; Usually runs in family; pessimistic personality
Nature: Anxiety, cancer, medication
3. Predictions:
Knowledge of what conditions these events will occur under.
4. Change:
Prevent negative outcomes and foster positive outcomes.

***Know the difference between a clinical psychologist and a psychiatrist***

First to formally speculate about the nature of behavior   were the Greeks and the Romans.

1879 – Wundt – First Psych lab in Leipzig, Germany.
He is often referred to as the father of clinical psychology.
Studies were aimed at “nature of consciousness “
Introspection – Method of having people describe what they’re experiencing
Titchner – brought method to the United States
They were structualist
They wanted to know how by breaking things apart
William James (U.S.) What is the function of behavior
Founded the idea of Functionalism – Interested in the application of psychological principles to “real” pysch problems
Very important in fostering research in emotions and observable behavior.
Fostered use of psychological test.
Fostered applying psychological principles to educations and industry.

7 Major Contemporary Perspective (Pg.9 Text Book)

Behavior Perspective – Observable... [continues]

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