Psychology 1a Notes
PSYC1001 – Notes
Introduction & Psych Perspectives
What is Psychology? Psychology is the scientific investigation of mental (thinking, remembering and feeling) and behaviour. Understanding a person requires attention to the individual’s biology, psychological experience and cultural context.
Behaviour – Overt (observable) actions; Physiological correlates of actions
Mental Processes – Thoughts (memories, imagery, concepts); Emotions (fear, happiness, anger, arousal); interactions between the two (e.g. decision making)
Graduate Attributes: * Knowledge and understanding of psychology, including major concepts, theoretical perspectives, empirical findings and historical trends * Appreciation, application and evaluation of basic research methods in psychology. * Critical thinking skills in psychology, including use of the scientific approach to solve problems. * Values in psychology, including; the ethical use of information, appreciation of cultural diversity; and the value of empirical evidence. * Effective communication skills in psychology across a variety of contexts and formats * Appreciation of the application of psychological principles to personal, social and organizational issues.
Psychological Perspectives
Aims:
* The Scientific approach in Psychology * A brief history of scientific Psychology * How Psychology is taught * Relationship between Psychology and other disciplines * Provide a framework for you to think about psychology * Preview some of the topics and theme you will study in the course.
Goals of Scientific Psychology
What?
Description of behaviour using careful observations
When?
Prediction allows for specification of the conditions under which a behaviour will or will not occur
Why?
Explanation, identifying the causes of behaviour
Change?
Facilitating changes in behaviour
Clichés 1. Birds of a feather flock together OR opposite attract 2. Absence makes the
Introduction & Psych Perspectives
What is Psychology? Psychology is the scientific investigation of mental (thinking, remembering and feeling) and behaviour. Understanding a person requires attention to the individual’s biology, psychological experience and cultural context.
Behaviour – Overt (observable) actions; Physiological correlates of actions
Mental Processes – Thoughts (memories, imagery, concepts); Emotions (fear, happiness, anger, arousal); interactions between the two (e.g. decision making)
Graduate Attributes: * Knowledge and understanding of psychology, including major concepts, theoretical perspectives, empirical findings and historical trends * Appreciation, application and evaluation of basic research methods in psychology. * Critical thinking skills in psychology, including use of the scientific approach to solve problems. * Values in psychology, including; the ethical use of information, appreciation of cultural diversity; and the value of empirical evidence. * Effective communication skills in psychology across a variety of contexts and formats * Appreciation of the application of psychological principles to personal, social and organizational issues.
Psychological Perspectives
Aims:
* The Scientific approach in Psychology * A brief history of scientific Psychology * How Psychology is taught * Relationship between Psychology and other disciplines * Provide a framework for you to think about psychology * Preview some of the topics and theme you will study in the course.
Goals of Scientific Psychology
What?
Description of behaviour using careful observations
When?
Prediction allows for specification of the conditions under which a behaviour will or will not occur
Why?
Explanation, identifying the causes of behaviour
Change?
Facilitating changes in behaviour
Clichés 1. Birds of a feather flock together OR opposite attract 2. Absence makes the