1. Chapter 1 The Science of Psychology

2. A Little Exercise
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3. Topics to Explore The Science of Psychology
Major Perspectives in Psychology
Psychologists & Their Specialties

4. Part 1 The Science of Psychology

5. What is Psychology? Psychology Psyche: Mind Logos: Knowledge or study
Definition: The science of behavior and mental processes
Science: Theories tested with research using scientific
method
Behavior: Overt; i.e., can be directly observed (crying)
Mental Processes: Covert; i.e., cannot be directly observed (remembering)

6. Scientific Theory
Scientific Theory: A system of ideas that interrelates facts and concepts, summarizes existing data, and predicts future observations
A good theory must be falsifiable; i.e., operationally defined so that it can be disconfirmed

7. Concepts & Operational Definitions

8. Scientific Method

9. Empiricism To measure and describe behaviors
To gather empirical evidence: information gained from direct observation and measurement
To gather data: observed facts

10. Example of Empirical Study
Study by Kenrick & MacFarlane (1986) blocking intersec-tion with a stalled car. Recorded daily temperature and number of times other drivers honked at the stalled car.

11. Part 2 Major Perspectives in Psychology

12. A Look Back in History: The Psychodynamic View
Key Idea: Behavior is directed by forces within one’s personality; forces that are often hidden or unconscious
Emphasizes internal impulses, desires, and conflicts (especially in the unconscious)
Views behavior as the result of clashing forces within personality
Has a somewhat negative, pessimistic view of human nature
Major contributor: Sigmund Freud
We will explore Freud’s theory later in the semester

13. Sigmund Freud

14. Perspective 1: The Biological View
Key Idea: Behavior is the result of internal physical, chemical, and biological processes.
Seeks to explain behavior through the activity of the brain and nervous system, physiology, genetics, the endocrine system, biochemistry, and evolution
Has a neutral, reductionistic, mechanistic view of human nature
Some research methods
Uses brain scans to gather data (CT, MRI, PET)
Looks at neurotransmitters
Treats psychological problems with medications

15. Perspective 2: The Cognitive View
Key Idea: Much human behavior can be understood in terms of the mental processing of information
Concerned with thinking, knowing, perception, understanding, memory, decision making and judgment
Explains behavior in terms of information processing
Has a neutral, somewhat computer-like view of human nature.

16. Perspective 3: The Behavioral View
Key Idea: Behavior is shaped and controlled by the environment.
Emphasizes the study of observable behavior and the effects of learning
Stresses the influence of external rewards and punishments
Has a neutral, scientific, mechanistic view of human nature
Major contributors to Behaviorism: Watson and Skinner
Events in environment  Behavior
Watson studied Little Albert; Skinner studied animals almost exclusively

17. Ivan Pavlov

18. B. F. Skinner

19. Perspective 4: Sociocultural Approach
Many thoughts and behaviors are influenced by our culture.
Psychologists need to be aware of the impact cultural diversity may have on our behaviors.
What is acceptable in one culture might be unacceptable in another.
Cultural Relativity: Behavior must be judged relative to the values of the culture in which it occurs.
Norms: Rules that define acceptable and expected behavior for members of various groups.

20. Relative Prominence of Major Schools of Thought

21. Part 3 Psychologists and Their Specialties

22. Many Flavors of Therapists
Psychologists: Usually have masters or doctorate. Trained in methods, knowledge, and theories of psychology.
Psychiatrists: MD; usually use medications to treat problems. Generally do not have extensive training in providing “talk” therapy.
Psychoanalysts: Receive additional training post-Ph.D. or M.D. at an institute.
Psychiatric Social Workers: Many have masters degrees and perform psychotherapy. Presently a very popular profession.
Not all psychologists perform therapy!

23. Specialties in Psychology

24. Where Psychologists Work

25. What Psychologists Do (Primary Activity)

26. Psychological Viewpoint Questionnaire
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27. Psychological Viewpoint Questionnaire Score Sheet
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