Warm – Up #1 1. What is psychology? 2. What are the goals of psychology? 3. How is psychology related to the social sciences? 4. How is psychology related to the natural sciences?

Psychology The study of psychology will give you new ways to look at and interpret your world and the people who inhabit it.

1. What is psychology? Psychology is the scientific study of behavior and mental processes. Behavior is any action that people can observe or measure. Brain activity can be measured by scientific instruments (EEG).

Cognitive Activities Cognitive activities include dreams, perceptions, thoughts and memories. Brain waves that indicate dreaming can be measured, but dreaming is a private activity.

Emotions Emotions, or feelings, can effect both behavior and mental processes.

2. What are the goals of psychology? Psychology has five goals - 1. Observe 2. Describe 3. Explain 4. Predict 5. Control (or change) behavior and mental processes

Psychology as a science 3. How is psychology related to the social sciences? The social sciences deal with the structure of human society and the nature of individuals who make up society. These individuals are the focus of psychology.

Psychology as a science 4. How is psychology related to the natural sciences? The natural sciences are concerned with the nature of the physical world, and include biology, chemistry, and physics. Like natural scientists, psychologists seek to answer questions by following the steps involved in scientific research.

Research Two widely used research methods psychologists use to test ideas are surveys and experimentation. Human, as well as animal behavior is studied to collect useful data.

Psychological Theories Theories are used by psychologists to organize their ideas about behaviors and mental processes. A theory is a statement that attempts to explain why things are the way they are and happen the way they do.