PSYCHOLOGY & PSYCHOLOGISTS Chapter 1 Ms. Bowman

Behavior and Mental Processes Psychology- Scientific study of behavior and mental processes Behavior- any action that other people can observe or measure What is an example of a behavior? Cognitive Activities- private mental processes What is an example of a cognitive activity? Emotions- a state of feeling What is an example of an emotion? Psychologists also study people’s emotions and how they affect behavior and cognitive activities

Goals of Psychology Observe, describe, explain, predict, and control events or behavior Psychology is a social science but has been approached like biology, chemistry, etc Psychologists follow the scientific method to conduct scientific research to advance the field of psychology Research is used to create theories and principles. Theory-statement that attempts to explain why things are the way they are Principle-rule or law about behavior, mental processes, or biological processes

What do Psychologists Do? With a partner, create a job advertisement for the branch of psychology chance gives you. Include the job requirements and setting. HINT: pages 8-11 Clinical Counseling School Educational Developmental Personality Social Experimental Other Industrial and Organizational Environmental Consumer Forensic Health

Specialties in Psychology Clinical: largest group of psychologists help people with psychological problems like anxiety, depression, or severe disorders like schizophrenia. work in a hospital, prison, college, or private practice. Counseling: work with people who have adjustment issues rather than serious psychological issues. help clients clarify goals and meet challenges. employed by a business, college, or testing center.

Specialties in Psychology School: work with students who have problems that interfere with learning such as family issues or learning disorders. make recommendations as to the placement of students in certain classes or programs. work for a school or school district. Educational: help develop course planning and instructional methods for an entire school system. concerned with theoretical issues that relate to measurement of abilities, learning, and child and adolescent development. work for a school district, state department of education, or a company that creates standardized tests.

Specialties in Psychology Developmental: study the changes that occur throughout a person’s lifetime. attempt to sort out the relative influences heredity and the environment have on development. research may impact the practice of other types of psychologists. Personality: identify characteristics or traits. interested in the origins of psychological problems and disorders. interested in anxiety, aggression, and gender roles.

Specialties in Psychology Social: study how people behave in social situations. focus on the external influences of behavior. Experimental: conduct research into basic processes such as body systems, sensation and perception, or learning and memory. concerned with the relationship between biological changes and psychological events. findings of research are often put into practice by other psychological specialties.

Other Specialties in Psychology Industrial and Organizational: focus on people and work or within an organization. may be employed by business firms to improve working conditions and increase worker output. may create tests for job applicants or counsel workers who have problems on the job. Environmental: focus on the ways people influence and are influenced by their physical environment. concerned with the ways cities serve or fail to serve human needs. investigate the psychological effects of extreme weather or environmental conditions.

Other Specialties in Psychology Consumer: study the behavior of shoppers to explain and predict their behavior. may work with advertisers, store managers, or companies to help market and merchandise product. Forensic work with the criminal justice system. testify about the psychological competence of defendants. may also work with police departments to select, train, or counsel police officers.

Other Specialties in Psychology Health look at the ways in which behavior and mental processes are related to physical health. study the effects of stress on health problems such as headaches and heart disease. help people adopt healthful behaviors.