Psychology Studying the mind of the individual

Who are these Psychologists? They study how and why humans act as they do They study how and why humans act as they do Instead of studying how humans function in cultures or societies, psychologists focus on the individual, and the personal and unique experiences that influence how the individual acts and thinks Instead of studying how humans function in cultures or societies, psychologists focus on the individual, and the personal and unique experiences that influence how the individual acts and thinks

Types of Psychology Experimental Psychology The branch of the discipline that sets up experiments to see how individuals act in particular situations The branch of the discipline that sets up experiments to see how individuals act in particular situations Question - Would you help a complete stranger that was being threatened with violence from another person? Question - Would you help a complete stranger that was being threatened with violence from another person?

The Case of Kitty Genovese The Case of Kitty Genovese - Kitty was murdered on the street outside her New York City apartment after loud shouting was heard - 38 people witnessed the murder but did nothing to stop it The Case of Kitty Genovese - Kitty was murdered on the street outside her New York City apartment after loud shouting was heard - 38 people witnessed the murder but did nothing to stop it Psychologists have long been interested in our unwillingness to get involved in uncomfortable situations even if someone’s personal safety is at risk Psychologists have long been interested in our unwillingness to get involved in uncomfortable situations even if someone’s personal safety is at risk People have a tendency see themselves as bystanders in such situations rather than as ACTORS People have a tendency see themselves as bystanders in such situations rather than as ACTORS ACTORS are people who become active participants in a situation ACTORS are people who become active participants in a situation

Clinical Psychology CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY is the branch of the discipline that develops programs for treating individuals suffering from mental illnesses and behavioural disorders CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY is the branch of the discipline that develops programs for treating individuals suffering from mental illnesses and behavioural disorders Eg. Psychologists treat dangerous offenders in federal prisons in an attempt to prevent them from reoffending on release Eg. Psychologists treat dangerous offenders in federal prisons in an attempt to prevent them from reoffending on release

Activity On a piece of paper, draw a five point scale ranging from 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree). Rank the following statements on this scale according to your opinion. On a piece of paper, draw a five point scale ranging from 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree). Rank the following statements on this scale according to your opinion. –World hunger is a serious problem that needs attention. –Our country needs to address the growing number of people living below the poverty line. –The right to vote is one of the most valuable rights of Canadian citizens. –Our government should spend less money on the military and more money on addressing the issue of global warming. –In order for world peace to exist, we all need to take a more active role in helping our fellow man/woman.

Turn your paper over, and answer the next series of questions with “Yes” or “No.” Turn your paper over, and answer the next series of questions with “Yes” or “No.” –Do you personally do anything to lessen world hunger (eg. Donate food or money, work at a food bank, write your local representative)? –Do you personally do anything to help the poor or homeless (eg. Work at a homeless shelter, donate clothing or money)? –Did you take part in the last election (student vote, research parties and their platforms, etc)? –Do you personally convey your feelings about global warming to the government (eg. By writing you local MPP, protesting, etc.)? –Have you done something recently to help a person in need (eg. Donate blood, volunteer at a retirement home, food bank, etc.)? Question: Are your answers for each pair of questions consistent? If not, how does this make you feel? Will you alter your behaviour as a result?

Changing our Minds There is a strong connection between people’s attitudes (what they think) and behaviours (what they do). Do people’s attitudes need to be changed before their behaviour can change? Do people’s attitudes need to be changed before their behaviour can change? Ex. People’s attitudes towards smoking or drinking and driving Ex. People’s attitudes towards smoking or drinking and driving

Cognitive Dissonance / Consistency Most people strive for cognitive consistency (avoiding attitudes that conflict with each other) Most people strive for cognitive consistency (avoiding attitudes that conflict with each other) When two attitudes conflict, we feel discomfort, which makes us want to change our attitudes to regain cognitive consistency When two attitudes conflict, we feel discomfort, which makes us want to change our attitudes to regain cognitive consistency This theory is called cognitive dissonance theory This theory is called cognitive dissonance theory

Examples of Cognitive Dissonance Ex. Person X smokes, but also believes smoking causes cancer – these attitudes conflict and may lead them to avoid reading articles that discuss smoking and health. If X has a relative that dies from cancer caused by smoking, this leads to increased conflict and dissonance, which may lead them to quit – a change in behaviour!