Psychology and Human Mental Processes HPS3M

Rabbit or Duck?

How many legs?

How many black dots?

Are squares A and B the same shade of grey?

Which monster is bigger?

Old woman or young woman?

What do you see?

What is Psychology? The scientific study of behaviour and mental processes, and the factors that influence these processes The scientific study of behaviour and mental processes, and the factors that influence these processes

Old School Psychology Ancient Greeks: Ancient Greeks: –Personality is determined by the balance of fluids a person has:  Blood (social, extroverted, forgetful)  Phlegm (self-confident, kind, apathetic)  Melancholy (thoughtful, creative, worried)  Choler (ambitious, energetic, easily angered) –Hippocrates was first to observe that the brain (rather than the heart) was where thinking too place

Modern Psychology Began in late 19 th century Began in late 19 th century Branches: Branches: –Structuralism –Functionalism –Psychoanalysis –Behaviourism –Humanism –Cognitive Psychology

Structuralism Founded by German William Wundt Founded by German William Wundt Conducted experiments on sensation, perception and attention Conducted experiments on sensation, perception and attention Interested in the inner workings of the mind Interested in the inner workings of the mind Emphasized the use of the scientific method Emphasized the use of the scientific method

Functionalism Founded by American William James Founded by American William James Based on Darwin’s idea of adaptation – rather than physical adaptation, James believed humans adapted mental characteristics in order to survive Based on Darwin’s idea of adaptation – rather than physical adaptation, James believed humans adapted mental characteristics in order to survive Studied real life (children, education, gender roles) rather than lab experiments Studied real life (children, education, gender roles) rather than lab experiments

Psychoanalysis Most closely associated with German Sigmund Freud Most closely associated with German Sigmund Freud Observed that many nervous problems were the result of unconscious mental forces Observed that many nervous problems were the result of unconscious mental forces Psychoanalysis attempts to uncover patients’ unconscious thoughts by discussing their experiences and feelings Psychoanalysis attempts to uncover patients’ unconscious thoughts by discussing their experiences and feelings

Behaviourism Founded by American John Watson Founded by American John Watson Disagreed with Freud – thought psychology should be based on observation Disagreed with Freud – thought psychology should be based on observation Since the mind can’t be observed, behaviour is the only source of data Since the mind can’t be observed, behaviour is the only source of data Behaviour is a response to environment Behaviour is a response to environment

Humanism Developed in the 1950s as a reaction against psychoanalysis and behaviourism Developed in the 1950s as a reaction against psychoanalysis and behaviourism Emphasizes that each person is unique, and are not controlled by their unconscious drives (Freud) or by their environment (Watson) Emphasizes that each person is unique, and are not controlled by their unconscious drives (Freud) or by their environment (Watson) Rather than being controlled by outer or inner factors, humans do have the power to make their own choices Rather than being controlled by outer or inner factors, humans do have the power to make their own choices

Cognitive Psychology Study of the mental processes involved in memory, learning and thinking Study of the mental processes involved in memory, learning and thinking Around since the 19 th century and has become more advanced since (for example through the use of technology to monitor brain activity electronically) Around since the 19 th century and has become more advanced since (for example through the use of technology to monitor brain activity electronically)

Homework P. 45 questions #1,2 P. 45 questions #1,2 Read Case Study “Touch and a Strange New Sight” on p. 46 and answer questions in the margin Read Case Study “Touch and a Strange New Sight” on p. 46 and answer questions in the margin