1. Psychology The Study of the Mind
Why do we act the way we do?
What do we call our individual Behaviors?

2. Psychology- Introduction
PERSONALITY- The distinct patterns of behavior, including thoughts and feelings, that characterize a person’s adaptation to life.
Psychology is the scientific study of behavior and mental processes
Behavior is any action that others can observe or measure
Cognitive activities- private mental activities, including dreams, thoughts and memories

3. Goals of psychology Goals of psychology is for scientists to
Observe
Describe
Explain
Predict
and control the events they study.
A better understanding of behaviors, enables psychologists to explain , predict, and control behavior
How can we use psychology in the working world?
How is psychology used in our world?

4. Contemporary Psychological Perspectives
Subject Matter
Key Assumption
Biological
Nervous System, hormones, genetic factors
Biological processes influence behavior and mental process
Cognitive
Mental images, information processing, thinking
Perceptions and thoughts influence behavior
Humanistic
Subjective experience
People make free and conscious choices based on their unique experiences
Psychoanalytic
Unconscious process, early childhood experiences
Unconscious motives influence behaviors
Learning
Environmental influences, observational learning
Personal experience and reinforcement guide development
Sociocultural
Ethnicity, gender, culture, socioeconomic status
Sociocultural and biological factors create individual differences