Introduction to Psychology

What is

PSYCHOLOGY?

DEFINITION
Etymological Definition "Psyche" - mind or soul "Logos" - study Literal Definition - it is a study of the mind Technical Definition - it is a scientific study of human behavior

What is BEHAVIOR?
Behavior is...
Old Definition "Behavior is limited to gestures, and speech - all of which is observable and measurable."
New Definition "Behavior is the way in which a person, organism or group responds to a specific condition. It is divided into two categories: overt and covert behavior."

Categories of Behavior:
Overt Behavior - a response or activity that is directly obersevable by another. - crying, shouting, smiling, etc.
Covert Behavior - any response or activity that is not directly observable by others. - thoughts, feelings, emotions, etc.

Psychology is a scientific study of human behavior.

Psychology as a Science

Psychology is a science because it involves a systematic approach to the gathering of knowledge.

Psychology as Science
Some distinguishing characteristics of a Psychology as a Science are the following:

1. Psychology maintains objectivity 2. Psychology follows explicit procedures 3. Psychology disseminates research findings

Basic Steps of the Scientific Method

1. recognition of the Problem 2. definition of the Problem 3. development of hypothesis 4. development of techniques and measuring intruments that will provide objective data pertinent to the hypothesis 5. collection of data 6. analysis of data 7. drawing conclusion relative to the hypotheseis based upon the data

Goals of Psychology
1. To describe behavior; 2. To identify factors that help predict the behavior; 3. To understand or explain behavior by identifying causes that bring about certain effects; and 4. To control or change behavior.

Approaches To Psychology
Neurobiological Approach - this approach attempts to relate behavior to events taking place inside the body, particularly within the brain and nervous system. Behavioral Approach - this approach studies an individual by looking at their behavior which, to the behaviorist, pertains to those activities of an organism that can be observed or measured.

Approaches To Psychology
Cognitive Approach - this approach aims to conduct experiments and develop theories that explain how mental processes are organized and function. Psychoanalytic Approach - this approach attempts to show how early experiences affect adults. It also believes that events in our childhood can have a significant impact on our behavior as adults.

Approaches To Psychology
Phenomenological Approach - this approach seeks to understand events, or phenomena, as they are experienced by the individual and to do so without imposing any preconceptions or theoretical ideas.

Branches of Psychology
General Psychology Developmental Psychology Comparative Psychology Dynamic Psychology Physiological Psychology Abnormal Psychology Clinical Psychology Social Psychology

Branches of Psychology
Educational/School Psychology Industrial/Organizational Psychology Vocational/Counseling Psychology Engineering Psychology Psychometric Psychology Legal/Forensic Psychology Experimental Psychology