Early Scientific Approaches to Psychology

COURSE : INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY (PSY 150) CREDIT HOURS : 3 CREDITS SEMESTER/SESSION : 2st SEMESTER, 2021/2022 SESSION PREPARED BY : ROBIN ARKIN LECTURE NOTES A Modern Psychological Approach Look at the different theoretical perspectives and research methods that have emerged in the field of psychology in recent years. These methods have evolved in response to the changing social, cultural and technological environment of modern society and seek to better understand the complexity of human behavior and mental processes. Some of the most important current psychological approaches include: 1. Cognitive Psychology This approach focuses on the mental processes involved in perception, memory, reasoning and problem solving. It seeks to understand how people process and interpret information from their environment and how they use that information to make decisions and perform complex behaviors. 2. Evolutionary Psychology This approach examines how human behavior and mental processes have evolved over time in response to adaptive challenges. It seeks to understand how human behavior is influenced by genetic, evolutionary and environmental factors. 3. Positive psychology This approach emphasizes the study of positive aspects of human behavior such as happiness, well-being and resilience. It seeks to identify factors that contribute to positive life outcomes and promote personal growth and well-being. 4. Social Psychology This approach focuses on the social and cultural factors that shape human behavior and mental processes. It seeks to understand how individuals interact with each other and how they are influenced by social norms, beliefs, and attitudes. 5. Neuroscience This approach focuses on the biological basis of behavior and mental processes, using tools such as brain imaging techniques to study the neural mechanisms underlying cognitive and emotional processes. Modern psychology reflects the diversity and complexity of human behavior and psychology. They attempt to incorporate multiple levels of analysis, from the individual to the social and the cultural, to provide a better understanding of the human psyche. Specialist in Psychology A subfield or area of ​ ​ focus within the broader field of psychology. It is usually defined by a specific set of knowledge and skills, as well as the specific population or problems it targets. Some common specializations in psychology include: 1. Clinical Psychology This specialization focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders, usually in a clinical setting. Clinical psychologists can work with a variety of populations, including adults, children, and families. 2. Counseling Psychology This specialization also focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of psychological disorders, but usually in a more community or educational setting. Counseling psychologists may work with individuals, families, or groups and may provide therapy or support services for a variety of mental health issues. 3. Developmental Psychology This specialization focuses on the study of human development throughout life, from childhood to old age. Developmental psychologists may study issues related to cognitive, emotional, social, or physical development and may work in a variety of settings, including research institutes, schools, or clinical settings. 4. Educational Psychology This specialization focuses on the study of learning and teaching and may include research on topics such as instructional design, assessment, and educational interventions. Educational psychologists may work in academic or educational settings or in private practice. 5. Forensic Psychology This specialization focuses on the intersection of psychology and the legal system and may include work in areas such as criminal profiling, victim advocacy, or expert testimony. Forensic psychologists can work in a variety of settings, including law enforcement, courts, or private practice. 6. Social Psychology This major focuses on the study of social behavior, including topics such as group dynamics, social influence, and intergroup relations. Social psychologists may work in academic or research institutions or in applied fields such as marketing or organizational psychology. Psychology specializations offer psychologists the opportunity to focus their training and expertise on a particular area of ​ ​ interest or specialty and contribute to the development of knowledge and practice in that area.