Entrance to the World of Psychology

COURSE : INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY (PSY 150) CREDIT HOURS : 3 CREDITS SEMESTER/SESSION : 2st SEMESTER, 2021/2022 SESSION PREPARED BY : ROBIN ARKIN LECTURE NOTES Basics of Psychology The establishment of general psychology as a separate field of study can be traced back to the end of the 19th century. During this period, interest in understanding the workings of the human mind and behavior grew, leading to the development of various theories and schools of thought. One of the main figures in the creation of general psychology is Wilhelm Wundt, who is often considered the "father of psychology". In 1879, Wundt established the first laboratory for experimental psychology in Leipzig, Germany, where he conducted research on sensation and perception, attention, and other aspects of human behavior. He emphasized the importance of introspection, or self-observation, as a means of studying mental processes. Another important person in the creation of general psychology is William James, who in 1875 founded the first psychological laboratory in the United States at Harvard University. James was interested in the study of consciousness and the relationship between mind and body and was best known for his influential book "The Principles of Psychology", published in 1890. In addition to Wundt and James, other early psychologists who contributed to the creation of general psychology were Sigmund Freud, who developed psychoanalytic theory, and John B. Watson, who founded Behaviorism. These different schools of thought emphasized different aspects of human behavior and mental processes, and their ideas continue to influence psychology today. General psychology has evolved over time to encompass a wide range of topics and methods, from cognitive psychology and neuroscience to social psychology and clinical psychology. Today, general psychology is a diverse and interdisciplinary field that continues to explore the complexities of human behavior and mental processes. The goal of psychology The scientific study of human behavior and mental processes. It includes the study of how individuals think, feel, and act in various situations, as well as the biological, cognitive, social, and environmental factors that influence behavior. Psychology aims to understand and explain human behavior through a variety of methods, including observation, experimentation, and data analysis. Psychologists use a variety of tools and methods to study behavior and mental processes, including surveys, interviews, laboratory experiments, and neuroimaging techniques. A System of Psychology It concerns the organization and classification of knowledge in the field of psychology. There are several different methods of organizing knowledge in psychology, including: 1. Structuralism This approach emphasizes the analysis of consciousness into its basic components or structures through introspection. 2. Functionalism This approach emphasizes the adaptive functions of behavior and mental processes and how they help individuals adapt to their environment. 3. Behaviorism This approach focuses on observable behavior and how it is shaped by the environment through the principles of reinforcement and punishment. 4. Cognitive Psychology This approach emphasizes the study of mental processes such as perception, attention, memory, and language and how they influence behavior. 5. Psychoanalytic Theory This approach emphasizes the role of unconscious processes and early childhood experiences in shaping behavior and mental processes. 6. Humanistic Psychology This approach emphasizes the potential of individuals to grow and develop through self-awareness and self-actualization. Psychology is a diverse and interdisciplinary field that includes a variety of subjects and methods. Psychologists use a variety of methods to study behavior and mental processes and seek to use their knowledge to improve personality and health.