Introduction to Psychology Lecture

INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY PSYCHOLOGY The scientific study of behavior and the mental process that is tested through scientific research. The field is scientific in that approaches (should be systematic in approach) to studies are done orderly and systematically in order to obtain objective evidence. PSYCHOLOGY Psychologists study overt and covert behavior.  The overt behaviors are observable behavior, while covert behaviors include private mental processes that cannot be directly observed or measured and must be inferred from overt behavior. Examples of overt behaviours are; laughing, walking, eating, gestures, facial expression etc and covert behaviour include the following; Perceiving, remembering, reasoning, thinking, creating, feelings etc GOALS OF PSYCHOLOGY Psychologists seek to do four things when studying behaviors: Describe: What is the nature of the behavior? It gathers information on studied behavior and present what is known. Explain: Why does it occur? Creating a hypothesis (educated guess) to understand why a behavior is practiced. Predict: By studying past behaviors, future behaviors can be predicted based upon theory Control behavior: What factors influence the behavior? Influence- using what is known to influence future behavior. BRANCHES OF PSYCHOLOGY These branches are broadly divided into two categories; Basic Branches: This provides the theoretical framework of the subject. These branches deals with formulation of principles, theories and suggest different methods for the assessment of behaviour.  The pure branches also suggest certain techniques for the modification of problematic behaviour. BRANCHES (Cont’d) Cognitive Psychology – Study of how we process, store retrieve, and use information and how the thought process influences our behaviors. (since 1950’s). Jean Piaget – leader in the cognitive field of psychology. Biological Psychology – study of how physical and chemical changes in our bodies influence behaviors. Explains the brain, nervous system, hormones effect on behavior. Sociocultural Psychology – study of cultural and socioeconomic influences on behaviors BRANCHES (Cont’d)  General psychology: It explains various psychological processes such as sensations, perception, emotions, learning, intelligence, personality etc.  Developmental psychology: It explains the growth and development of various processes in relation to behaviour. It explains human life through the stages of conception to old age.  Child psychology: Childhood extends from 2 to 12 years. This is a crucial period in the life. Future life depends upon development during childhood. Growth and development will be rapid during this stage. Child psychology deals with these aspects. BRANCHES (Cont’d)  Physiological psychology: This branch describes the biological basis of behavior.  Animal psychology: It deals with behaviour of animals.  Social psychology: It deals with interrelationships of people among themselves, likes and dislikes of people, attitudes and interests.  Experimental Psychology – studies sensation, behavior, perception, learning, motivation, and emotion in controlled laboratory conditions.  Parapsychology: Some of the psychological experiences are beyond the reach of 5 sense organs. This is the reason why they are called Extra-sensory perceptions (ESP) BRANCHES (Cont’d) Applied branches deals with the application of psychological principles and techniques for approaching the problems in different fields of life. Clinical Psychologist- Diagnoses and treats people with emotional disturbances (about ½ of all psychologists are clinical). Counseling Psychologist- Help people deal with problems /challenges of life. Educational Psychologist – Study topics related to educating children such as intelligence, memory, and problem solving. BRANCHES (Cont’d) Community Psychologist – Studies behavior in mental health or social welfare institution in order to design run or evaluate programs for patients. Industrial/Organizational Psychologist – Studies concepts to make the workplace more satisfying for employees and managers. BRANCHES (End) Forensic Psychologist – Studies, diagnoses, and evaluates testimony regarding the law and criminal behavior (Also includes effects of court on children, jury selection, counseling victims) Sports Psychology- Studies athletics and athletic performance. Often use visualization to help athletes mentally rehearse successful steps in completing tasks while reducing negative thoughts of failure.