The Story of Psychology Notes - First Lecture Notes

1F03 The Story of Psychology Notes - First Lecture Module 1 – What is Psychology? Psychology is the scientific study of behaviour and mental processes. This module introduces the basic concepts, history, and approaches that define the field of psychology. 1. Definition and Goals of Psychology Psychology examines how people think, feel, and behave. The main goals of psychology are to: ● Describe: behaviour and mental processes ● Explain: why these behaviours and processes occur ● Predict: future behaviours and processes ● Control: or change behaviours and processes 2. Historical Background The history of psychology is rich and diverse, featuring key milestones that have shaped the field: ● Ancient Greece: Philosophers like Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle pondered the nature of the mind and behaviour. ● 17th Century: René Descartes introduced the idea of dualism, the separation of mind and body. ● 19th Century: Wilhelm Wundt established the first psychology laboratory in 1879, marking the formal beginning of psychology as a scientific discipline. 3. Major Approaches in Psychology Psychology encompasses various approaches, each offering unique insights into human behaviour: ● Biological Approach: Examines the physiological bases of behaviour in humans and animals. ● Behavioural Approach: Focuses on observable behaviours and the ways they are learned. ● Cognitive Approach: Studies mental processes such as perception, memory, and problem-solving. ● Psychodynamic Approach: Explores unconscious drives and their influence on behaviour. ● Humanistic Approach: Emphasises personal growth and self-actualization. ● Sociocultural Approach: Investigates how social and cultural factors affect behaviour. 4. Modern Psychology Today, psychology is a multifaceted field that includes various subfields and specialties: 1F03 - Clinical Psychology: Focuses on diagnosing and treating mental, emotional, and behavioural disorders. Counselling Psychology: Helps people deal with issues related to personal and interpersonal functioning. Educational Psychology: Studies how people learn and the best practices for teaching. Industrial-Organisational Psychology: Applies psychological principles to workplace issues. Developmental Psychology: Examines how people grow and change throughout their lifespan. Social Psychology: Investigates how individuals are influenced by others and their social environment. 5. Research Methods in Psychology Psychologists use various research methods to gather data and test hypotheses: ● Experiments: Controlled studies that manipulate variables to determine cause and effect. ● Surveys: Questionnaires and interviews used to gather information from a large group of people. ● Case Studies: In-depth analyses of individuals or groups. ● Naturalistic Observation: Observing behaviour in its natural context without interference. ● Correlational Studies: Examining relationships between variables to identify patterns. 6. Ethical Considerations Ethics play a crucial role in psychological research and practice. Key ethical principles include: ● Informed Consent: Participants must be fully informed about the study and its potential risks. ● Confidentiality: Researchers must keep participant information private. ● Debriefing: Participants should be informed about the study's purpose and methods after its completion. ● Minimising Harm: Researchers must take steps to minimise any potential harm to participants. 7. Applications of Psychology Psychology has practical applications in various fields: ● Healthcare: Psychological principles are used to improve mental health treatment and promote wellness. ● Education: Understanding how students learn can lead to more effective teaching methods. ● Business: Applying psychological concepts can enhance employee productivity and satisfaction. ● Sports: Sports psychologists help athletes improve performance and cope with pressure. 1F03 ● Law: Forensic psychologists assist in criminal investigations and legal proceedings.