Chapter 1

The Science of Psychology

1. What is Psychology?

A. The Fields of PsychologyDevelopmental Psychology

Study of how people change over time

Physiological Psychology Study of how biology controls behavior

Experimental Psychology Perform experiments to study

psychology

Personality PsychologyStudy of how people differ from

one anotherClinical and Counseling

PsychologyStudy and treatment of

psychological disorders

Social PsychologyStudy of how people influence

one anotherStudy of group behavior

Industrial and Organization (I/O) Psychology

Study of psychological principles in industry and business

Five Enduring Issues

B. Five Enduring Issues Person–Situation

Is behavior caused by factors inside the person or outside?

Nature – Nurture (Heredity–Environment) Is the person we become a product of innate,

inborn tendencies, or a reflection of experiences and upbringing?

Stability–Change People remain unchanged vs. change

Diversity-Universality How are we different vs. the same

Mind–Body Relationship between experience and biological

processes

C. Psychology As Science Scientific method Other behavioral sciences

Sociology, anthropology Political science, economics, history

2. The Growth of Psychology

A. The "New Psychology": A Science of the Mind

Wilhelm Wundt and Edward Bradford Titchener: Structuralism

Basic units of experience William James

Functionalism Studied how we use perception to function

in its environment.

Sigmund Freud: Psychodynamic psychology Individual unconscious factors

John B. Watson: Behaviorism Studied only observable behaviors

B.F. Skinner: Behaviorism revisited Expanded behaviorism

B. Cognitive Revolution The precursors:

Gestalt psychology We perceive things as whole patterns

Humanistic psychology Realizing full potential

The rise of cognitive psychology Study of mental processes

C. New Directions Evolutionary psychology?

Adaptive value of behaviors and mental process

Positive psychology Focusing on attitude

Multiple perspectives No single right answer.

Where are the women? Important contributions despite discrimination

3. Human Diversity

A. Gender Psychological and social meanings attached to being

biologically male or female Gender stereotypes

Limited view of people based on gender For example, “Only men can be police

officers”

Feminist psychology Study of the psychology of women

Sexual orientation Gender to which one is sexually attracted

B. Race and Ethnicity Racial and ethnic minorities in psychology

Race is subpopulation defined by identifiable characteristic

Ethnicity common cultural heritage; religion, language, ancestry

C. Culture Tangible goods and values, attitudes, behaviors, and

beliefs that are passed on from generation to generation

4. Research Methods in Psychology

A. Naturalistic Observation Systematic observation in natural setting

B. Case Studies Intensive description and analysis of one or

several people C. Surveys

Questionnaires or interviews

D. Correlational Research Research techniques based on the naturally occurring

relationship between two or more variables. Can make predictions

Math and English placement tests SAT and school success Job testing and success on the job

E. Experimental Research Subject or participants Independent variable

Cause (what you are studying) Dependent variable

Effect (result of experiment)

Experimental group Receive special treatment

Control group Does not receive special treatment but is the

same in every other way Experimenter bias

Expectations by experimenter influence outcome also teachers

F. Multimethod Research Combining methods

G. Importance of Sampling Sample

Small representative subset Random sample

Every subject had equal chance of being selected

Representative sample Characteristics of participants correspond to

larger population H. Human Diversity and Research

Avoiding cultural bias

5. Ethics and Psychology

A. Ethics in Research on Humans Informed of nature of research Informed consent documented Risks and limits on confidentiality explained Alternative academic credit so truly free choice for

students

Deception cannot be used about aspects of research that would affect participant's willingness to participate

Deception about the goals of research used only when absolutely necessary

B. Ethics in Research on Nonhuman Animals According to the APA, psychologist using animals

in research must ensure “appropriate consideration of [the animal’s] comfort, health, and humane treatment.”

6. Careers in Psychology

A. Academic and Applied Psychology Educational or research facilities

B. Clinical Settings Therapy in hospitals and clinics

C. Licenses Psychologists - Ph.D Psychiatrists - M.D. Psychoanalysts

Can be M.D. or Ph.D Additional specialized training

Social Workers - M.S.W. or D.S.W. Marriage Family Therapists - M.A.