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STARTING PSYCHOLOGY Learning Objective: To explain the importance of studying Psychology?

Starting psychology

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Page 1: Starting psychology

STARTING PSYCHOLOGY

Learning Objective: To explain the importance of studying

Psychology?

Page 2: Starting psychology

WHAT IS PSYCHOLOGY?

WHAT IS PSYCHOLOGY?

There are many ways that we could There are many ways that we could answer this question.answer this question.

However, try to decide for yourself However, try to decide for yourself what you understand psychology to what you understand psychology to be.be.

What do you think the man in the What do you think the man in the street understands when he/she hears street understands when he/she hears the word ‘psychology’?the word ‘psychology’?

Can you make some suggestions?Can you make some suggestions?

Introduction to PsychologyIntroduction to Psychology

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WHAT IS PSYCHOLOGY?

WHAT IS PSYCHOLOGY?

Psychologists Psychologists look at one look at one aspect of aspect of behaviour.behaviour.

Psychology is about understanding Psychology is about understanding people.people.It’s a scientific study.It’s a scientific study.

Psychology is about Psychology is about Psychiatrists.Psychiatrists.

Culture explains Culture explains psychology.psychology.

Psychology looks Psychology looks at reasons why at reasons why people act in the people act in the way that they do.way that they do.

Psychology Psychology explains explains everything.everything.

Mental processes are important to Mental processes are important to psychology.psychology.

Psychology is about Psychology is about people’s minds.people’s minds.

Psychology is a Psychology is a science.science.

Psychology is about animals Psychology is about animals only.only.

Explanations of PsychologyExplanations of Psychology

WHICH OF THESE STATEMENTS IS CORRECT?

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WHAT IS PSYCHOLOGY?

WHAT IS PSYCHOLOGY?

Psychology is about psychiatrists.Psychology is about psychiatrists.

Psychology is about Psychology is about understanding people.understanding people.

Psychology looks at reasons why Psychology looks at reasons why people act in the way that they do.people act in the way that they do.

It’s a scientific study.It’s a scientific study.

Psychology is about people’s Psychology is about people’s minds. minds.

Psychology explains everything.Psychology explains everything.

Mental processes are Mental processes are important to psychology.important to psychology.

Psychologists look at one aspect of Psychologists look at one aspect of behaviour.behaviour.

Psychology is a science.Psychology is a science.

What is the truth?What is the truth?

TRUE FALSE

Culture explains psychology.Culture explains psychology.

Psychology is about animals only.Psychology is about animals only.

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WHAT IS PSYCHOLOGY?

WHAT IS PSYCHOLOGY?

The word ‘psychology’ comes from The word ‘psychology’ comes from the Greek word ‘psyche’ which the Greek word ‘psyche’ which means the soul or mind.means the soul or mind.Psychology is about Psychology is about

understanding people.understanding people.

Psychologists carry out research into Psychologists carry out research into people’s experience and behaviour, people’s experience and behaviour, just like a scientist would do.just like a scientist would do.

It’s a scientific study.It’s a scientific study.

Psychology is about people’s Psychology is about people’s minds. minds.

Mental processes are Mental processes are important to psychology.important to psychology.

The second part of the word The second part of the word indicates knowledge or study.indicates knowledge or study.

Psychology is a science.Psychology is a science.

True StatementsTrue Statements

TRUE TRUE

Culture explains psychology.Culture explains psychology.

If you take the two together, it If you take the two together, it implies the science of the mind.implies the science of the mind.

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WHAT IS PSYCHOLOGY?

WHAT IS PSYCHOLOGY?

Psychologists have a difficult task of Psychologists have a difficult task of understanding people. After all, you understanding people. After all, you cannot get inside someone’s mind.cannot get inside someone’s mind.

Psychology is about Psychology is about understanding people.understanding people.

Psychology tries to understand the Psychology tries to understand the way in which human beings and way in which human beings and sometimes animals behave and sometimes animals behave and experience the world.experience the world.

It’s a scientific study.It’s a scientific study.

Psychology is about people’s Psychology is about people’s minds. minds.

Mental processes are Mental processes are important to psychology.important to psychology.

You can observe their behaviour You can observe their behaviour though and draw conclusions from though and draw conclusions from those observations.those observations.

Psychology is a science.Psychology is a science.

True StatementsTrue Statements

TRUE TRUE

Culture explains psychology.Culture explains psychology.

Psychologists are interested in Psychologists are interested in understanding the mind and understanding the mind and behaviour of people.behaviour of people.

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WHAT IS PSYCHOLOGY?

WHAT IS PSYCHOLOGY?

Psychology has been described as a Psychology has been described as a science.science.

Psychology is about Psychology is about understanding people.understanding people.

Psychologists, like pure scientists, Psychologists, like pure scientists, have to conduct experiments and have to conduct experiments and collect evidence to make conclusions.collect evidence to make conclusions.

It’s a scientific study.It’s a scientific study.

Psychology is about people’s Psychology is about people’s minds. minds.

Mental processes are Mental processes are important to psychology.important to psychology.

Psychologists have to undertake Psychologists have to undertake research to make their conclusions.research to make their conclusions.

Psychology is a science.Psychology is a science.

True StatementsTrue Statements

TRUE TRUE

Culture explains psychology.Culture explains psychology.

Psychologists take the individual and Psychologists take the individual and his/her experiences and behaviour as his/her experiences and behaviour as the focal point for research and data.the focal point for research and data.

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WHAT IS PSYCHOLOGY?

WHAT IS PSYCHOLOGY?

Psychology does concern the mind but Psychology does concern the mind but also the behaviour of people.also the behaviour of people.

Psychology is about Psychology is about understanding people.understanding people.

Psychologists attempt to understand Psychologists attempt to understand human beings.human beings.

It’s a scientific study.It’s a scientific study.

Psychology is about people’s Psychology is about people’s minds. minds.

Mental processes are Mental processes are important to psychology.important to psychology.

Psychologists consider mental Psychologists consider mental processes too and our interaction processes too and our interaction with others. with others.

Psychology is a science.Psychology is a science.

True StatementsTrue Statements

TRUE TRUE

Culture explains psychology.Culture explains psychology.

Psychologists consider why we are Psychologists consider why we are what we are and the person that we what we are and the person that we become.become.

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WHAT IS PSYCHOLOGY?

WHAT IS PSYCHOLOGY?

Our interaction with other people Our interaction with other people interests psychologists.interests psychologists.

Psychology is about Psychology is about understanding people.understanding people.

We all live within social groups We all live within social groups and they influence our thoughts and and they influence our thoughts and behaviour.behaviour.

It’s a scientific study.It’s a scientific study.

Psychology is about people’s Psychology is about people’s minds. minds.

Mental processes are Mental processes are important to psychology.important to psychology.

Different cultures can make Different cultures can make assumptions about people. assumptions about people.

Psychology is a science.Psychology is a science.

True StatementsTrue Statements

TRUE TRUE

Culture explains psychology.Culture explains psychology.

Being part of a particular culture has Being part of a particular culture has a profound effect on people.a profound effect on people.

Page 10: Starting psychology

WHAT IS PSYCHOLOGY?

WHAT IS PSYCHOLOGY?

Consciousness is a part of human Consciousness is a part of human experience.experience.

Psychology is about Psychology is about understanding people.understanding people.

It’s a scientific study.It’s a scientific study.

Psychology is about people’s Psychology is about people’s minds. minds.

Mental processes are Mental processes are important to psychology.important to psychology.

Mental processes explain why we Mental processes explain why we behave and act as we do. behave and act as we do.

Psychology is a science.Psychology is a science.

True StatementsTrue Statements

TRUE TRUE

Culture explains psychology.Culture explains psychology.

When studying humans or animals, When studying humans or animals, psychologists record their psychologists record their observations to understand and observations to understand and predict mental processes. predict mental processes.

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WHAT IS PSYCHOLOGY?

WHAT IS PSYCHOLOGY?

For enjoyment - hopefully you will For enjoyment - hopefully you will gain a great deal from the coursegain a great deal from the course

To understand yourself more, what To understand yourself more, what you are and why you have become you are and why you have become what you arewhat you are

To understand others more, the way To understand others more, the way they think feel and behave and how they think feel and behave and how they experience the world they live in.they experience the world they live in.

Ask the person next to you what they Ask the person next to you what they aim to get out of the course.aim to get out of the course.

Why study psychology?

Page 12: Starting psychology

WHAT IS PSYCHOLOGY?

WHAT IS PSYCHOLOGY?

Psychologists undertake researchPsychologists undertake research

Psychologists work with individuals to Psychologists work with individuals to improve their mental and physical healthimprove their mental and physical health

Psychologists contribute to the Psychologists contribute to the community to improve the world of work community to improve the world of work and to help people learnand to help people learn

What does a psychologist do?

Page 13: Starting psychology

WHAT IS PSYCHOLOGY?

WHAT IS PSYCHOLOGY?

There are different types of psychologists There are different types of psychologists and specialisms of psychology.and specialisms of psychology.

Can you name any?Can you name any?

What does a psychologist do?

Page 14: Starting psychology

WHAT IS PSYCHOLOGY?

WHAT IS PSYCHOLOGY?

Health psychologyHealth psychologyOccupational Occupational psychologypsychologyForensic Forensic psychologypsychology

Educational Educational psychologypsychology

Consumer psychologyConsumer psychology

Sports Sports psychologypsychology

Counselling psychologyCounselling psychology

Research psychologyResearch psychology

Clinical psychologyClinical psychology

Specialist areas of psychology are:Specialist areas of psychology are:

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WHAT IS PSYCHOLOGY?

WHAT IS PSYCHOLOGY?

Specialist areas of psychologySpecialist areas of psychology

This involves helping people who have mental health concerns or problems. The aim is to help people cope more successfully with their lives.

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WHAT IS PSYCHOLOGY?

WHAT IS PSYCHOLOGY?

Specialist areas of psychologySpecialist areas of psychology

This involves improving people’s performance in the work place, by reducing stress factors, for example, or by making sure that the best candidate is chosen for a specific job.

Page 17: Starting psychology

WHAT IS PSYCHOLOGY?

WHAT IS PSYCHOLOGY?

Specialist areas of psychologySpecialist areas of psychology

This involves working with criminals in an effort to understand and/or change their behaviour. It usually involves working closely with the police and prison staff. It can cover the rehabilitation of criminals as well as finding the perpetrators of an individual crime.

Page 18: Starting psychology

WHAT IS PSYCHOLOGY?

WHAT IS PSYCHOLOGY?

Specialist areas of psychologySpecialist areas of psychology

This involves undertaking research both academically and in other areas such as in industry, for example.

Page 19: Starting psychology

WHAT IS PSYCHOLOGY?

WHAT IS PSYCHOLOGY?

Specialist areas of psychologySpecialist areas of psychology

This involves working with school aged children and young adults. Educational support is offered to pupils, parents and teachers.

Page 20: Starting psychology

WHAT IS PSYCHOLOGY?

WHAT IS PSYCHOLOGY?

Specialist areas of psychologySpecialist areas of psychology

This involves improving mental health, particularly when people are adjusting to or recovering from physical illness that has drastically changed their lifestyle.

Page 21: Starting psychology

WHAT IS PSYCHOLOGY?

WHAT IS PSYCHOLOGY?

Specialist areas of psychologySpecialist areas of psychology

This involves dealing with people who have personal problems or problems in relationships. The aim is to help people deal with the stresses of their everyday life.

Page 22: Starting psychology

WHAT IS PSYCHOLOGY?

WHAT IS PSYCHOLOGY?

Specialist areas of psychologySpecialist areas of psychology

This involves enhancing and improving personal sports performance. The psychologist works with sportsmen and women, teams, coaches and sports clubs. He /she devises better training programmes to improve competitive performance.

Page 23: Starting psychology

WHAT IS PSYCHOLOGY?

WHAT IS PSYCHOLOGY?

Specialist areas of psychologySpecialist areas of psychology

This involves working with businesses and within industry to promote an understanding of how and why consumers behave and choose products. Marketing and advertising are areas that use this type of psychology.

Ask the person next to you what area of Psychology they would pursue as a career and why?

Page 24: Starting psychology

WHAT IS PSYCHOLOGY?

WHAT IS PSYCHOLOGY?

The five approaches are:

Psychology has five Psychology has five different approaches. different approaches.

What is an ‘approach’ in What is an ‘approach’ in psychology?psychology?

It is a school of thought or It is a school of thought or a particular way of a particular way of viewing things concerning viewing things concerning the origin and the origin and development of behaviour development of behaviour and mental processes.and mental processes.

biological

behaviourist

cognitive

humanistic

psychoanalytic

Page 25: Starting psychology

WHAT IS PSYCHOLOGY?

WHAT IS PSYCHOLOGY?

Cognitive psychologyCognitive psychology

Social psychologySocial psychology

Individual psychology Individual psychology (also known as individual (also known as individual differences)differences)

Areas of Psychology you will be studying

Developmental psychologyDevelopmental psychology

Physiological psychologyPhysiological psychology

For your AS these approaches or schools of thought have been split up into the following areas:

All of the areas help us to understand people.

Page 26: Starting psychology

WHAT IS PSYCHOLOGY?

WHAT IS PSYCHOLOGY?

Cognitive psychologyCognitive psychology

Social psychologySocial psychology

Individual psychology Individual psychology (also known as (also known as individual differences)individual differences)

Areas of psychology

Developmental psychologyDevelopmental psychology

Physiological psychologyPhysiological psychology

Cognitive psychologyCognitive psychology deals with gathering and using information. We perceive things, take in information and process it. We then remember, recognise, think and reason.

These mental processes are called cognition and help us to understand why someone is acting in a particular way.

Page 27: Starting psychology

WHAT IS PSYCHOLOGY?

WHAT IS PSYCHOLOGY?

Cognitive psychologyCognitive psychology

Social psychologySocial psychology

Individual psychology (also Individual psychology (also known as individual known as individual differences)differences)

Areas of psychology

Developmental psychologyDevelopmental psychology

Physiological psychologyPhysiological psychology

Developmental Developmental psychologypsychology looks at how we change as we grow and age and how this affects us.

Page 28: Starting psychology

WHAT IS PSYCHOLOGY?

WHAT IS PSYCHOLOGY?

Cognitive psychologyCognitive psychology

Social psychologySocial psychology

Individual psychology (also Individual psychology (also known as individual known as individual differences)differences)

Areas of psychology

Developmental psychologyDevelopmental psychology

Physiological psychologyPhysiological psychology

Physiological psychologyPhysiological psychology looks at how our psychological state influences us.A physiological psychologist might consider how we are affected by drugs or stress, for example. Or how sleep patterns affect us.

Page 29: Starting psychology

WHAT IS PSYCHOLOGY?

WHAT IS PSYCHOLOGY?

Cognitive psychologyCognitive psychology

Social psychologySocial psychology

Individual psychology (also Individual psychology (also known as individual known as individual differences)differences)

Areas of psychology

DevelopmentalDevelopmental psychology psychology

Physiological psychologyPhysiological psychology

Individual psychologyIndividual psychology looks at how we are different from each other. It considers abnormalities.

It also concerns the different motivation that different people have.

Page 30: Starting psychology

WHAT IS PSYCHOLOGY?

WHAT IS PSYCHOLOGY?

Cognitive psychologyCognitive psychology

Social psychologySocial psychology

Individual psychology (also Individual psychology (also known as individual known as individual differences)differences)

Areas of psychology

Developmental psychologyDevelopmental psychology

Physiological psychologyPhysiological psychology

Social psychologySocial psychology looks at how we act when we are with other people. Our body language when we are with others falls into this category.It looks at areas like why we obey people in authority, for example or why we conform.

Page 31: Starting psychology

Your Turn

Construct a mind map or similar diagram to show how much you understand the 5 areas to be covered for your AS course.

HomeworkResearch how memory affects behaviour.Write down 5 examples of how your memory works.

Page 32: Starting psychology

WHAT IS PSYCHOLOGY?

WHAT IS PSYCHOLOGY?

The study of the mind, which is what psychology is, has a The study of the mind, which is what psychology is, has a long history. long history.

So what exactly is psychology and how did it start?

We can track writers back two thousand years, such We can track writers back two thousand years, such as the great Greek philosophers, Plato and Aristotle, as the great Greek philosophers, Plato and Aristotle, who were philosophers but spent much of their time who were philosophers but spent much of their time trying to analyse feelings and experiences in an effort trying to analyse feelings and experiences in an effort to understand what it meant to be a human being.to understand what it meant to be a human being.

Philosophy existed for literally ages. It Philosophy existed for literally ages. It involved the process of introspection, involved the process of introspection, which means looking within yourself.which means looking within yourself.

Page 33: Starting psychology

WHAT IS PSYCHOLOGY?

WHAT IS PSYCHOLOGY?

Psychology is a relatively new subject in historical terms.Psychology is a relatively new subject in historical terms.

So what exactly is psychology and how did it start?

It has only been considered a formal scientific subject since the It has only been considered a formal scientific subject since the nineteenth century. 1879 is often said to be the start of nineteenth century. 1879 is often said to be the start of psychology as we now know it.psychology as we now know it.

Since early times, writers had considered behaviour and Since early times, writers had considered behaviour and particularly abnormal behaviour and tried to offer explanations. particularly abnormal behaviour and tried to offer explanations. Due to the lack of medical knowledge that we have today, their Due to the lack of medical knowledge that we have today, their theories were simplistic.theories were simplistic.

However, the idea that an imbalance of bodily fluids in the body However, the idea that an imbalance of bodily fluids in the body could bring about abnormal behaviour or disease was held for some could bring about abnormal behaviour or disease was held for some time.time.

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WHAT IS PSYCHOLOGY?

WHAT IS PSYCHOLOGY?

Philosophers considered many of the issues and problems that later Philosophers considered many of the issues and problems that later psychologists would also consider.psychologists would also consider.

So what exactly is psychology and how did it start?

Philosophy did not have all the answers because biological Philosophy did not have all the answers because biological aspects of humans and animals had to be considered as well.aspects of humans and animals had to be considered as well.

The fact that we evolved from animals had implications for our The fact that we evolved from animals had implications for our behaviour.behaviour.

Considering the function and structure of the brain Considering the function and structure of the brain and nervous system all add to our understanding of and nervous system all add to our understanding of behaviour.behaviour.

Page 35: Starting psychology

WHAT IS PSYCHOLOGY?

WHAT IS PSYCHOLOGY?

The other subject that was influential to the basis of psychology was The other subject that was influential to the basis of psychology was physics.physics.

So what exactly is psychology and how did it start?

Psychologists use many methods and principles that physicists Psychologists use many methods and principles that physicists use in their scientific work.use in their scientific work.

Physicists began to apply their scientific principles to human behaviour.Physicists began to apply their scientific principles to human behaviour.

So, you can see that there is not one simple answer to the question So, you can see that there is not one simple answer to the question ‘where did psychology start?’‘where did psychology start?’

Let’s look at this in more depth.Let’s look at this in more depth.

Page 36: Starting psychology

WHAT IS PSYCHOLOGY?

WHAT IS PSYCHOLOGY?

The French philosopher and mathematician Descartes (1596-1650) The French philosopher and mathematician Descartes (1596-1650) developed the idea of ex machina - that humans can be understood and developed the idea of ex machina - that humans can be understood and explained just as if they were a machine.explained just as if they were a machine.

So what exactly is psychology and how did it start?

He put forward the notion that human beings were made up of He put forward the notion that human beings were made up of two parts.two parts.

•Our mind : knowledge, awareness, free will and consciousnessOur mind : knowledge, awareness, free will and consciousness

•And our body: our physiology i.e. the parts that make up And our body: our physiology i.e. the parts that make up our physical body, our arms, legs etc.our physical body, our arms, legs etc.

This is a theory of dualism where he believed that body and mind This is a theory of dualism where he believed that body and mind interacted within the brain.interacted within the brain.

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WHAT IS PSYCHOLOGY?

WHAT IS PSYCHOLOGY?

Britain also played an important role in developing theories which Britain also played an important role in developing theories which would develop into psychology as we know it.would develop into psychology as we know it.

So what exactly is psychology and how did it start?

In the seventeenth century John Locke and Thomas Hobbes In the seventeenth century John Locke and Thomas Hobbes founded the empiricist movement.founded the empiricist movement.

Empiricism tries to understand the mind in a factual way. It relies Empiricism tries to understand the mind in a factual way. It relies on collecting evidence of reality and objective data.on collecting evidence of reality and objective data.

The empiricists believed that what we thought came about as a The empiricists believed that what we thought came about as a result of what we had experienced.result of what we had experienced.

Locke believed that we are born with our minds being a blank Locke believed that we are born with our minds being a blank slate, a tabula rasa, as he called it. Our consciousness is made up slate, a tabula rasa, as he called it. Our consciousness is made up of all the experiences that we have during life.of all the experiences that we have during life.

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WHAT IS PSYCHOLOGY?

WHAT IS PSYCHOLOGY?

There were many debates about whether our abilities were There were many debates about whether our abilities were present at birth, in other words they were innate abilities. present at birth, in other words they were innate abilities. This was Decartes’ idea and it is known as a nativist idea.This was Decartes’ idea and it is known as a nativist idea.

So what exactly is psychology and how did it start?

Locke and Hobbes held the opinion that we become Locke and Hobbes held the opinion that we become what we are because of our environment.what we are because of our environment.

The debate continued and still continues to rage about The debate continued and still continues to rage about how much do we inherit and how much does our how much do we inherit and how much does our environment influence us.environment influence us.This is known as the nativist-empiricist debate.This is known as the nativist-empiricist debate.

Page 39: Starting psychology

WHAT IS PSYCHOLOGY?

WHAT IS PSYCHOLOGY?

In the early nineteenth century German physiologists In the early nineteenth century German physiologists Weber, Helmholtz and Fechner contributed to the Weber, Helmholtz and Fechner contributed to the beginnings of the subject.beginnings of the subject.

So what exactly is psychology and how did it start?

Weber looked in detail at our ability to touch. The Weber looked in detail at our ability to touch. The fact that we could identify differences in weight by fact that we could identify differences in weight by holding objects.holding objects.

Helmholtz worked on theories about nerves and their Helmholtz worked on theories about nerves and their impulses, colour vision and hearing.impulses, colour vision and hearing.

Fechner looked at our senses and perception and Fechner looked at our senses and perception and put forward ideas about using experimental put forward ideas about using experimental methods to make conclusions.methods to make conclusions.

Page 40: Starting psychology

WHAT IS PSYCHOLOGY?

WHAT IS PSYCHOLOGY?

1879 is said to be the date that psychology emerged as a separate science 1879 is said to be the date that psychology emerged as a separate science to consider behaviour and mental processes, rather than as previously to consider behaviour and mental processes, rather than as previously when it had been a mixture of physics, medicine, biology and other forms when it had been a mixture of physics, medicine, biology and other forms of science.of science.

So what exactly is psychology and how did it start?

Wilhelm Wundt (1832-1920), a German professor, founded the first Wilhelm Wundt (1832-1920), a German professor, founded the first laboratory for the scientific study of psychology at the University of Leipzig.laboratory for the scientific study of psychology at the University of Leipzig.

Wundt’s technique was to measure and record data about people’s Wundt’s technique was to measure and record data about people’s actions and reactions. This is known as introspection.actions and reactions. This is known as introspection.

Introspection involves you considering your actions and reactions. Introspection involves you considering your actions and reactions. Wundt was observing, controlling, and measuring experiences Wundt was observing, controlling, and measuring experiences when people were exposed to a stimulus.when people were exposed to a stimulus.

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WHAT IS PSYCHOLOGY?

WHAT IS PSYCHOLOGY?

Wundt’s school of thought was known as Structuralism.Wundt’s school of thought was known as Structuralism.

So what exactly is psychology and how did it start?

Wilhelm Wundt wanted people that he studied to analyse their Wilhelm Wundt wanted people that he studied to analyse their feelings and the sensations or images that accompanied feelings and the sensations or images that accompanied experiences.experiences.Structuralists did, however, have some difficulties with this Structuralists did, however, have some difficulties with this approach since the results that were recorded were not based on approach since the results that were recorded were not based on scientific methods but on introspection which meant, of course, that scientific methods but on introspection which meant, of course, that the results could be subjective. and personal.the results could be subjective. and personal.

Structuralism declined because of its inability to Structuralism declined because of its inability to offer scientific confirmation of its findings in its offer scientific confirmation of its findings in its use of introspection. Psychology today relies on use of introspection. Psychology today relies on scientific evidence.scientific evidence.

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WHAT IS PSYCHOLOGY?

WHAT IS PSYCHOLOGY?

Functionalism, another early school of psychology, was prevalent in Functionalism, another early school of psychology, was prevalent in the late nineteenth century.the late nineteenth century.

So what exactly is psychology and how did it start?

William James (1842-1910), an American, wrote Principles of William James (1842-1910), an American, wrote Principles of Psychology. He had been influenced by Charles Darwin’s book On Psychology. He had been influenced by Charles Darwin’s book On The Origin Of Species By Means Of Natural Selection.The Origin Of Species By Means Of Natural Selection.

James agreed with Darwin that we must have evolved with James agreed with Darwin that we must have evolved with characteristics that served a purpose. So types of behaviour, characteristics that served a purpose. So types of behaviour, emotions and thoughts must have a particular function or they emotions and thoughts must have a particular function or they would not have been retained by the species.would not have been retained by the species.

Functionalists looked at different aspects of our behaviour and Functionalists looked at different aspects of our behaviour and tried to analyse the function of behaviour that occurs in all human tried to analyse the function of behaviour that occurs in all human beings, regardless of their culture, e.g. we smile if we are happy.beings, regardless of their culture, e.g. we smile if we are happy.

Page 43: Starting psychology

WHAT IS PSYCHOLOGY?

WHAT IS PSYCHOLOGY?

At the beginning of the twentieth century, Sigmund Freud in Austria At the beginning of the twentieth century, Sigmund Freud in Austria developed psychoanalysis, which was a means of therapy. developed psychoanalysis, which was a means of therapy.

So what exactly is psychology and how did it start?

Feud offered a theory of the human mind and behaviour which was Feud offered a theory of the human mind and behaviour which was controversial at the time.controversial at the time.

Freud believed that the unconscious mind should be the object of Freud believed that the unconscious mind should be the object of investigation. He believed that we are often controlled by processes investigation. He believed that we are often controlled by processes that we just do not realise are acting on us.that we just do not realise are acting on us.

Another approach to psychology that was critical of all except Another approach to psychology that was critical of all except approaches which investigated behaviour that could be observed approaches which investigated behaviour that could be observed was the school of behaviourism.was the school of behaviourism.

Page 44: Starting psychology

WHAT IS PSYCHOLOGY?

WHAT IS PSYCHOLOGY?

John Watson, (1878-1958) introduced psychology as the study of John Watson, (1878-1958) introduced psychology as the study of behaviour. behaviour.

So what exactly is psychology and how did it start?

His aim was to describe, predict, understand and to control His aim was to describe, predict, understand and to control behaviour.behaviour.

For behaviourists the mind and consciousness were difficult to For behaviourists the mind and consciousness were difficult to observe and therefore did not assist in a scientific approach to observe and therefore did not assist in a scientific approach to psychology.psychology.

This approach dominated experimental psychology until about This approach dominated experimental psychology until about the 1950s.the 1950s.

Page 45: Starting psychology

WHAT IS PSYCHOLOGY?

WHAT IS PSYCHOLOGY?

Gestalt psychology also featured at the same time. Gestalt psychology also featured at the same time.

So what exactly is psychology and how did it start?

This developed in Germany and focused around the This developed in Germany and focused around the brain’s ability to structure and organise what was being brain’s ability to structure and organise what was being perceived.perceived.

The various approaches to psychology added a wealth of The various approaches to psychology added a wealth of interest to the subject in the nineteenth and twentieth interest to the subject in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.centuries.

All of the approaches have made psychology what it is All of the approaches have made psychology what it is today.today.

Page 46: Starting psychology

WHAT IS PSYCHOLOGY?

WHAT IS PSYCHOLOGY?

Other approaches include cognitive psychology which developed to Other approaches include cognitive psychology which developed to investigate the mind using artificial intelligence, such as computers. investigate the mind using artificial intelligence, such as computers.

So what exactly is psychology and how did it start?

Machines were led to make models of how the brain might work Machines were led to make models of how the brain might work and then to adapt them using scientific methods.and then to adapt them using scientific methods.

Due to the fact that computers have many human-like processes Due to the fact that computers have many human-like processes such as remembering and problem solving, it was felt that they such as remembering and problem solving, it was felt that they could offer models of how people function.could offer models of how people function.

There are two other approaches of psychology, the humanistic There are two other approaches of psychology, the humanistic approach and the biological approach.approach and the biological approach.

Page 47: Starting psychology

WHAT IS PSYCHOLOGY?

WHAT IS PSYCHOLOGY?

The humanistic approach offers the view that we are essentially The humanistic approach offers the view that we are essentially productive and healthy people. The approach argues that people only productive and healthy people. The approach argues that people only need guidance to come to this state if things have gone wrong in their need guidance to come to this state if things have gone wrong in their lives. lives.

So what exactly is psychology and how did it start?

This approach has not had such an impact on modern psychology This approach has not had such an impact on modern psychology as, for example, behaviourism.as, for example, behaviourism.

The biological approach offers the theory that evolution, physiology The biological approach offers the theory that evolution, physiology and genetics are the reasons for our behaviour.and genetics are the reasons for our behaviour.

These are all a variety of approaches to psychology that have These are all a variety of approaches to psychology that have emerged since its birth. All have influenced the makings of what it emerged since its birth. All have influenced the makings of what it is today: the study of behaviour and mental processes.is today: the study of behaviour and mental processes.

Page 48: Starting psychology

WHAT IS PSYCHOLOGY?

WHAT IS PSYCHOLOGY?

So what exactly is psychology and how did it start?

PLENARYPLENARY

PAST THE BALL/PARCELPAST THE BALL/PARCEL

WHEN THE MUSIC STOPS THE PERSON WITH THE WHEN THE MUSIC STOPS THE PERSON WITH THE PARCEL HAS TO SAY SOMETHING THEY HAVE LEARNT.PARCEL HAS TO SAY SOMETHING THEY HAVE LEARNT.