Psychology

What it is. . . What it is not . . .

Unit 1: Introduction to Psych & Research Methods

Ch. 1: IntroductionCh. 2: Research Methods

Chapter One: Introduction to Psychology

What it is. . .

Psychology is the study of behavior and mental processes.

It is. . . . . . how we thinkwhat we thinkwho we arewhy we do what we doeverywhere and in everything

about us

Psychology is the study of behavior and mental processes. Behavior

Observable (through senses) Measurable (through tests)

Mental Processes (Cognitive Activities) Dreams, sleep, memories, thoughts,

emotions, choices, decisions, etc. Metacognition – to think about our

thinking

Psych is a science because it:1. conducts experiments2. collects & analyzes data3. draws conclusions

The goal of a psychologist is the field of psychology is to:observe, describe, explain, predict, & control behavior

Observe – watch actionsDescribe – recall, re-explain observable

actionsExplain – analyze & examine WHY

behavior occurredPredict –What are the foreseeable

outcomes of the behavior?Control – offer a plan for treatment

Assignment: Observation Analysis

Observation AnalysisUse the following questions to guide your thinking as you casually

watch and observe a specific situation. Do not use names, write an essay (1 page) summarizing what you observed. I am looking for good analysis not a flowery essay meant to impress.

What is the behavior? What could be causing it? What are the general circumstances or environment? In what ways could this have an effect on the behavior? How does the subject feel? Why do you think that? (list specific body language, facial

expressions, etc.) What is motivating someone to behave in the manner you are

observing?

What it is not. . . It is not a form of ESP (extra sensory

perception) or parapsychology.1. precognition

-know events before they occur -example

2. psychokinesis/telekinetics – make objects move with

power of thought

3. telepathy -transmit thoughts

4. clairvoyance-perceive objects outside of

human senses

Cartoon

History of Psychology In Middle Ages believed to be

possessed by demons Old practices still used today:

1. Introspection/Socratic Method2. Reinforcement3. Gestalt

-part of a whole; example

Fill in the blank with the first word that comes to mind.

1. C _ T

2. D _ G

3. B _ G

4. A _ T

5. DR _ P

6. B _ AR

7. H _ P

Fill in the blank with the first word that comes to mind.

5. DR _ PDrip Drop6. B _ ARBear Boar7. H _ P

Hip Hop

1. C _ TCat Cut Cot2. D _ GDog Dig Dug3. B _ GBag Bug Big Beg

Bog4.A _ TAnt Art Act Apt

4. Freud & Psychoanalysis-unconscious motives & internal

conflict cause behavior-childhood causes problems for

adults

Daily Quiz

Modern perspectives on causes of human behavior

Biological-behavior influenced by genetics, brain, chemicals, hormones

Cognitive-behavior caused by our thoughts, conclusions, assumptions

Humanistic-make conscious choices based on experience; have a need to become better

Psychoanalytic-the unconscious dictates our behavior

Behaviorism/Learning-we learn behaviors through reinforcement and observation

Sociocultural-our culture dictates our behavior ($, ethnicity, gender, religion, etc.)

Assignment: Causes of Behavior

Cognitive Theoryall behavior is based on thoughts and perception.

Cognition Ladder

Assignments

Observation analysis Examples: Modern perspectives of

behavior causes Ch. 1 Daily Quiz Ch. 1 Test