Freshman Psychology Short Note

Freshman Short Notes

Psychology Unit One Short Note

• Definition of Psychology and Related Concepts
  
  Definition of Psychology
  
  - Etymology: The term "psychology" comes from the Greek words *psyche* (mind, soul, spirit) and *logos* (study, knowledge, discourse). It is often represented by the Greek letter ᴪ (psi).
  
  - Scientific Definition**: Psychology is the scientific study of behavior and mental processes. - Science: Uses scientific methods and empirical data.
  
  - Behavior: Includes both observable actions (e.g., talking, movement) and covert behavior (e.g., internal thoughts).
  
  - Mental Processes**: Includes internal activities such as thinking, feeling, and remembering.
  
  Goals of Psychology
  
  1. Description: Observing and noting details about behavior, such as what is happening, where, to whom, and under what circumstances. For example, a teacher observes a student's decline in performance and behavior.
  
  2. Explanation: Finding reasons for observed behavior, often by forming theories based on research and observations. For instance, investigating the reasons behind the student's behavior might reveal issues related to home background or social interactions.
  
  3. Prediction: Determining future outcomes based on observed data and research. For example, predicting the student's future academic success based on similar cases.
  
  4. Control: Modifying behavior to achieve desired outcomes, such as improving academic performance. For example, implementing learning strategies to help the student succeed academically.
  
  Reflection: Reflect on how the definition of psychology compares to your previous understanding and consider the importance of psychology in studying behavior and mental processes.
  
  
  
  Early schools of psychology
  
  
  1. Structuralism: Founded by Edward Titchener, it focused on analyzing the structure of the mind through introspection, aiming to break down mental experiences into basic elements like sensations, images, and feelings.
  
  2. Functionalism: Developed by William James, it emphasized the function of mental processes in helping individuals adapt to their environment, using various methods beyond introspection, such as questionnaires and mental tests.
  
  3. Gestalt Psychology: Founded by Max Wertheimer and colleagues, this approach viewed the mind as a whole rather than a collection of parts. It argued that the mind's organization and patterns are more than the sum of its elements.
  
  4. Behaviorism: Initiated by John B. Watson, it focused on observable and measurable behaviors rather than internal mental processes. Behaviorists believed behaviors are learned through interactions with the environment and emphasized the study of conditioned responses.
  
  5. Psychoanalysis: Founded by Sigmund Freud, this school examined the unconscious mind, proposing that hidden emotional conflicts and childhood traumas influence behavior. Freud introduced concepts such as the unconscious mind and its impact on conscious behavior.
  
  Each school represented a different approach to understanding the human mind and behavior, reflecting the evolution of psychological thought.
  
  
  
  Modern schools of psychology
  
  1. Psychodynamic Perspective: Originating from Freud's psychoanalysis, this view emphasizes unconscious processes, the impact of childhood experiences on adult personality, and internal conflicts shaping behavior.
  
  2. Behavioral Perspective: Focuses on how environmental factors, such as rewards and punishments, influence behavior. It views the mind as a "black box" and emphasizes observable behavior over internal processes.
  
  3. Humanistic Perspective: Highlights human uniqueness and values, emphasizing self-actualization and personal growth. It values individual free will and creative self-expression.
  
  4. Cognitive Perspective: Studies mental processes such as reasoning, memory, and problem-solving. It examines how thoughts and explanations impact actions, feelings, and choices.
  
  5. Biological Perspective: Investigates how bodily functions and brain chemistry affect behavior, emotions, and thoughts. It views behavior as influenced by genetic and evolutionary factors.
  
  6. Socio-cultural Perspective: Examines how social and cultural contexts influence behavior and development. It focuses on how group dynamics, cultural values, and social environments shape behavior.
  
  
  
  Branches/Sub Fields of Psychology
  
  
  1. Developmental Psychology: Studies physical, cognitive, and psychological changes across the lifespan, focusing on developmental milestones at various stages.
  
  2. Personality Psychology: Examines enduring traits and characteristics of individuals, including self-concept, aggression, and moral development.
  
  3. Social Psychology: Investigates social interactions, relationships, social perception, and attitudes.
  
  4. Cross-cultural Psychology: Analyzes how culture influences behavior, thought, and emotion, and whether psychological phenomena are universal or culture-specific.
  
  5. Industrial Psychology: Applies psychological principles to improve productivity and efficiency in industries and organizations.
  
  6. Forensic Psychology: Uses psychological principles to enhance the legal system, including areas like police work and legal testimony.
  
  7. Educational Psychology: Focuses on applying psychological theories and principles to enhance the educational process, including curriculum development, teaching, and academic administration.
  
  8. Health Psychology: Applies psychological principles to the prevention and treatment of physical illness and diseases.
  
  9. Clinical Psychology: Concerned with the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of psychological disorders.
  
  10. Counseling Psychology: Similar to clinical psychology but focuses on helping individuals with less severe psychological issues.
  
  
  Research Methods in Psychology
  A. Definition of terms
  
  Research Methods in Psychology
  A. Definition of Terms
  
  1. Scientific Method: A process for testing ideas through systematic observations, experiments, and statistical analysis.
  
  2. Theory: An integrated set of principles intended to describe and explain some aspects of experience.
  
  3. Hypotheses: Tentative propositions about the relationship between variables.
  
  B. Major Types of Research Methods
  1. Descriptive Research: Involves recording observations without manipulation.
  
  - Naturalistic Observation: Observing subjects in their natural environment; limitations include observer effect and bias.
  
  - Case Study: Detailed study of an individual; provides extensive data but lacks generalizability.
  
  - Survey: Collects data from large groups; useful for covert behaviors but requires careful sampling.
  
  2. Correlational Research: Measures relationships between variables; indicates strength and direction but does not imply causation.
  
  3. Experimental Research: Studies cause-and-effect relationships through manipulation of variables. Involves:
  
  - Independent Variable: The manipulated factor.
  - Dependent Variable: The measured factor.
  - Experimental Group: Group exposed to the manipulated factor.
  - Control Group: Group not exposed to the manipulated factor, used for comparison.
  
  
  C. Steps of Scientific Research 1. Defining the Problem: Identifying a research question.
  
  2. Formulating the Hypothesis: Making a testable prediction.
  
  3. Testing the Hypothesis: Collecting and analyzing data.
  
  4. Drawing Conclusions: Making generalizations from the results.
  
  5. Reporting Results: Documenting and sharing findings.
  
  Summary
  - Psychology is a science focusing on behavior and mental processes.
  - It employs descriptive, correlational, and experimental research methods.
  - The field has evolved from early perspectives (e.g., structuralism, functionalism) to modern ones, applicable in various contexts such as health, education, and business.



Psychology Unit Two Short

• Unit 2 short Note