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8/8/2019 Psychology 120 Chapter1 Student Version
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Psychology, Fourth Edition, James S. NairneChapter 1
Chapter 1: An Introduction to Psychology
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Psychology, Fourth Edition, James S. NairneChapter 1
I. Defining Psychology as a Field A. Definition: Scientific study of the mind andbehavior What goes on in our heads? Why do people act, think, and feel the way they
do?
Root word: Psyche = Soul or breath(Greek)
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Psychology, Fourth Edition, James S. NairneChapter 1
B .Psychologists focus on:1. Causes & mechanisms of normal behavior 2. And abnormal behavior and mental illness
C. Psychologists use the scientific method todevelop a knowledge base about human andanimal behavior
Scientific:B
ased on observation B ehavior: Observable actions Mind: Subjective experiences such as thoughts,
emotions
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Psychology, Fourth Edition, James S. NairneChapter 1
D.What do psychologists do? Theprofession1. Many specializations within the profession
2. Three main types:a. Clinical psychologists: Diagnosing and treating
psychological problems Clinics, private practice, hospitals
Psychiatrists: Medical doctors specializing in psychologicalproblems
Counseling psychologists Focus on specific adjustment issues, e.g., marriage
problems
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Psychology, Fourth Edition, James S. NairneChapter 1
b. Applied Psychologists: Not involved withpsychological disorders Mai n focus:
Applying psychology to practical problems inthe real world
Ex ample s: School psychologists Industrial/organizational psychologists Human factors psychologists
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Psychology, Fourth Edition, James S. NairneChapter 1
II. Psychological Thought: A Brief History
A. The Mind & B ody1. R. Descartes:
Mind & B ody are two separate entitiesMind controls body through pinealglandHis approach
cannot bestudiedscientifically
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Psychology, Fourth Edition, James S. NairneChapter 1
2. Psychologists today:a. Mind & B ody are one and the sameb. Mind arises from brain activity
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Psychology, Fourth Edition, James S. NairneChapter 1
B. Nature vs. Nurture: Where Does Knowledge
Come From?1. Key question: To what degree are weshaped by innate/inherited tendencies(genes) and environment?
2 .I. Kant & Nativism: Philosophical positionthat argues that babies are born with knowingcertain things (innate)i. B abies have an inborn mental structureii. Darwin - Natural selection for certain
inborn adaptive traits
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Psychology, Fourth Edition, James S. NairneChapter 1
3 . The Modern View: Nature Via Nurture
a. Many characteristics do have a geneticcomponent
i. Examples: Intelligence, personality
b. Experience shapes how thesecharacteristics developi. Example: Educational experiences
We recognize that:
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Psychology, Fourth Edition, James S. NairneChapter 1
C. The First Psychology Laboratory1. 1879, University of Lepzig2. Wilhelm Wundt
Philosophy professor with backgroundin physiology
Advocated scientific techniques for studying mental processes
Main focus: Immediate consciousexperience
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C. Early Schools of Thought
1. Structuralisma. Key figures: Wundt, Edward Titchener
b. Analyze elements of sensations and feelingsi. Example: Sensation of taste is made up of
salty, bitter, sour, and sweet
c. Technique: Systematic introspection
d. Self-report by trained individuals
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FunctionalismWilliam James, James Rowland AngellUnderstand mental processes byunderstanding the goal or purpose of those
processes Example: What is the goal or purpose of
memory?Greatly influenced by work of Darwin
Adaptive value of mental processes
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Psychology, Fourth Edition, James S. NairneChapter 1
BehaviorismJohn B . Watson, B . F. Skinner Problems with introspection: Cannot directly observe mental events Subjective, varies by individualSolution: Focus only on observable behavior in carefully controlled experiments
Special emphasis on animal behavior
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Psychology, Fourth Edition, James S. NairneChapter 1
Sigmund FreudTrained as a medical doctor in ViennaObservation: Some physical problems havepsychological causesEstablished early methods for treatingpsychological disorders
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Psychology, Fourth Edition, James S. NairneChapter 1
Solving Problems with the Adaptive MindB ehavior is multiply determined, butpurposefulFocus on the adaptive mind brings relevance
to abstract topics Example: Attribution theory Think: When do you need to interpret the
behavior of others?
Also: Critical thinking How does a topic relate to an actual
survival or practical problem?
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Psychology, Fourth Edition, James S. NairneChapter 1
Whats it For?
Goal: Survive in your environmentMental processes contribute to survivalSolving adaptive problems = Find a way to
meet challenges to survival Example: How do you recognize and avoiddanger?
Understanding purpose of processes leads to
better understanding of those processes
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Psychology, Fourth Edition, James S. NairneChapter 1
Humanistic PsychologyCriticisms of Freudian psychology: Dark, pessimistic view of human nature Dismisses free will, potential for growthHumanistic psychology: Abraham Maslow, Carl Rogers Humans have great potential for growth
Therapists should encourage this throughnonjudgmental support
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Freuds IdeasPsychoanalysis: Freuds theory of how themind works and how to address disordersPsychological problems solved throughinsightUnconscious mind Conflicts, memories outside of awareness
Many psychological problems arise fromchildhood experiences
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