Topic 1 - The Science of Psychology vUWS€¦ · 21/02/16 1 Topic 1 - Introduction to the Science of Psychology 1.1 Definition of psychology the scientific study of behaviour and

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Topic 1 - Introduction to the Science of Psychology

1.1 Definition of psychology

the scientific study of behaviour and the mind

What is the ‘fundamental problem’ of psychology?

1.2 The science of psychology Be sceptical Goals of Psychology

1.3 Psychological perspectives for understanding human behaviour Different ways of understanding behaviour Levels of Analysis Framework

101557 The Individual in Society -The Science of Psychology

101557 The Individual in Society – – The Science of Psychology

1.1 – Definition of Psychology

We can start off by working out what this symbol means.

This is the Greek letter psi

It is the symbol for Psychology

It literally means ‘mind’ (psyche)


‘…ology’ means ‘knowledge of’ or ‘understanding of’ or ‘study of’

Therefore, psych + ology literally means ‘study of the mind’ or ‘knowledge of the mind’ or ‘understanding of the mind’.

But there is a problem with this definition.

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•  If I tell you that there is no problem with:

–  ‘study of …’ or –  ‘knowledge of …’ or –  ‘understanding of …’

•  What is the problem with the definition?


•  The problem is the ‘mind’ …

•  What is ‘mind’?

•  We have to be a bit more precise …


•  Passer, Smith and Norris (2016, p. 6)* states:

Psychology is the scientific study of behaviour and the mind

The emphases are mine – key terms in the definition.

•  2nd edition (2013) p. 4 •  1st edition (2010) p. 2

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•  Behaviour:

“… actions and responses that we can directly observe …” (Passer, Smith & Nolan, 2006, p. 6)

These are behaviours we can:

record, describe, count, graph etc.

What are some of these behaviours?


•  Mind:

“…internal states and processes – such as thoughts and feelings – that cannot be seen directly and must be inferred from observable, measurable responses.” (Passer, Smith & Nolan, p. 6)


•  Which brings us to the fundamental problem of psychology?

•  How can we make accurate (valid and reliable) inferences about behaviours we cannot directly observe?

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1.2 The Science of Psychology

•  Psychology is the scientific study of …

•  Here are some stories to help to understand ‘scientific study’ …



Scientific Thinking – Example 1- Clever Hans

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Scientific Thinking – Example 2 - Mind over Matter (1)

Fire Walking


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•  Watch fire walking on the following YouTube video Have these questions in mind while you’re watching: How does the scientist explain fire walking (and not getting burned)? What is the ‘experiment’ the narrator is conducting? How does the motivational speaker explain the ‘science’? Hint – Does he toss out his theory because of contradictory evidence?

Or Does he bend the evidence to fit his theory?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=-W5FRl0qhOM#!



Scientific Thinking – Example 3 - Mind over Matter (2)

Seeing is believing!!

Levitation

•  Watch ‘levitation’ on YouTube

•  You will believe your eyes!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l1I8cLhCcQ4


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Some characteristics of science

•  Uses systematic and careful observations •  Builds theories which are able to be:

–  Tested –  Falsified

•  Adheres to the principle of parsimony –  Prefer the simpler of two competing hypotheses

•  Incorporates an attitude of scepticism –  A doubting, questioning attitude –

weighing of evidence – not all evidence is equal


Goals of Psychology

•  To –  describe how people (and other species) behave –  understand the causes of these behaviours –  predict how people will behave under certain

conditions –  influence behaviour through the control of its causes –  apply psychological knowledge to enhance human

welfare (Passer, Smith & Norris, 2016, p. 11) (Passer & Smith, 2013, p. 9) (Passer & Smith, 2010, p. 4)








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1.3 – Psychological Perspectives (for understanding human behaviour)



•  What advice would you give to someone who wants to know how to have a nice day?

•  Well … it would depend on your perspective.

•  Perspectives are different ways of understanding behaviour


Levels of Analysis Framework

… we are biological creatures living in a complex social world … Behaviour and its causes can be examined at the following levels:

–  Biological – (e.g. brain processes, genetic influences) –  Psychological – (e.g. thoughts, feelings, motivations) –  Environmental – (e.g. past and current physical and

social environments to which we are exposed) (Passer, Smith & Norris, 2016, pp. 13-14; 25-27) (Passer & Smith, 2013, pp. 11-12; 23 –25) (Passer & Smith, 2010, pp. 4 – 5; 18 – 20)

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Textbook pp. 12; 23-25


What advice would you give to someone who wants to know how to have a nice day?

101557 The Individual in Society – Autumn 2011 – The Science of Psychology

What advice would you give to someone who wants to know how to study effectively? It depends on your perspective. How can you apply ‘levels of analysis’?

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Levels of Analysis Applied to Learning & Study

Biological Level •  Healthy lifestyle:

•  Sleep •  Diet •  Exercise •  Stress management

Social/Environmental Level •  Social supports •  Cultural / social norms

related to studying and learning

•  Past experiences of study and learning

•  Learning from others

Psychological Level •  Memory factors:

•  Depth of processing •  Spaced practice •  Recall vs recognition

•  ‘Premack’s Principle’ •  Time-management skills



•  So …

•  Psychology is about studying and understanding human behaviour (directly observed and inferred).

•  Guess what?

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Topic 1 - The Science of Psychology vUWS€¦ · 21/02/16 1 Topic 1 - Introduction to the Science of Psychology 1.1 Definition of psychology the scientific study of behaviour and