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Module 1 - Introduction to Psychology
Definition
Psychology is the scientific study of behavior and mental processes.
Topics of interest to psychologists include the nervous system, sensation and perception,
learning and memory, intelligence, language, thought, growth and development,
personality stress and health, psychological disorders, ways of treating those disorders,
sexual behavior, and the behavior of people in social settings.
Greek words – psyche “life” & logos “explain”
Three important key points to remember and understand when defining and learning
psychology:
1. Science - Is psychology a science? Let us define science and relate it to
psychology. Science is a body of systematized knowledge gathered by carefully
observing and measuring events, sometimes, but not necessarily, in experiments
set up by the scientist to produce the events that are being studied. Psychology is
a science because it gathers data systematically, organizes them into general
principles and formulates theories out of these factual data.
2. Behavior - Since Psychology studies behavior, we must define behavior as well,
another key point when studying psychology. Behavior is everything that we do
that can be directly observed. Behavior includes feelings, attitudes and mental
processes (all internal events that cannot be directly observed), for ways had been
found to measure these processes through what people report and how they react
to certain problems and situations. Behavior is any response made by, or any
activity of the organism (human or animal). Psychologist systematically observes
animal as well as human behavior
3. Mental Process - covert behaviors which refer to a wide range of activities such as
thoughts, feelings and motives emotions that each of us experiences privately but
cannot be observed directly. Mental processes must be supported by observable
behavior. Psychologists are careful in distinguishing behavior from inferences
about behavior.
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Goals of Psychology
It seeks to describe, explain, predict and control the events it studies.
To Describe:
Description of behavior involves classifications of psychological data into categories or
groupings.
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Qualitative Classification is based on similarities of qualities that are common.
Quantitative Classification is based on variable characteristics that can be
measured, for example, “Genius” based on intelligence quotient.
Psychology is a science. It aims to understand the behavior of others and gather
information about the way the brain works in order to better serve humanity. By
observing different human behaviors, psychologists determine what is normal and
healthy and what is unhealthy. Psychology analyzes the thoughts, feelings, actions and
goals of people through the help of various case studies, observations and surveys.
Once psychologists can describe a behavior or phenomenon, they can use that as a
basis for learning more about that behavior.
To Explain and Understand:
Understanding involves assembling the known facts about behavior, gaining insights
into the relationships among observable behaviors and deriving principles and models
that will explain behavior. These can be called as theories.
Theories are Explanatory tools and they serve to integrate and systematize knowledge.
Theories formulate new assumptions or hypotheses which can be tested
experimentally. Note: Theories are always subject to change.
Why does this behavior occur? Under what circumstances will it occur again? In order
to explain a behavior, psychologists must conduct experiments to ensure that the
behavior is not an anomaly. If there’s only one person (or animal) exhibiting this
behavior, it certainly isn’t a cultural norm.
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To Predict:
Rely on a variety of techniques like using past performances. Based on past observed
behavior, a psychologist aims to predict how that behavior will appear again in the future
and if other people will exhibit the same behavior.
To Control:
It goes hand-in-hand with prediction. If psychologists can predict the occurrence of a
mental disorder by using psychological test, it will be logical for them to try to prevent
the disorder from occurring. If we can predict the occurrence of the phenomenon
because certain conditions exist, then we can prevent (control) its occurrence by
changing the conditions. Conversely, if we can predict the occurrence of a behavior
because conditions exist, then we can produce the behavior by creating the necessary
conditions. Psychologists often apply their understanding of human behavior to the
solution of real problems like reducing the crime rate and improving educational
techniques, like treating persons with mental disorders and emotional problems.
Relationship of Psychology to other Sciences
Psychology took so long to emerge as a scientific discipline because it needed time to
consolidate. Understanding behavior, thoughts and feelings is not easy, which may
explain why it was largely ignored between ancient Greek times and the 16th century. But
tired of years of speculation, theory and argument, and bearing in mind Aristotle's plea
for scientific investigation to support theory, psychology as a scientific discipline began to
emerge in the late 1800's. Despite how psychology has evolved into the science that it is
now. A lot of studies have been made with a correlating factor from other sciences.
Studying behavior can include different areas where these sciences may be able to
benefit from and so will psychology.
Psychology and Anthropology
Anthropology is the study of humans past and present. It is concerned with the social
problems of primitive man and their culture, tradition, customs, and manners.
Anthropologists assist psychologists in understanding the influences of the environment
on the behavior of individuals.
Psychology and Biology
Biology is the study of life and living organisms, including their structure, function, growth,
evolution, distribution, and taxonomy. In the study of emotions, a knowledge of the activity
of the glands and parts of the brain and function of each is required.
Psychology and Chemistry
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Chemistry is the study of the composition, structure, properties and change of matter.
Some forms of behavior disorders and mental disorders can be explained in terms of body
chemistry and psychopharmacology. “Study of the effects of drugs and poisons on
psychological functions”.
Psychology and Psychiatry
Psychiatry is the study of diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental disorders.
Psychiatrists are medical doctors or physicians who specialize in the prevention,
diagnosis, and treatment of mild and severe mental disorders. Psychiatrists hold an M.D.
degree from a school of medicine. Psychologists do not hold an M.D. degree.
Psychologists are not licensed to prescribe drugs, perform surgery or use treatment that
is restricted to medical men by law.
Psychology and Sociology
Sociology is the scientific study of human social behavior and its origins, development,
organizations, and institutions. Psychologist focuses primarily on the individual while
Sociologists focus primarily on the group. Gathering data from sociological studies such
as the growth and shifts of population, urban and rural living, voting trends, delinquency
and crime contribute to the understanding of the behavior of the individual.
Psychology as a Behavioral or as a Social Science
Psychology may be referred to as behavioral science when the discussion emphasizes
the individual and as social science when the emphasis is on the groups & individuals'
interaction.
Areas of Specialization / Fields of Psychology
The world of psychology is vast, with many potential career paths to choose from. The
most common specializations in the broad view of psychology include that of
psychologist, social worker, counselor and therapist. There are then numerous
specializations under those four umbrellas. Choosing one of the four paths, then choosing
a specialization, can be a daunting task. This lesson will help us better understand what
lies in the different fields of specialization so we would be able to know that specifically
there are things that will help us accomplish certain areas we would like as professionals
to focus on.
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Clinical Psychology is the most widely practiced specialization. It involves
diagnosing and treating people with psychological problems. Clinical psychologists
should not be confused with psychiatrists who are medical doctors and may,
therefore, prescribe drugs for their patients.
Counseling Psychology (Guidance Counselors) is an outgrowth of clinical
psychology. The counseling psychologists deal with such problems as choosing,
parent-child relationships, love and marriage. Counseling Psychologists foster and
improve normal human functioning across the life span by helping people solve
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problems, make the decisions, and cope with the stresses of everyday life.
Personality is what makes a person unique.
Psychometrics and Quantitative Psychology is a field that involves measurement
and evaluation of individual as well as group behavior and the application of
mathematical procedures to psychological problems. Psychometrician may revise
old intelligence, personality and aptitude tests or devise new one.
Experimental psychologist is a general title applied to a diverse group of
psychologists who conduct research on and often teach about a variety of basic
behavioral processes. Experimental psychologists study the basic processes by
which humans take in, store, retrieve, express and apply knowledge.
Comparative Psychology (zoological/animal) investigate the similarities and
differences among the different species of animals to develop a more
comprehensive understanding of the complexity of behavior of humans.
Social psychology studies how our beliefs, feelings, and behaviors are affected by
the presence of another person. Some topics of interest to social psychologists are
attitude formation and change, aggression, prejudice, and interpersonal attraction.
Environmental Psychology is a subfield of industrial psychology, this area studies
the effects of the physical, temporal, and social-psychological conditions of work
on the worker. Environmental psychologists are concerned with relations between
psychological processes and physical environments. These environments range
from homes and offices to urban areas and regions.
Developmental Psychology (Genetics) is the study of human development across
the lifespan, from newborn to aged. It studies all aspects of development including
learning, sensation and perception, language, and emotion.
Psychology of Aging (Geropsychology) is the scientific study of human behavior in
old age.
Educational Psychology involves the study of development and the motivational
and emotional aspects of children’s behavior with the end in view of knowing how
learning takes place. Study how people learn and design the methods and
materials used to educate people of all ages.
Forensic Psychology is involved in analyzing crime evidence and aiding law
enforcement agencies in criminal investigations. It deals with legal issues. This
area involves work within legal, judicial, and correctional systems in a variety of
ways.
Sports and Exercise Psychology apply psychological methods and knowledge to
the study and modification of the behavior and mental processes of people
involved in sports. Applies principles of psychology to various fields of sports.
Cognitive Psychology focuses on mental processes. Help you understand
between man and woman. Studies all mental processes (memory, reasoning and
problem solving).
Health Psychology analyzes the health practices. They may design and conduct
programs to help individuals stop smoking, lose weight, manage stress and stay
physically fit.
Industrial/Organizational Psychology applies the methods, facts and principles of
psychology to people at work. Interested in understanding and helping solve
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human relations problems of business and industry. It deals with the improvement
of the efficiency of the employees and the promotion of the welfare of
management.
Consumer Psychology is a subfield of Industrial Psychology whose interests are
in consumers’ reactions to a company’s products or services. They investigate
consumers’ preferences for a particular package design for television
commercials.
Military Psychology deals with debriefing after combat stress.
Career Path in Psychology