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1. The Science of Psychology
2. Major Perspectives in Psychology
3. Psychologists & Their Specialties
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Part 1
The Science of Psychology

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• Psychology
Psyche : Mind
Logos : Knowledge or study
• Definition: The science of behavior and mental processes
- Science: Theories tested with research using scientific method
- Behavior: Overt; i.e., can be directly observed (crying)
- Mental Processes: Covert; i.e., cannot be directly observed (remembering)

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• Scientific Theory: A system of ideas that interrelates facts and concepts, summarizes existing data, and predicts future observations
• A good theory must be falsifiable; i.e., operationally defined so that it can be disconfirmed

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Scientific
Method
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• To measure and describe behaviors
• To gather empirical evidence: information gained from direct observation and measurement
• To gather data: observed facts

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Study by Kenrick &
MacFarlane (1986) blocking intersection with a stalled car. Recorded daily temperature and number of times other drivers honked at the stalled car.

A Look Back in History:
The Psychodynamic View
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• Key Idea: Behavior is directed by forces within one’s personality; forces that are often hidden or unconscious
• Emphasizes internal impulses, desires, and conflicts
(especially in the unconscious)
• Views behavior as the result of clashing forces within personality
• Has a somewhat negative, pessimistic view of human nature
• Major contributor: Sigmund Freud
• We will explore Freud’s theory later in the semester

Sigmund Freud
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Perspective 1:
The Biological View
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• Key Idea: Behavior is the result of internal physical, chemical, and biological processes.
• Seeks to explain behavior through the activity of the brain and nervous system, physiology, genetics, the endocrine system, biochemistry, and evolution
• Has a neutral, reductionistic, mechanistic view of human nature
•Some research methods
- Uses brain scans to gather data (CT, MRI, PET)
- Looks at neurotransmitters
- Treats psychological problems with medications

Perspective 2:
The Cognitive View
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• Key Idea: Much human behavior can be understood in terms of the mental processing of information
• Concerned with thinking, knowing, perception, understanding, memory, decision making and judgment
• Explains behavior in terms of information processing
• Has a neutral, somewhat computer-like view of human nature.

Slide 16 of 27 Perspective 3:
The Behavioral View
• Key Idea: Behavior is shaped and controlled by the environment.
• Emphasizes the study of observable behavior and the effects of learning
• Stresses the influence of external rewards and punishments
• Has a neutral, scientific, mechanistic view of human nature
• Major contributors to Behaviorism: Watson and Skinner
- Events in environment  Behavior
- Watson studied Little Albert; Skinner studied animals almost exclusively

Ivan Pavlov
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Slide 19 of 27 Perspective 4:
Sociocultural Approach
• Many thoughts and behaviors are influenced by our culture.
• Psychologists need to be aware of the impact cultural diversity may have on our behaviors.
• What is acceptable in one culture might be unacceptable in another.
• Cultural Relativity: Behavior must be judged relative to the values of the culture in which it occurs.
• Norms: Rules that define acceptable and expected behavior for members of various groups .

Relative Prominence of
Major Schools of Thought
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Part 3
Psychologists and Their Specialties

Many Flavors of Therapists
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• Psychologists : Usually have masters or doctorate.
Trained in methods, knowledge, and theories of psychology.
• Psychiatrists : MD; usually use medications to treat problems. Generally do not have extensive training in providing “talk” therapy.
• Psychoanalysts : Receive additional training post-Ph.D. or
M.D. at an institute.
• Psychiatric Social Workers : Many have masters degrees and perform psychotherapy. Presently a very popular profession.
• Not all psychologists perform therapy!

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What Psychologists Do (Primary Activity)

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Psychological Viewpoint Questionnaire
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Slide 27 of 27 Psychological Viewpoint Questionnaire
Score Sheet
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