The Approaches and Methods of Psychology Part 1

Unit 1: Chapters 1 and 2

Key Questions:

• How do we study the mind?
• Are today’s approaches to psychology adequate?

Approaches to Psychology

• Psychology: The scientific study of human and animal behavior and mental processes.
• Theory: A general framework or idea for scientific study.
• Cognition: Mental processes involved in acquiring knowledge.

Major Psychological Approaches:

• Psychoanalysis
  • Developed by Freud.
  • Focuses on unconscious determinants of behavior.
  • Explains personality, motivation, and mental disorders.
• Humanistic Approach
  • Stresses human freedom and personal growth.
• (Neuro)biological Approach
  • Views behavior as a result of nervous system functions and biology.
• Behavioral Approach
  • Stresses observable events.
• Sociocultural Approach
  • Behavior influenced by social group rules and expectations.
• Evolutionary Approach
  • Examines behavior in terms of its adaptive value over time.

Psychologists vs. Psychiatrists

• Psychologist: Specializes in mental problems and disorders (PhD or EdD).
• Psychiatrist: Medical doctor, can prescribe medication (MD).

The Goals of Psychology

• Describe: Gather information about behavior.
• Explain: Understand why behaviors occur.
• Predict: Use knowledge to predict outcomes.
• Influence: Apply research findings to solve problems.

Basic Science vs. Applied Science

• Basic Science: Research for the sake of knowledge.
• Applied Science: Use of research findings to solve practical problems.

Philosophical Roots of Psychology

• Aristotle: Psyche as the essence of life.
• Influential Figures: Wilhelm Wundt, William James, Sigmund Freud, John B. Watson, Charles Darwin.

Psychology as a Science

• Wilhelm Wundt: Established first psychology lab in 1879, considered Father of Psychology.
• William James: Father of Psychology in the USA, introduced first psychology course at Harvard.

Schools of Thought

• Structuralism (Wundt)
  • Focused on analyzing consciousness into basic elements.
  • Used introspection to observe conscious experience.
• Functionalism (James)
  • Investigated the purpose of consciousness.

Nature vs. Nurture Debate

• Each psychological approach offers a different perspective on this debate.

Notable Contributions to Psychology

• John B. Watson: Founder of Behaviorism, emphasized observable behavior.
• Sigmund Freud: Emphasized unconscious processes in behavior.
• B.F. Skinner: Expanded behaviorism, introduced operant conditioning.
• Humanism: Emphasized human qualities like free will and personal growth.

Cognitive and Biological Perspectives

• Cognitive Psychology: Studies internal mental processes using scientific methods.
• Biological Perspective: Looks at physiological processes and their impact on behavior.

Evolutionary and Sociocultural Psychology

• Evolutionary Psychology: Examines adaptive value of behaviors.
• Sociocultural Approach: Considers the impact of cultural factors on behavior.

Pros and Cons

• Each approach has strengths and weaknesses when isolated.

Eclectic Psychology

• Combines elements from various psychological approaches for a more comprehensive understanding.

Career Paths in Psychology

• Clinical vs. Counseling Psychology: Focus on severe disorders vs. everyday problems.
• Other Areas: Developmental, educational, community, industrial/organizational, forensic, experimental, school, sports psychology, etc.

Conclusion

• Psychology is a diverse field with many approaches, each offering unique insights into human behavior and mental processes.