Lecture Notes: Chapter 2 - Science and Psychology

Overview

• Focus on psychological science and philosophy of science.
• Questions the ability of science to answer all questions about humanity and biology.
• Discussion on the interconnection between mind and body.

Key Topics

Philosophy of Science

• Science should be applicable across all fields.
• Questions the capability of science in answering every question.

Stress and the Mind-Body Connection

• Stress affects the body, causing inflammation and immune system issues.
• Mind and body are interconnected, not separate entities.

Exam and Group Project Information

• Group Project Requirements:
  • In-person: Proof of communication with teammates (e.g., group chat screenshot).
  • Online: Show preliminary thoughts on assignment.
• Video Project Due: End of semester.
• Exam Discussions: Allowed but answers must not be shared.

Review of Chapter 1

• Functionalism vs. Structuralism

  • Structuralism: Breaking down experiences (e.g., anxiety) into parts.
  • Functionalism: Examines the purpose of experiences like anxiety.

• Medical Model vs. Functionality of Anxiety

  • Medical model validates experiences but may also label unnecessarily.
  • Functionalism views anxiety as having a purpose.

Psychology Schools of Thought

Structuralism

• Breaks down concepts into smaller parts.
• Uses introspection.

Functionalism

• How feelings serve a function in individuals or society.

Gestalt Psychology

• The whole is different from the sum of its parts.

Psychoanalysis

• Focus on the unconscious mind.
• Iceberg metaphor (conscious vs. unconscious).
• Id, Ego, Superego dynamics.

Behaviorism

• Focus on observable behaviors.
• Training (conditioning) affects behavior.

Research in Psychology

• Descriptive, Predictive, and Experimental methods.
• Importance of hypotheses and the scientific method.
• Research should describe phenomena before attempting to solve them.

Scientific Method

• Hypothesis generation is crucial.
• Experimentation leads to theory refinement.

Variables and Operational Definitions

Types of Variables

• Independent Variable (IV): Manipulated in experiments.
• Dependent Variable (DV): Measured outcome.

Operational Definitions

• Objective measures for concepts (e.g., happiness, kindness).

Research Designs

Descriptive Research

• Naturalistic Observation: Real-world setting, participation dilemma.
• Case Studies: In-depth examination of a single case.
• Surveys: Collection of data through questionnaires.
• Correlational Studies: Identifying relationships between variables.

Experimental Research

• Manipulate IV to determine causality.
• Strengths: Causality determination.
• Limitations: Subject and experimenter biases, ethics, confounds.

Random Sampling and Assignment

• Random Sampling: Selecting participants randomly from a population.
• Random Assignment: Ensures participants are randomly assigned to experimental/control groups.

Replication Crisis

• Current challenge in science where studies are not replicating.
• Raises questions about the validity and reliability of scientific findings.

Considerations

• Ethical considerations in research (IRB approval).
• Importance of interpreting data with respect to human experience.

Assignments and Activities

• Hypothesis testing on personal beliefs.
• Group activity comparing research frameworks of Mr. Rogers vs. The Joker.

Conclusion

• Encouragement to reflect on scientific methods and insights in the context of real-world applications.