Overview
This lecture introduces the field of psychology, its definition, major contemporary perspectives, core issues debated in psychology, and how different perspectives explain behaviors like depression and altruism.
Introduction to Psychology
- Psychology is defined in this course as the scientific study of behavior.
- Most psychologists work in teaching and research, not just therapy.
- The scientific method in psychology uses evidence to support or disprove hypotheses.
Scientific Method & Evidence
- Scientific method involves empirical observation and experimentation to test hypotheses.
- Evidence is gathered using the senses.
- Other disciplines may use logic or discernment, but psychology relies on empirical methods.
Scope of Behavior in Psychology
- Behavior includes observable actions, thoughts, and feelings.
- Psychologists study both humans and animals to understand behavior.
Everyday Psychology & Lay Explanations
- Everyone acts as a "lay psychologist," observing and explaining behavior in daily life.
- Personal explanations are influenced by individual worldviews and may change over time.
Core Issues in Psychology
- Determinism vs. Free Will: Are behaviors determined or do we have choice?
- Functionalism vs. Structuralism: Do psychological experiences serve a function or are they studied for their structure?
- Nature vs. Nurture: Are behaviors caused by biology (nature) or environment (nurture)? Most psychologists believe both interact.
Contemporary Perspectives in Psychology
Psychoanalytic (Psychodynamic) Perspective
- Behavior is driven by unconscious needs and instincts (e.g., Freud).
- Explains depression as suppressed anger; altruism as compensation for unconscious selfishness.
Behavioral Perspective
- Behavior is shaped by rewards and punishments.
- Depression can be learned through reinforcement; altruism can be taught through modeling and reward.
Humanistic Perspective
- People are motivated by an innate drive for growth, needing a nurturing environment.
- Depression results from lack of emotional support; altruism is the natural outcome of personal growth.
Cognitive Perspective
- Focuses on thinking, memory, and mental processes.
- Depression stems from irrational or negative thinking; altruism driven by beliefs and values.
Physiological (Biological) Perspective
- Behavior influenced by biology, genetics, or physical state.
- Depression linked to chemical imbalances; altruism may have genetic roots.
Sociocultural Perspective
- Behavior shaped by cultural, social, and environmental context.
- Depression influenced by societal factors; altruism explained by cultural values.
Integrative (Eclectic) Perspective
- Behavior often has multiple simultaneous causes from different perspectives.
- Treatments and explanations are tailored to the individual's needs and context.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Psychology — The scientific study of behavior.
- Scientific Method — Gathering evidence to test hypotheses using observation and experimentation.
- Behavior — Observable actions, thoughts, and feelings.
- Determinism — The view that all behavior has causes that can be predicted.
- Free Will — The belief that we have some control over our actions.
- Functionalism — The idea that psychological features serve a purpose.
- Structuralism — The study of psychological structures for their own sake.
- Nature — Biological or genetic influences on behavior.
- Nurture — Environmental influences on behavior.
- Psychoanalytic/Psychodynamic — Focus on unconscious drives.
- Behavioral — Focus on learned behaviors.
- Humanistic — Focus on personal growth and self-actualization.
- Cognitive — Focus on mental processes and thought patterns.
- Physiological/Biological — Focus on genetics and biological processes.
- Sociocultural — Focus on social and cultural influences.
- Integrative/Eclectic — Combining multiple perspectives in understanding and treating behavior.
- Altruism — Selfless concern for the well-being of others.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Complete the "wowish wonder" assignment.
- Observe your own and others' explanations for behavior; note any patterns.
- Review each psychological perspective and practice matching explanations to them.
- Prepare for next lecture and reach out to the instructor if you have questions.