Lecture Notes on Psychology 101: Module 1

Introduction to Psychology

• Definition of Psychology: The scientific study of behavior and mental processes.
• Goals of Psychology:
  • Describe behavior
  • Understand behavior
  • Predict behavior
  • Control or change behavior

Historical Perspectives in Psychology

• Structuralism: Early school of thought promoted by Wundt and Titchener; used introspection to reveal the structure of the human mind.
• Functionalism: Influenced by Darwin, focused on how mental and behavioral processes function.
• Psychoanalysis: Founded by Freud, emphasizes the influence of the unconscious mind on behavior.
• Behaviorism: Focuses on observing and controlling behavior through conditioning.
• Humanism: Emphasizes the potential for good that is innate to all humans.
• Cognitive Psychology: Studies mental processes including how people think, perceive, remember, and learn.

Modern Perspectives in Psychology

• Biological: Focuses on the genetic and biological processes that underlie behavior.
• Cognitive: Examines internal mental processes such as problem solving, memory, and language.
• Behavioral: Studies the effects of the environment on observable behavior.
• Social-cultural: Examines how social and cultural environments influence behavior.
• Evolutionary: Considers how the natural selection of traits promotes the perpetuation of one's genes.

Research Methods in Psychology

• Descriptive Research: Observing and describing behavior, often through case studies, surveys, or naturalistic observation.
• Correlational Research: Measuring the relationship between two variables; does not imply causation.
• Experimental Research: Involves manipulating one variable to determine if changes in one variable cause changes in another variable.

Important Psychologists

• Wilhelm Wundt: Considered the father of psychology; established the first psychology laboratory.
• William James: Prominent functionalist; wrote 'The Principles of Psychology'.
• Sigmund Freud: Founder of psychoanalysis, influential in the field of psychology.
• B.F. Skinner: Leading behaviorist, studied operant conditioning.
• Carl Rogers: Humanistic psychologist, developed client-centered therapy.

Conclusion

• Psychology is a diverse field with various perspectives and approaches.
• Understanding behavior and mental processes can lead to improving human wellbeing.
• Ongoing research and technological advances continue to shape the understanding of psychology.