Overview
This lecture introduces the field of psychology, outlines its history, key schools of thought, and the different perspectives and subfields within modern psychology.
Introduction to Psychology
- Psychology is the scientific study of behavior and mental processes (the psychological triad: behaviors, thoughts, feelings).
- Psychology aims to correct misconceptions and emphasizes its foundation as a science.
- Scientific thinking in psychology involves skepticism, open-mindedness, and humility.
Scientific Attitude & Critical Thinking
- A scientific attitude includes skepticism (not cynicism), open-mindedness, and humility about knowledge.
- Scientists "follow the data," accepting results even if they contradict expectations.
- Critical thinking involves questioning sources, evidence, agendas, and considering alternative explanations.
Historical Roots of Psychology
- Psychology emerged from the intersection of philosophy (mind, thought) and physiology (body, biology).
- Aristotle introduced theories on sensation, perception, and types of souls (tripartite theory).
- Dualism (mind and body are separate) vs. monism (mind and body are one, with mental processes as brain byproducts).
- Descartes’ Cartesian dualism argued mind and body interact and influence each other.
Pioneers and Early Schools
- Wilhelm Wundt is considered the founder of psychology, establishing the first psychology lab in 1879.
- Structuralism, led by Edward Titchener, used introspection to analyze conscious experience but lacked objectivity.
- William James, influenced by evolutionary theory, founded functionalism, focusing on the purpose and adaptation of behaviors.
Key Contributors and Diversity
- Mary Whiton Calkins completed but was denied a PhD due to her gender; contributed memory research.
- Margaret Floy Washburn was the first woman to earn a psychology PhD, researching animal behavior.
- Francis Sumner was the first Black American male to earn a psychology PhD, studying race and bias.
Major Schools of Thought
- Psychoanalysis (Freud): Focused on unconscious processes and childhood experiences.
- Behaviorism (Watson, Skinner): Emphasized observable behavior and environmental stimuli.
- Humanistic psychology (Rogers, Maslow): Emphasized conscious experience, personal growth, and self-actualization.
- Cognitive Revolution: Renewed focus on scientific study of internal mental states like memory and thinking.
Contemporary Perspectives and Subfields
- Psychology studies cultural (cross-cultural psychology) and gender influences on behavior.
- Positive psychology scientifically studies human strengths and flourishing (Seligman, Csikszentmihalyi).
- The biopsychosocial approach integrates biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors.
- Perspectives include cognitive, biological, behavioral, psychodynamic, and more.
- Subfields are divided into basic research (e.g., cognitive, developmental) and applied research (e.g., clinical, educational).
Key Terms & Definitions
- Behavior — Observable actions of an organism.
- Mental Processes — Internal, subjective experiences (thoughts, feelings).
- Dualism — The view that mind and body are separate entities.
- Monism — The belief that mind and body are a single substance.
- Structuralism — School focused on analyzing the structure of conscious experience.
- Functionalism — School focused on the function and adaptation of behavior.
- Psychoanalysis — Approach emphasizing the unconscious mind.
- Behaviorism — School focusing on observable behavior only.
- Humanistic Psychology — Approach emphasizing personal growth and conscious experience.
- Biopsychosocial Approach — Integrates biological, psychological, and sociocultural levels of analysis.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Watch the “Back to the Future” video clip on Moodle relating to scientific attitude.
- Read Module 1 in the Myers textbook.
- Reflect on your beliefs about the mind-body problem.
- Review the online article and associated research links about Generation Z and technology.