Psychology Lecture Notes

Introduction

• Presenter's Background: Bachelor of Psychological Science from the University of New South Wales, top-ranked globally.
• Lecture Goals: Cover core concepts, key theories, and real-life applications of psychology.
• Approach: Utilizing personal university notes.

Psychology Overview

• Definition: Study of how humans think, feel, and behave.
• Main Approaches:
  1. Biological Approach: Links behavior to brain functions, neurotransmitters, genetics.
     • Example: Depression linked to low serotonin levels.
  2. Cognitive Approach: Focuses on thinking patterns, memory, problem-solving.
     • Example: Depression linked to negative thought patterns.
  3. Behavioral Approach: Focuses on learning and environmental influences.
     • Example: Pavlov's conditioning experiments.
  4. Psychodynamic Approach: Freud's theory on unconscious desires and childhood experiences.
  5. Humanistic Approach: Emphasizes self-growth, free will, personal potential.

Research Methods and Scientific Method

• Research Methods: Experiments, correlational studies.
• Scientific Method: Form hypothesis, test, analyze data, draw conclusions, share findings.
• Importance: Background research and replication in supporting hypotheses.

Biological Basis of Behavior

• Brain Structure:
  • Frontal Lobe: Decision making, planning, personality.
  • Parietal Lobe: Processes touch and sensory information.
  • Temporal Lobe: Hearing and memory.
  • Occipital Lobe: Processes visual information.
• Key Structures:
  • Hippocampus: Memory formation.
  • Amygdala: Regulates fear and anger.
  • Hypothalamus: Regulates hunger, thirst, hormones.
• Nervous Systems:
  • Central Nervous System: Brain and spinal cord.
  • Peripheral Nervous System: Connects CNS to the body.
  • Autonomic Nervous System:
    • Sympathetic: Activates 'fight or flight' responses.
    • Parasympathetic: Restores calm after danger.

Neurotransmitters

• Dopamine: Motivation and reward.
• Serotonin: Mood regulation.
• GABA: Calms the brain.
• Acetylcholine: Learning and memory.

Developmental Psychology

• Overview: Human growth and change across lifespan.
• Stages of Development: Erikson's psychosocial development.
• Attachment Styles: Secure, avoidant, anxious attachments.
• Nature vs. Nurture: Genetics vs. environment influences.

Cognitive Psychology

• Focus: Perception, thinking, memory.
• Memory Types:
  • Short-term: 10-30 seconds.
  • Working Memory: Short-term processing tasks like math.
  • Long-term: Conscious facts, events, skills, and habits.
• Forgetting: Ebbinghaus's forgetting curve, primacy, recency effects.
• Problem Solving:
  • Algorithms: Step-by-step logical methods.
  • Heuristics: Mental shortcuts.

Social Psychology

• Group Dynamics: Behavior in groups, conformity, obedience.
• Prejudice and Stereotypes: Negative group biases, oversimplified beliefs.
• Attribution Theories: Interpreting behaviors internally or externally.
• Social Influence: Reciprocity, scarcity, authority effects.

Personality Psychology

• Freud’s Psychoanalytic Theory: ID, ego, superego.
• Trait Theories: Big Five personality traits (OCEAN).
• Humanistic Theory: Unconditional positive regard, Maslow's hierarchy.

Conclusion

• Real-World Application: Importance of practical experience beyond academic study.
• Advice for Psychology Students: Consider career goals in psychology before pursuing academic paths.
• Sponsor: Promotion of Better Help therapy platform.