Introduction to Psychology

Psychology: The Science of Behavior and Mental Processes

• Study of behavior and mental processes
• Word 'psychology' derived from Latin, meaning "study of the soul"
• Term coined around the 16th century; formal science established in mid-1800s

Historical Context

• Aristotle: Believed consciousness was in the heart
• Chinese rulers (2000 years ago): Conducted psychological exams
• Persian doctor Muhammad ibn Zakariya al-Rhazes (800s): Early descriptions of mental illness and treatment

Key Questions in Psychology

• What drives human behavior: genetics, environment, unconscious influences, etc.
• Mental illness: definitions and treatment
• Concept of consciousness
• Concept of self

Early Schools of Thought

• Structuralism
  • Founded by Wilhelm Wundt and Edward Bradford Titchener
  • Focused on breaking down mental processes into basic elements
  • Relied on introspection
  • Ultimately seen as too subjective
• Functionalism
  • Founded by William James
  • Focused on the function of mental processes
  • Influenced by Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution
• Psychoanalysis
  • Founded by Sigmund Freud
  • Emphasized the influence of unconscious motives
  • Introduced 'talk therapy' and 'free association'

Sigmund Freud

• Biography: Lived from American Civil War to WWII
• Contributions
  • Impactful theories on childhood, personality, dreams, and sexuality
  • Published influential works including 'The Interpretation of Dreams'
  • His ideas emphasized unconscious mental processes and their impact
  • Recognized the role of talk therapy in treating mental disorders

Behaviorism

• Key Figures: Ivan Pavlov, John B. Watson, B.F. Skinner
• Focus: Observable behavior
• Methods: Conditioning experiments with animals and humans
• Popular until the 1960s

Other Influential Schools of Thought

• Psychodynamic Theories: Focus on the unconscious and early experiences
• Humanist Psychology: Emphasis on personal growth
• Cognitive Science and Neuroscience: Contributions to understanding the mind

Modern Psychology

• Defined as the study of behavior and mental processes
• Integrative science drawing on various historical approaches
• Uses diverse methods to study the human mind

Conclusion

• Psychology is crucial for understanding human behavior and mental processes
• The human mind is considered the most complex object in the universe
• Ongoing exploration in psychology helps to deepen understanding of ourselves and others

Additional Notes

• Next several months will delve deeper into areas of psychology on Crash Course
• Production credits and thanks to contributors