Prologue

Psychology 8th ed. David G. Myers

Meaning of Psychology

Psyche• Greek origins• Meaning “breath of

life” • Translated as

“Mind”

Logos• Meaning

“knowledge”

Defining Psychology• The most common definition: The study of

human and animal behavior and mental processes– Behavior=any action or activity– Mental process=thinking, learning, memories, day

dreaming, etc.

• The definition has evolved over the past 150 years.

Roots of Psychology• Began with Wilhelm Wundt

– Philosopher and Physiologist– Opened first lab to study psych in 1879– Used introspection to study his subjects

• 1890’s-1920 - Structuralism– Mind/mental process was the main area

of focus– Studied the unobservable– Sigmund Freud , Jean Piaget

• 1920-1960 - Functionalism– Studying Behaviors became the main

area of focus– Studied observable actions and

behaviors– John Watson, B.F. Skinner

• 1960s-present – Behavior and Mental process became

popular– Carl Rogers, Abraham Maslow

Research

• Basic Research– Used to gain knowledge– Example: Studying the effects of concussions

• Applied Research– Practical knowledge, solve problems– Example: How to boost work production in a

factory

Perspectives(Sub-Fields)

• Different approaches to studying psychology

• Psychologists tend to study from one perspective or develop their own using ideas from many

• Some perspectives contradict each other

• Not all will fit a given situation/topic

Biological/Neuroscience

• Also known as Biopsychological

• Viewed in terms of biological response

• Brain, chemicals, neurotransmitters

• Example: Lack of serotonin in the brain

Evolutionary• Genes that have been

passed on from our ancestors that have promoted survival of the species

• Example: Fear of bugs, heights, etc in order to survive

Perspectives/Sub-Fields

Behavior Genetics• Product of a combination

of genetics and environment

• Genetic predisposition and environmental factors

• Example: Parents may have depression plus you may be living in poverty

Psychodynamic/Psychoanalytic

• Behaviors come from unconscious drives, conflicts, impulses and desires

• Unaware/below the surface

• Example: Abused as a young child, don’t remember it but it is affects them/maybe has a fear of men and don’t know why

Behavioral• Viewed as a product

of a learned response• Example: Learned if

they act sad people will give them attention

Cognitive• Product of internal

thought process• Internal dialogue• Example: Telling your

self that you are worthless and that no one likes you

Social-Cultural• Product of

social/cultural pressure and expectations

• Example: Not meeting the expectations of your social/cultural group – being married with children by 30 or marrying someone of a different religion