PSYC E -15TODD J. FARCHIONE, PH.D.

TOMMY CHOU, M.A.

Course Introduction

Is Psychology just Common Sense??

“Use your common sense. Whenever you hear the words ‘studies show’ — outside of the natural sciences — and you find that these studies show the opposite of what common sense suggests, be very skeptical. I do not recall ever coming across a valid study that contravened common sense.”

Psychology & Common Sense

Aphorisms: pithy observations that contain a general truth Decision making: “He who hesitates is lost, fools rush

in” Child rearing: “Spare the rod and spoil the child. Beat

your child once a day; if you don’t know why, he does.”Break-out Problem

Common aphorisms for love include: “Birds of a feather flock together” and “Opposites attract”. Which one is it?

Maxims or Myths of Beauty?

Meta-analysis by Langlois et al. (2000)Examined 3 commonly heard maxims holding

that attractiveness either is not or should not be a sig. factor in social interactions or behaviors: 1) Beauty is in the eye of the beholder 2) Never judge a book by its cover 3) Beauty is only skin deep

Course Grading

Idiographic Project September 27th 20%Midterm Examination October 25th 10%Nomothetic Project December 6th 20%Perspective Exercises Throughout term 10%Final Examination December 20th 40%

Perspectives in Psychology

Biological Psychology – Starting with the physiological evaluations conducted by Wilhelm Wundt, we will consider the contribution of modern biological psychology and the role of the brain in human behaviors and experiences.

Psychoanalysis – We will look at the history of psychoanalysis and consider the ways in which the basic tenets of this perspective influence current practices in psychological assessment and treatment.

Behaviorism – As psychoanalysis, and its emphasis on unconscious processes, fell out of favor, behaviorism rose in popularity. Its role in furthering our understanding of human behavior, and the development of effective behavioral treatments, will be explored.

Humanistic – Offers an optimistic outlook on the human condition. Stresses the capacity for growth and is directly linked to movements in research on life satisfaction and positive psychology.

Cognitive – We will take a look at the cognitive revolution, still very much a part of our overarching perspective today. To that end, we will consider current models of the mind.

Evolutionary – Proposes that natural selection has shaped human psychological structures, resulting in certain adaptive fears, preferences, and behavioral tendencies called evolved psychological mechanisms.

Perspectives in Psychology: Timeline

Academic Continuum

Science(numbers)

Humanities(words)