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Psychology 101: Introduction to Psychology. What is it?. It is the study of the brain and all of its capabilities and deficiencies There are many areas of psychology and many aspects associated with its study
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What is it? • It is the study of the brain and all of its capabilities and deficiencies • There are many areas of psychology and many aspects associated with its study • It is associated with scientific study and research where conclusions are be drawn and shared for greater understanding
Mental (cognitive) processes Psychology is the scientific study of Behaviour More specifically…. • Psychology is the study of behaviour and mental processes • Includes the study of both humans and animals
What do psychologists do? • Help people with problems • Measure and test • Teach • SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH • Consult for solutions
WHAT ARE MENTAL PROCESSES? • Memory • Creativity • Imagination • Belief • Reasoning • Perception • Emotion
Personally useful psychological knowledge Ability to think critically about psychological topics I feel I may like this course IT Practically useful knowledge pertaining to people and their mysterious ways Can improve people’s lives Addresses important questions WHY IS PSYCHOLOGY IMPORTANT?
Some psychological research topics: • origins of stereotypes (development of language • causes of Alzheimer’s disease • accuracy of eyewitness testimony • personality & musical preference • treatment of eating disorders • causes of romantic love • Overlap with other disciplines are normal
The Fields of Psychology • Developmental Psychology • Physiological Psychology • Experimental Psychology • Personality Psychology • Clinical and Counseling Psychology • Social Psychology • Industrial and Organizational Psychology
Developmental Psychology • Study of physical and mental growth from birth to old age • Subfields • Child psychology • Adolescent psychology • Life-span psychology
Physiological Psychology • Investigates the biological basis of human behavior • Neurotransmitters (messages in the brain) • Effects of drugs on the nervous system • Development of the nervous system • Gender differences in brain structure and function
Experimental Psychology • Perform experiments on basic psychological processes • Learning • Memory • Sensation and perception • Cognition • Motivation • Emotion
Personality Psychology • Study of how people differ from one another on traits such as • Anxiety • Sociability • Self-esteem • Need for achievement • Aggressiveness
Clinical and Counseling Psychology • Clinical psychologists are concerned with diagnosis and treatment of psychological disorders and mental health issues. • Counseling psychologists deal with “normal” problems, such as stress caused by career change or marital problems
Social Psychology • Study of how people influence one another • Topics include: • First impressions • Interpersonal attraction • Attitude formation • Prejudice • Behavior in a group
Industrial and Organizational Psychology • Study of psychological principles in industry and business • Examples • Selecting and training personnel • Productivity improvement • Working conditions • Impact of automation on workers
Health Psychology • Physical and mental health • Health psychology • Explores relationship between psychological factors and physical ailments or disease
Clinics • Schools • Colleges • Businesses • Laboratories • Government agencies • Nasa • CIA/Secret Service Where do psychologists work?
Now, lets see it.. • Bobo Doll • Milgram • Big Bang Theory • Conditioning