Chapter 1

The Science of Psychology

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A Little Exercise

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Topics to Explore
1. The Science of Psychology
2. Major Perspectives in Psychology
3. Psychologists & Their Specialties

Part 1
The Science of Psychology

What is Psychology?

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Psychology
- Psyche: Mind
- Logos: Knowledge or study
Definition: The science of behavior and mental processes
- Science: Theories tested with research using scientific
method
- Behavior: Overt; i.e., can be directly observed (crying)
- Mental Processes: Covert; i.e., cannot be directly
observed (remembering)

Scientific Theory

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Scientific Theory: A system of ideas that interrelates facts

and concepts, summarizes existing data, and predicts future
observations
A good theory must be falsifiable; i.e., operationally
defined so that it can be disconfirmed

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Concepts & Operational Definitions

Scientific
Method

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Empiricism

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To measure and describe behaviors

To gather empirical evidence: information gained from
direct observation and measurement
To gather data: observed facts

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Example of Empirical Study

Study by Kenrick &
MacFarlane (1986)
blocking intersection with a stalled
car. Recorded
daily temperature
and number of
times other drivers
honked at the
stalled car.

Part 2
Major Perspectives in Psychology

A Look Back in History:

The Psychodynamic View

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Key Idea: Behavior is directed by forces within ones

personality; forces that are often hidden or unconscious
Emphasizes internal impulses, desires, and conflicts
(especially in the unconscious)
Views behavior as the result of clashing forces within
personality
Has a somewhat negative, pessimistic view of human
nature
Major contributor: Sigmund Freud
We will explore Freuds theory later in the semester

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Sigmund Freud

Perspective 1:
The Biological View

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Key Idea: Behavior is the result of internal physical,

chemical, and biological processes.
Seeks to explain behavior through the activity of the brain
and nervous system, physiology, genetics, the endocrine
system, biochemistry, and evolution
Has a neutral, reductionistic, mechanistic view of human
nature
Some research methods
- Uses brain scans to gather data (CT, MRI, PET)
- Looks at neurotransmitters
- Treats psychological problems with medications

Perspective 2:
The Cognitive View

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Key Idea: Much human behavior can be understood in

terms of the mental processing of information
Concerned with thinking, knowing, perception,
understanding, memory, decision making and judgment
Explains behavior in terms of information processing
Has a neutral, somewhat computer-like view of human
nature.

Perspective 3:
The Behavioral View

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Key Idea: Behavior is shaped and controlled by the

environment.
Emphasizes the study of observable behavior and the
effects of learning
Stresses the influence of external rewards and
punishments
Has a neutral, scientific, mechanistic view of human nature
Major contributors to Behaviorism: Watson and Skinner
- Events in environment Behavior
- Watson studied Little Albert; Skinner studied animals
almost exclusively

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Ivan Pavlov

B. F. Skinner

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Perspective 4:
Sociocultural Approach

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Many thoughts and behaviors are influenced by our

culture.
Psychologists need to be aware of the impact cultural
diversity may have on our behaviors.
What is acceptable in one culture might be unacceptable
in another.
Cultural Relativity: Behavior must be judged relative to the
values of the culture in which it occurs.
Norms: Rules that define acceptable and expected
behavior for members of various groups.

Relative Prominence of
Major Schools of Thought

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Part 3
Psychologists and Their Specialties

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Many Flavors of Therapists

Psychologists: Usually have masters or doctorate.
Trained in methods, knowledge, and theories of psychology.
Psychiatrists: MD; usually use medications to treat
problems. Generally do not have extensive training in
providing talk therapy.
Psychoanalysts: Receive additional training post-Ph.D. or
M.D. at an institute.
Psychiatric Social Workers: Many have masters degrees
and perform psychotherapy. Presently a very popular
profession.
Not all psychologists perform therapy!

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Specialties in Psychology

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Where Psychologists Work

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What Psychologists Do (Primary Activity)

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Psychological Viewpoint Questionnaire

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Psychological Viewpoint Questionnaire

Score Sheet

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