psychology as a science

1. Psychology as a
Science

2. The Goal of Psychology:
Empirical study of human behavior and cognition.
To describe…..
To understand ….
To predict….
To control ….

3. Where and What….
Philosophy
Physiology
+ new ideas
Psychology
How the mind works
How the body works
How the mind and body
influence : feelings,
thoughts, and actions.

4. Early “isms” of Psychology
 Structuralism
– Wilhelm Wundt
– Structure of consciousness [mind]
– Introspection
 Functionalism
– William James
– How consciousness helped us to evolve
– Influenced by Darwinism
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5. Early “isms” of Psychology
 Behaviorism
– John Watson & B.F. Skinner
– Focus only on what is observable
– Narrowed and Extended the field
 Other Influences
– Freud and the unconscious
– Humanistic Psychologist
– Cognitive Revolution and technology
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6. Psychology Today
 Who are
Psychologists?
– Clinicians
– Counselors
– Instructors
– Consultants/Coaches
– Legal/Medical fields
– Schools/Measurement
 What are
Psychologist?
– First and foremost,
psychologists are
investigators.
– Role as problem solver
whether it be disorders or
explain human interaction.

7. Grand Issues of Psychology
 Stability vs. Change
 Nature vs. Nurture
 Rational vs.
Irrational

8. Different Perspective….
Different Questions….
1. Depression
2. Smoking
3. Weight Control
4. Low Productivity