SUMMARY on Psychology 101 Notes

Defining Psychology  The scientific study of the mind, brain, and behavior  Why we do what we do: this is psychology  Why is it important to study human behavior? To understand each other, thoughts, and to have support systems.  How can we use psychology in everyday life? Parenting, workplace, etc… Five Main Challenges of Studying Psychology- the mind, brain, and behavior 1. Human behavior is difficult to predict -Actions are multiply determined – be skeptical of single-variable explanations of behavior Not just one thing (Ex. Depression is caused by multiple factors) 2. Psychological influences are rarely independent -Factors are interrelated -Ex. What could be some causal factors of violence? 3. Individual differences among people – thinking, emotion, personality, and behavior -Ex. Different reactions to the same situation Don’t know how people will react to the situation. 4. People influence one another -Reciprocal determinism – we mutually influence each other's behaviour when you make a decision because it felt right at the time 5. Behaviour is shaped by culture -Ex. Influence of Culture on language