Psyc 111 Chapter 1 Notes

Feb 11
Introduction: What is Psychology?
Science of Mind
 Psychology vs. Psychobabble
o Psychology is empirical-driven science (theories, research, studies,
publications, etc.). The science of behavior and mental processes.
o Psychobabble is not research-driven, think of self-help books based
on anecdotal, poorly constructed case studied.
 Example: is adolescence a time of emotional turmoil? The
research suggested not.
 Does the menstrual cycle dramatically influence moods?
Research is mixed but suggests that most women do not.
 Do women who live together have their periods synchronized?
Research suggests not.
 Dr. Phil is a good example of psychobabble.
 A science of behavior
o Is it simply common sense?

Knowledge of Psychology Test
 All statements hold false.
 ED Vaughn published this in the 70s and more recently, Berry Kuhle looked at
it again and collected data in his classes. 80% of the students had at least 5
misconceptions. The misconception served as indicators as to how well
students would do in the class. (the more misconceptions the students held,
the worse they did).
o Take away: stay open-minded and approach the world skepticism.

Major Theoretical Perspectives:
 Biological
o We think or feel the way we do is because of our genetics (how the
brain physically works)
o Example: families having the same behaviors: nature or nurture?
 Psychodynamic
o Freud: father of psychodynamic perspective
 Cognitive
o Example: Stroop test
 Social-cultural
o Froster ferry religion in Meika use Marry Wona as a sacrament: allow
kids smoking in church
o Women breastfeeding in public: New Guinea don’t sexualize breast
 Behavioral (Learning)

We are not all clinicians!
 Developmental

, o Change over the life span, social, emotional, cognitive, and physical
domains
 Experimental Cognitive
o Often do laboratory research on how people think, reason, problem-
solve, remember, pay attention
 Educational
o Study questions related to question
o Example: designing the educational test, achievement test, personality
test, classroom structure
 Industrial-Organizational
o Business and industry
o Example: absenteeism, sexual harassment
 Psychometric
o Design test
 Social
o The contact with others: attraction, crowd reaction
 Behavioral neuroscience
 Neuro behavioral: how the brain affects behavior

Research
 Precision
o Theory
 A scientific theory is a foundation upon which we construct our
research. They explain in detail and predict potential
outcomes. Theories are ways to explain behavior that can then
be tested with empirical research.
 an explanation using an integrated set of principles that
organizes observations and predicts behaviors or events.
o Hypotheses
 What you expect to find when you do research (a prediction).
o Operational definitions
 (Also called empirical definitions).
 Definitions that are precise.
 Explanations of the phenomenon that you’re studying.
 Freudian fixation: lacking operational definition.
 Example of poor operational definitions: Freudian Fixation,
colic babies.
 Skepticism
o Media
 Reliance on empirical evidence
o Solid study with a significant finding and a decent sample
o anecdotal evidence: not reliable
 Predictions must be “testable”
o Paranormal psychology or parapsychology