Psychology BA – Full Revision Guide: Theories,
Research Methods, Brain Function,
Development, Mental Health & More (Exam
Prep Notes)
1. Introduction to Psychology & Historical
Perspectives
Definition and Scope
Psychology is the scientific study of behavior and mental processes. It encompasses both
observable actions and internal cognitive processes, including thoughts, emotions, and
motivations.
Major Historical Schools of Thought
Structuralism (Wilhelm Wundt, Edward Titchener):
Focus on breaking down mental processes into basic elements
Used introspection as a primary research method
Goal: Identify the structure of consciousness
Functionalism (William James):
Emphasized the adaptive purpose of mental processes
Influenced by Darwin's evolutionary theory
Focus on how mental processes help organisms survive
Behaviorism (John Watson, B.F. Skinner):
Observable behavior as the only valid subject of psychology
Rejected study of consciousness and mental states
Emphasis on learning through conditioning
Humanistic Psychology (Carl Rogers, Abraham Maslow):
, Focus on human potential and self-actualization
Emphasis on free will and personal growth
Reaction against deterministic views of behaviorism and psychoanalysis
Psychoanalysis (Sigmund Freud):
Unconscious mind drives behavior
Childhood experiences shape adult personality
Defense mechanisms protect the ego from anxiety
2. Research Methods and Statistics
Types of Research Designs
Experimental Research:
Independent Variable (IV): What the researcher manipulates
Dependent Variable (DV): What is measured
Control for confounding variables through random assignment
Allows for causal inferences
Correlational Research:
Examines relationships between variables
Correlation does not imply causation
Correlation coefficient ranges from -1.00 to +1.00
Descriptive Research:
Case Studies: In-depth analysis of individual cases
Surveys: Collect data from large samples
Naturalistic Observation: Observe behavior in natural settings
Key Statistical Concepts
Measures of Central Tendency:
Research Methods, Brain Function,
Development, Mental Health & More (Exam
Prep Notes)
1. Introduction to Psychology & Historical
Perspectives
Definition and Scope
Psychology is the scientific study of behavior and mental processes. It encompasses both
observable actions and internal cognitive processes, including thoughts, emotions, and
motivations.
Major Historical Schools of Thought
Structuralism (Wilhelm Wundt, Edward Titchener):
Focus on breaking down mental processes into basic elements
Used introspection as a primary research method
Goal: Identify the structure of consciousness
Functionalism (William James):
Emphasized the adaptive purpose of mental processes
Influenced by Darwin's evolutionary theory
Focus on how mental processes help organisms survive
Behaviorism (John Watson, B.F. Skinner):
Observable behavior as the only valid subject of psychology
Rejected study of consciousness and mental states
Emphasis on learning through conditioning
Humanistic Psychology (Carl Rogers, Abraham Maslow):
, Focus on human potential and self-actualization
Emphasis on free will and personal growth
Reaction against deterministic views of behaviorism and psychoanalysis
Psychoanalysis (Sigmund Freud):
Unconscious mind drives behavior
Childhood experiences shape adult personality
Defense mechanisms protect the ego from anxiety
2. Research Methods and Statistics
Types of Research Designs
Experimental Research:
Independent Variable (IV): What the researcher manipulates
Dependent Variable (DV): What is measured
Control for confounding variables through random assignment
Allows for causal inferences
Correlational Research:
Examines relationships between variables
Correlation does not imply causation
Correlation coefficient ranges from -1.00 to +1.00
Descriptive Research:
Case Studies: In-depth analysis of individual cases
Surveys: Collect data from large samples
Naturalistic Observation: Observe behavior in natural settings
Key Statistical Concepts
Measures of Central Tendency:
