Study guide for psychology 101: foundations, theories, and disorders

Section 1: Foundations of Psychology Evolution of Psychology Psychology is defined as the scientific study of the mind and behavior, exploring how individuals think, feel, and act, both individually and in groups. The three levels of analysis in psychology are: level of brain, level of person, level of group. 1. Level of the Brain: Focuses on biological processes in the brain and nervous system that influence behavior and mental functions. 2. Level of the Person: Examines individual thoughts, emotions, perceptions, and personal experiences that shape behavior. 3. Level of the Group: Explores how social interactions, group dynamics, and cultural influences affect behavior. Schools of Thought in Psychology Humanism: Associated with theorists like Abraham Maslow and Carl Rogers, emphasizes personal growth, self-actualization, and the inherent goodness of humans, focusing on free will and human potential. Gestalt Psychology: Founded by Max Wertheimer, it focuses on perception and how people organize sensory information into meaningful wholes, encapsulated in the phrase 'the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.' Structuralism: Introduced by Wilhelm Wundt, this was the first school of psychology that sought to analyze the structure of the mind by breaking down mental processes into basic components such as sensations and feelings. Functionalism: Developed by William James, it focuses on the functions and purposes of the mind and behavior in helping individuals adapt to their environment, interested in the 'why' of mental processes. Behaviorism: Promoted by John B. Watson and B. F. Skinner, it emphasizes observable behavior and how it is influenced by the environment, rejecting the study of mental processes as unscientific. Psychodynamic Theory: Founded by Sigmund Freud, it emphasizes unconscious drives and early childhood experiences in shaping behavior and personality, introducing concepts like the id, ego, and superego. Types of Psychologists Major types of psychologists include: clinical, academic, counseling, applied, and private sector.