PSYCH1000: CHAPTER 1: THE SCIENCE OF BEHAVIOUR
1. Psych is an empirical science
1. Observation, theory, methodology
2. Testable
2. Psych takes many different approaches to the study of behaviour (theoretically
diverse)
1. functionalism, structuralists, behaviourists
2. How different approaches are similar/different
3. Behaviour is determined by multiple causes
4. Heredity AND environment influence each other and influence behaviour
5. Experience is subjective
6. Psych evolves as society and culture evolves (theories must be fluid)
Explanations of Behaviour: Levels of Analysis
- Biological factors
- neural, hormonal, biochemicals
- Biological mechanisms of what causes behaviour
- Explain with naturally existing things in the body
- Individual/psychological factors
- learning, cognitive processes
- Things going on in someone’s life to cause behaviour
- Learning patterns, how you process info
- Cultural and environmental factors
- Value systems, cultural norms
- What kind of environment brought up (sounds, temperature)
Must understand all three areas to understand human behaviour
The Nature of Psychology
• Scientific study of behaviour & the mind
• Behaviour: directly observable actions + responses
• Mind: internal states & processes (thoughts, feelings) inferred thru measurable responses
• Goals of psych sci: describe, explain, predict, influence behaviour, apply knowledge to
enhance human wellfare
• Basic research: quest for knowledge
• Applied research: application of knowledge from basic research to solve practical problems
Perspectives on Behaviour
• Intellectual roots: philosophy, biology, medecine
• Structuralism: basic components of consciousness
• Cognitive: thinking + decision making
• Functionalism: purposes of consciousness
- significance/function of behaviour (adapt to environment)
- Level: bio, psych
- ex. Neuroscience, ethology (studying animals in their natural environments)
• Psychodynamic perspective: unconscious motives, conflicts, defence mechanisms
- Focus on the unconscious (the “mind”)
- Unresolved conflict deep down & focus on personality
- Level: psych
- Ex. Brief psychodynamic therapy, unconscious processing
1. Psych is an empirical science
1. Observation, theory, methodology
2. Testable
2. Psych takes many different approaches to the study of behaviour (theoretically
diverse)
1. functionalism, structuralists, behaviourists
2. How different approaches are similar/different
3. Behaviour is determined by multiple causes
4. Heredity AND environment influence each other and influence behaviour
5. Experience is subjective
6. Psych evolves as society and culture evolves (theories must be fluid)
Explanations of Behaviour: Levels of Analysis
- Biological factors
- neural, hormonal, biochemicals
- Biological mechanisms of what causes behaviour
- Explain with naturally existing things in the body
- Individual/psychological factors
- learning, cognitive processes
- Things going on in someone’s life to cause behaviour
- Learning patterns, how you process info
- Cultural and environmental factors
- Value systems, cultural norms
- What kind of environment brought up (sounds, temperature)
Must understand all three areas to understand human behaviour
The Nature of Psychology
• Scientific study of behaviour & the mind
• Behaviour: directly observable actions + responses
• Mind: internal states & processes (thoughts, feelings) inferred thru measurable responses
• Goals of psych sci: describe, explain, predict, influence behaviour, apply knowledge to
enhance human wellfare
• Basic research: quest for knowledge
• Applied research: application of knowledge from basic research to solve practical problems
Perspectives on Behaviour
• Intellectual roots: philosophy, biology, medecine
• Structuralism: basic components of consciousness
• Cognitive: thinking + decision making
• Functionalism: purposes of consciousness
- significance/function of behaviour (adapt to environment)
- Level: bio, psych
- ex. Neuroscience, ethology (studying animals in their natural environments)
• Psychodynamic perspective: unconscious motives, conflicts, defence mechanisms
- Focus on the unconscious (the “mind”)
- Unresolved conflict deep down & focus on personality
- Level: psych
- Ex. Brief psychodynamic therapy, unconscious processing
