The Basics of Psychology
Psychology: the science of behavior and mental processes
- Directly observable actions
- Internal states and processes
Based on Research
- Systematic gathering of information and conclusions based on data
Very Broad
- Many distinct subfields
Levels of Analysis
- Biological: physiological systems
- Psychological: thoughts, feelings, and motives
- Environmental: past and current physical and social surroundings
Perspectives and Approaches
Biological: behavioral and mental processes are shaped biologically
Evolutionary: emphasizes the inherited, adaptive aspects
- How evolution shaped modern behavior
- Based on natural selection and survival of the fittest
Psychodynamic: our thoughts and behavior reflect mostly unconscious psychological conflicts within us
- Emphasizes the inner workings of our personality and unconscious processes
- People have conflicts between innate, animalistic drives and the rules of society
Behavioral: focus on observable actions and how they’re learned from experiences
- Important Behavioral Concepts
- Classical Conditioning: The environment can shape behavior through association
- Operant Conditioning: behavior is shaped by a reward and punishment sequence
- Social Learning: behavior is learning through observing others
Cognitive: examines the nature of the mind and how mental processes influence behavior
Humanistic: views people as inherently good
- Focuses on how people strive toward their fullest potential
- Emphasizes free will, a person's growth, and an individual’s unique perceptions
- Self-Actualization: the inborn motive to reach one’s potential
Sociocultural Factors: social identification
- Can influence behavior and mental processes
- Examines the influence of society’s environment and cultural learning
- Collectivist vs individualist cultures
- Collectivist: focuses on group goals and social harmony
- Individualist: focuses on individual goals and independence
Psychology: the science of behavior and mental processes
- Directly observable actions
- Internal states and processes
Based on Research
- Systematic gathering of information and conclusions based on data
Very Broad
- Many distinct subfields
Levels of Analysis
- Biological: physiological systems
- Psychological: thoughts, feelings, and motives
- Environmental: past and current physical and social surroundings
Perspectives and Approaches
Biological: behavioral and mental processes are shaped biologically
Evolutionary: emphasizes the inherited, adaptive aspects
- How evolution shaped modern behavior
- Based on natural selection and survival of the fittest
Psychodynamic: our thoughts and behavior reflect mostly unconscious psychological conflicts within us
- Emphasizes the inner workings of our personality and unconscious processes
- People have conflicts between innate, animalistic drives and the rules of society
Behavioral: focus on observable actions and how they’re learned from experiences
- Important Behavioral Concepts
- Classical Conditioning: The environment can shape behavior through association
- Operant Conditioning: behavior is shaped by a reward and punishment sequence
- Social Learning: behavior is learning through observing others
Cognitive: examines the nature of the mind and how mental processes influence behavior
Humanistic: views people as inherently good
- Focuses on how people strive toward their fullest potential
- Emphasizes free will, a person's growth, and an individual’s unique perceptions
- Self-Actualization: the inborn motive to reach one’s potential
Sociocultural Factors: social identification
- Can influence behavior and mental processes
- Examines the influence of society’s environment and cultural learning
- Collectivist vs individualist cultures
- Collectivist: focuses on group goals and social harmony
- Individualist: focuses on individual goals and independence
