Summary Theory test 1: Year 1, module 1
- Chapter 1: The Science of Psychology
- Chapter 3: Sensation and Perception
- Chapter 5: Learning
- Chapter 6: Memory
- Chapter 7: Cognition
- Chapter 8: Development Across the Life Span
,Chapter 1: The Science of Psychology
This chapter serves as an introduction to psychology, laying the
foundation for the field by discussing its history, perspectives, and
scientific methodology.
The History of Psychology
Psychology, defined as the scientific study of behaviour and mental
processes, has roots in philosophy and physiology. Early contributors
include:
Wilhelm Wundt: Often regarded as the father of psychology, Wundt
established the first psychological laboratory in 1879 in Leipzig,
Germany. He focused on consciousness and developed the method
of objective introspection, which involved examining one's own
conscious thoughts and mental activities.
Edward Titchener: A student of Wundt, Titchener expanded
Wundt's ideas into structuralism, aiming to analyse the basic
elements of the mind.
William James: James introduced functionalism, which
emphasized how mental processes help individuals adapt to their
environment.
Early Approaches: Gestalt, Psychoanalysis, and Behaviourism
Gestalt Psychology: Founded by Max Wertheimer, this approach
focused on how people naturally organize perceptions into wholes
rather than parts. It later influenced cognitive psychology and
therapy.
Psychoanalysis: Sigmund Freud developed this theory, stressing
the importance of the unconscious mind and early childhood
experiences on behaviour.
Behaviourism: Introduced by John B. Watson and influenced by
Ivan Pavlov's work on conditioning, behaviourism emphasized the
, study of observable behaviour, excluding consciousness. Watson and
later B.F. Skinner focused on how behaviour is learned and
reinforced.
Modern Perspectives in Psychology
Seven major perspectives shape the field today:
1. Psychodynamic: Builds on Freud's ideas, focusing on the role of the
unconscious mind and early experiences.
2. Behavioural: Concentrates on observable behaviours and how they
are learned.
3. Humanistic: Emphasizes free will, self-actualization, and the human
potential for growth.
4. Cognitive: Studies mental processes such as memory, intelligence,
perception, and problem-solving.
5. Sociocultural: Examines how social and cultural factors influence
behaviour.
6. Biopsychological: Looks at the biological bases of behaviour,
including genetics, the brain, and the nervous system.
7. Evolutionary: Explores how evolution influences behaviour,
focusing on adaptive functions.
Psychological Professionals
The field of psychology includes various professionals with different roles:
Psychologists: Hold a doctorate and work in areas like therapy,
research, and teaching.
- Chapter 1: The Science of Psychology
- Chapter 3: Sensation and Perception
- Chapter 5: Learning
- Chapter 6: Memory
- Chapter 7: Cognition
- Chapter 8: Development Across the Life Span
,Chapter 1: The Science of Psychology
This chapter serves as an introduction to psychology, laying the
foundation for the field by discussing its history, perspectives, and
scientific methodology.
The History of Psychology
Psychology, defined as the scientific study of behaviour and mental
processes, has roots in philosophy and physiology. Early contributors
include:
Wilhelm Wundt: Often regarded as the father of psychology, Wundt
established the first psychological laboratory in 1879 in Leipzig,
Germany. He focused on consciousness and developed the method
of objective introspection, which involved examining one's own
conscious thoughts and mental activities.
Edward Titchener: A student of Wundt, Titchener expanded
Wundt's ideas into structuralism, aiming to analyse the basic
elements of the mind.
William James: James introduced functionalism, which
emphasized how mental processes help individuals adapt to their
environment.
Early Approaches: Gestalt, Psychoanalysis, and Behaviourism
Gestalt Psychology: Founded by Max Wertheimer, this approach
focused on how people naturally organize perceptions into wholes
rather than parts. It later influenced cognitive psychology and
therapy.
Psychoanalysis: Sigmund Freud developed this theory, stressing
the importance of the unconscious mind and early childhood
experiences on behaviour.
Behaviourism: Introduced by John B. Watson and influenced by
Ivan Pavlov's work on conditioning, behaviourism emphasized the
, study of observable behaviour, excluding consciousness. Watson and
later B.F. Skinner focused on how behaviour is learned and
reinforced.
Modern Perspectives in Psychology
Seven major perspectives shape the field today:
1. Psychodynamic: Builds on Freud's ideas, focusing on the role of the
unconscious mind and early experiences.
2. Behavioural: Concentrates on observable behaviours and how they
are learned.
3. Humanistic: Emphasizes free will, self-actualization, and the human
potential for growth.
4. Cognitive: Studies mental processes such as memory, intelligence,
perception, and problem-solving.
5. Sociocultural: Examines how social and cultural factors influence
behaviour.
6. Biopsychological: Looks at the biological bases of behaviour,
including genetics, the brain, and the nervous system.
7. Evolutionary: Explores how evolution influences behaviour,
focusing on adaptive functions.
Psychological Professionals
The field of psychology includes various professionals with different roles:
Psychologists: Hold a doctorate and work in areas like therapy,
research, and teaching.
