Goals

• Define psychology, name what psychologists do, and discuss the various subfields of psychology
  • Psychology is the scientific study of mind and behavior.
  • Psychologists apply the scientific method to decision making.
• Identify reasons psychology is defined as a science
  • Uses the scientific method.
  • Relies on empirical evidence.
  • Utilizes data from both observation and experimentation.
• Recall the seven integrative themes of psychology
• Recognize major figures from psychology's history

Exam Questions

How does a subfield of psychology relate to the three roles of psych?

For example:

Conservation Psychology

• Research - How do people respond and react to natural elements? Listening to, or surveying them.
• Practice - How to design signs to better message people to protect nature?
• Education - Teaching classes on conservation efforts.

Integrative Themes of Psychology

• Relies on empirical evidence and adapts as new data develops.
• Explains general principles that govern behavior while recognizing individual differences.
• Psychological, bio, social, and cultural factors influence behaviors and mental processes.
• Psychology values diversity, promotes equity, and fosters inclusion.
• Our perceptions and biases filter our experiences through an imperfect lens.
• Applying psychological principles can change our lives, communities, orgs, in positive ways.
• Ethical principles guide psychology research and practice.

Introducing Psychology

What is psychology?

Scientific study of the mind and behavior. Explains general principles that govern behavior. Adheres to ethical principles.

What do psychologists do?

Applies scientific method to decision making. Relies on empirical evidence.

Purpose of psychology

Promote diversity, equity, inclusion. Change change society in positive ways.

Researchers

Create knowledge about the causes of behavior.

Practitioners

Use research to enhance the quality of everyday life.

Educators

Help students understand, apply, and value psychological science.

Themes

• Psychological science relies on empirical evidence and adapts as new data develop.
• Psychology explains general principles that govern behavior while recognizing individual differences.
• Psychological, biological, social, and cultural factors influence behavior and mental processes.
• Psychology values diversity, promotes equity, and fosters inclusion in pursuit of a more just society.
• Our perceptions and biases filter our experiences of the world through an imperfect personal lens.
• Applying psychological principles can change our lives, organizations, and communities in positive ways.
• Ethical principles guide psychology research and practice.

Subfields

54 subfields within APA.

Conservation Psych

How do all areas of psychology help people connect and interact with the natural world.

Researchers

How do people respond and react to natural elements? Listening to, or surveying them.

Practitioners

How to design signs to better message people to protect nature?

Educators

Teaching classes on conservation efforts.

Major Figures

Wilhelm Wundt

Founder of modern psychology - first experimental lab late 1800s.

Kenneth and Mamie Clark

Helped dismantled segregation laws

Lillian Gilbreth

Industrial and org, management to address sexism issues

William Marston

Consult for Universal Pictures - lie detectors.

Levels of Explanation

Bio, personal, social, cultural factors influence behavior.

Common Fallacies

Our perceptions and biases filter out experiences and alter how people see the world.

Student's Illusion

Material that looks familiar = I recognize it. Actual psych - recall and analyze, rather than recognize.

Vulnerable to cognitive bias, weighting personal experience more, cherry-picking the science.