Class notes
Psyc 111 Chapter 1 Notes
- Course
- PSYC 111
- Institution
- State University Of New York - Binghamton
Detailed and comprehensive note on Chapter 1; What is psychology? For psyc 111.
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Feb 11Introduction: What is Psychology?
Science of Mind
Psychology vs. Psychobabble
o Psychology is empirical-driven science (theories, research, studies,
publications, etc.). The science of behavior and mental processes.
o Psychobabble is not research-driven, think of self-help books based
on anecdotal, poorly constructed case studied.
Example: is adolescence a time of emotional turmoil? The
research suggested not.
Does the menstrual cycle dramatically influence moods?
Research is mixed but suggests that most women do not.
Do women who live together have their periods synchronized?
Research suggests not.
Dr. Phil is a good example of psychobabble.
A science of behavior
o Is it simply common sense?
Knowledge of Psychology Test
All statements hold false.
ED Vaughn published this in the 70s and more recently, Berry Kuhle looked at
it again and collected data in his classes. 80% of the students had at least 5
misconceptions. The misconception served as indicators as to how well
students would do in the class. (the more misconceptions the students held,
the worse they did).
o Take away: stay open-minded and approach the world skepticism.
Major Theoretical Perspectives:
Biological
o We think or feel the way we do is because of our genetics (how the
brain physically works)
o Example: families having the same behaviors: nature or nurture?
Psychodynamic
o Freud: father of psychodynamic perspective
Cognitive
o Example: Stroop test
Social-cultural
o Froster ferry religion in Meika use Marry Wona as a sacrament: allow
kids smoking in church
o Women breastfeeding in public: New Guinea don’t sexualize breast
Behavioral (Learning)
We are not all clinicians!
Developmental
, o Change over the life span, social, emotional, cognitive, and physical
domains
Experimental Cognitive
o Often do laboratory research on how people think, reason, problem-
solve, remember, pay attention
Educational
o Study questions related to question
o Example: designing the educational test, achievement test, personality
test, classroom structure
Industrial-Organizational
o Business and industry
o Example: absenteeism, sexual harassment
Psychometric
o Design test
Social
o The contact with others: attraction, crowd reaction
Behavioral neuroscience
Neuro behavioral: how the brain affects behavior
Research
Precision
o Theory
A scientific theory is a foundation upon which we construct our
research. They explain in detail and predict potential
outcomes. Theories are ways to explain behavior that can then
be tested with empirical research.
an explanation using an integrated set of principles that
organizes observations and predicts behaviors or events.
o Hypotheses
What you expect to find when you do research (a prediction).
o Operational definitions
(Also called empirical definitions).
Definitions that are precise.
Explanations of the phenomenon that you’re studying.
Freudian fixation: lacking operational definition.
Example of poor operational definitions: Freudian Fixation,
colic babies.
Skepticism
o Media
Reliance on empirical evidence
o Solid study with a significant finding and a decent sample
o anecdotal evidence: not reliable
Predictions must be “testable”
o Paranormal psychology or parapsychology
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