Benefits for students

• critical thinking skills,

• become familiar with the scientific method,

• and recognize the complexity of behavior.

Psychology

• refers to the scientific study of the mind and behavior.

• social science

• behaviors are both influenced by biology and social influences, so both are studied

Changes Came

• 1950's

• A science of behavior began to shift back to its roots of focus on mental processes.

• The emergence of neuroscience and computer science aided this transition.

• The cognitive revolution took hold, and people came to realize that cognition was crucial to a true appreciation and understanding of behavior.

Wundt (structuralist)

• he believed that our cognitive experience was best understood by breaking that experience into its component parts.

• he thought this was best accomplished by introspection.

James (functionalism)

• perspective focused on how mental activities served as adaptive responses to an organism’s environment.

• Like Wundt, James also relied on introspection;

• however, his research approach also incorporated more objective measures as well.

Gestalt

• takes a holistic view of an individual and his experiences.

Watson and Skinner (Behaviorism)

• focused on making psychology an objective science by studying overt behavior and deemphasizing the importance of unobservable mental processes.

• John Watson is often considered the father of behaviorism,

• Skinner’s contributions to our understanding of principles of operant conditioning cannot be underestimated.

Maslow and Rogers (humanism)

• Humanism focuses on the potential of all people for good.

• Both Maslow and Rogers were influential in shaping humanistic psychology.

Cognitive Psychology

• is concerned with the relationship that exists between thought and behavior, and developmental psychologists study the physical and cognitive changes that occur throughout one’s lifespan.

Personality Psychology

• focuses on individuals’ unique patterns of behavior, thought, and emotion.

Contemporary Psychology

• Health psychologists look for ways to help people live healthier lives.

• Clinical psychology involves the diagnosis and treatment of psychological disorders and other problematic behavioral patterns.

• Sport and exercise psychologists study the interactions between thoughts, emotions, and physical performance in sports, exercise, and other activities.

• Forensic psychologists carry out activities related to psychology in association with the justice system.