Intro to Modern Psy - Science and Prac

Question 1

Define Psychology:

Answer 1

The science of behaviour, social interaction and mental processes taking into account/considering physical attributes and interaction with the environment.

Question 2

Historical: Structuralism

Answer 2

Advocates - Edward Titchner, trained by William Wundt. Goal: To study conscious experience and its structure. Method: Experimental, Introspection.

Question 3

Historical:
Gestalt

Answer 3

Advocates: Max Wertheimer. Goals: To describe the organisation of mental processes; “The whole is different from the sum of its parts.”. Methods: Observation of Sensory - perceptual Phenomena.

Question 4

Historical: Psychoanalysis:

Answer 4

Advocate: Sigmund Freud. Goals: To explain personality and behaviour; to develop techniques for treating mental disorders. Methods: Study of individual cases.

Question 5

Historical:
Functionalism:

Answer 5

Advocates: William James. Goals: To study how the mind works in allowing an organism to adapt to the environment. Methods: Naturalistic observation of animal and human behaviour.

Question 6

Historical:
Behaviourism:

Answer 6

Advocates: John B. Watson, B. F. Skinner. Goals: To study only observable behaviour through learning principles. Methods: Observation of the relationship between environmental stimuli and behavioural responses.

Question 7

Philosophical:

Answer 7

Since ancient Greece, philosophers have debated physiological topics such as ‘What is the nature of the mind and soul?’ ‘what is the relationship between the mind and body?’ and ‘Are we born with a certain amount of knowledge or do we have to learn everything for ourselves?’
A philosophical view called Empiricism was important for the development of scientific psychology.
In the 1600s Empiricism advocators argued that what we know about the world comes from experience and observation

Question 8

Experimental:

Question 9

Training requirements of becoming a psychologist:

Answer 9

You need to complete at least six years of undergraduate and postgraduate study to become a psychologist.
First, you need to enter university, you can do this through a school ATAR score, Tafe IV certificate or above, Mature age or an Alternative way such as a portfolio.
Then in university, you can complete an undergraduate such as a Bachelor’s or Double Degree.
After this, you get into your Fourth Year Honours Degree leading you then into your Master’s Which is 2 years
If you choose to go further you can then study for a PhD or Doctorate.
A bachelor’s, honours and Master’s is 6 years in total which is the requirement to become a psychologist then you need to register with the Psychology Board of Australia.

Question 10

Major Areas of Psch:

Answer 10

Cognitive psychology: research that focuses on analysing mental processes underlying judgement, decision-making, problem-solving, imagining and other aspects of thought or cognition.

Developmental Psychology: Seek to understand, describe and explore how behaviour and mental processes change throughout a lifetime.
Personality Psychologists: study individuality and the unique characteristics of each person.

Clinical and Counselling Psychologists: Seek to understand asses, modify and prevent behaviour disorders.
Health psychologists: Study the effects of behaviour and mental processes on health and illness and vice versa.

Social Psychologists: Study how people influence one another’s behaviour, social interactions and attitudes, individually and in groups.

Forensic psychologists: assist in jury selection, evaluate the defendant’s mental competence to stand trial, and deal with other issues involving psychology and the law.