Module 1: What is Psychology? Flashcards
1
Q
Definition of Psychology
A
The scientific study of the mind & behaviour.
Derived from the Greek words “Psyche” and “Logos” which mean “Soul” and “Study”
2
Q
The Four Main Goals of Psychology
A
- To DESCRIBE the behaviour being observed
- To EXPLAIN that behaviour
- To PREDICT similar behaviour patterns
- To CHANGE/MODIFY the behaviour
3
Q
The Roots of Psychology
A
Psychology originated from 2 disciplines;
1. Philosophy
2. Physiology
4
Q
Main Debates in Psychology
A
- NATURE vs NURTURE
Nature: Pre-wiring, influenced by genetic inheritance and other biological factors.
Nurture: The influence of external factors after conception, eg. The influence of life experiences and learning on an individual. - DETERMINISM vs FREEWILL
Determinism: The belief that all behaviour is determined by known causes
FreeWill: The belief that our behaviour is freely chosen, takes agency into account.
5
Q
Structuralism
A
- Wilhelm Wundt & Edward Titchener, Germany & US, 1897
- Seeks to breakdown consciousness to its most basic form, to measure the “atoms of the mind”.
- Structuralists focused on the content of the mind - what the mind is.
- Focus on Introspection in order to break down the most basic sensations and responses.
6
Q
Functionalism
A
- William James, USA, 1890
- Focuses on HOW and WHY an organism does something, i.e. the functions or the purpose of the brain.
- Influenced by Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution, James believed that consciousness helped us adapt to a changing environment.
7
Q
Psychoanalysis
A
- Sigmund Freud, Vienna, 1902
- Emphasizes the role of the unconscious in shaping behaviour, thoughts, and feelings. It seeks to uncover repressed memories, desires, and traumas that took place during the first 5 years of life, through techniques like free association and dream analysis.
8
Q
Behaviourism
A
- John B. Watson, B.F. Skinner, Ivan Pavlov, USA, 1913
- A theory of learning based on the idea that all behaviors are acquired through conditioning, and conditioning occurs through interaction with the environment.
- An empirical school of thought - “what cannot be seen, cannot be studied”.
- Believes that infants are born a “tabula rasa” : blank slate.
9
Q
Humanism
A
- Abraham Maslow & Carl Rodgers, USA, 1960s
- Humanistic psychology rejects deterministic viewpoints, seeing man as a growing, generous, healthy being in full control of his destiny.
- Humanistic psychology strives to help people fulfill their potential and maximize their well-being.
- Abraham Maslow is widely known for his work on human motivation, consolidated in his famous hierarchy of needs.
10
Q
Clinical Psychology
A
- Clinical psychologists assess and treat mental, emotional, and behavioural disorders.
- Clincal psychologists often work with people who are affected by more serious mental illness; trained to diagnose significant psychopathology.
- Mostly employed in health services (Mater Dei Hospital, Mount Carmel) as well as with agencies (Apogg, Sedqa) or privately.
11
Q
Counselling Psychologist
A
- Counsellors are trained to support people experiencing everyday challenges or stressors, such as dealing with the aftermath of trauma, career and work problems, & relationship conflicts.
- Mainly employed with health services, parastatal agencies, Non-governmental organizations, and schools.
12
Q
Educational Psychologist
A
- Concentrate on how effective learning can take place. Geared towards assessing school-aged children, and designing interventions to target any learning difficulties.
- Educational psychologists administer intelligence tests, tests of memory, and test to identify learning disabilities.
- Public, church, and private schools employ educational psychologists.
13
Q
Organizational Psychologist
A
- Apply psychology principles and research methods to the workplace in order to improve productivity, health, and the quality of work life.
- Many serve as HR (human resource) specialists, helping organisations with staffing, training and employee development.
14
Q
Health Psychologist
A
- Work alongside healthcare professionals in independant practice and in hospitals, educating them about psychological problems that arise from the pain and stress of illness.
- Investigate issues and implement programmes to deal with problems such as stress-management, teenage pregnancy, substance abuse, etc.
- Maltese health psychologists primarily work in publich health services.
15
Q
Social Psychologist
A
- Study how the presence of others, whether virtual, physical, or imaginary affect people’s thoughts, feelings and behaviours.
- Found in academic institutions, advertising agencies, and business and government agencies. Maltese social psychologists work mainly in academia.
