Psychology, science and key subfields WK 1

Question 1

What is psychology

Answer 1

scientific study of human behaviour, social interaction and mental processes, taking into account physical attributes and interaction with the environment

Question 2

Describe phenomena

Answer 2

-repetitive (experiences things 1/+ occasion=predictable under same conditions)
-can be non-psychological e.g. equal opposite reactions, chemical binging

Question 3

What are two ways phenomena is categorised

Answer 3

behaviour: explicitly assumed to be manifestation of subjective experience

mental processes/subjective experiences: internal experience typically unobservable unless manifests as a behaviour/is intentionally measured e.g. thoughts, intentions, emotions

Question 4

Describe testimonials and how well they determine phenomena

Answer 4

-useless for evaluation of psychological theories/practice
-easy to generate positive bias, isolated case, placebo effect
-very effective
-not permitted in practice

Question 5

What is science

Answer 5

to create reasonable explanations (theories) to describe reality
-process is accumulative, continuously evolving, rigorously evaluated

Question 6

What are the five norms of science. Describe each. UCDON

Answer 6

universalism: attributes of researcher irrelevant-same conclusion should be reached

communalism: scientific info shared publicly

disinterestedness: scientists must place aside personal beliefs

organised scepticism: subject to peer review/replication

novelty: should not just be repetition

Question 7

What is meant by converging evidence?

Answer 7

-connectivity principle-knowledge is cumulative
-new theories must account for new/old findings (progressive development)

Question 8

Why is science needed in psychology

Answer 8

-avoiding believing myths
-develop research questions/employ scientific approach to test research questions
-make informed decisions/improve research methods

Question 9

What is the scientific practitioner model? What is it used for/to do?

Answer 9

premise that science and practice should continually inform one another
-science/research<–>practice psychology

for practice/training of:
-clinical psychologists
counselling psychologist
-education, organisational, sport

Question 10

Describe some applications of scientific practitioner model

Answer 10

-adopting scientific mindset (open and objective)
-incorporate evaluation of client progress/treatment
-up to date research in field

Question 11

Describe difficulties of scientific practitioner model

Answer 11

-may not engage w/scientific method or comprise capacity to discern good quality research
-some research will require specific membership to access

Question 12

What are the key subfields covered

Answer 12

Sport and exercise
Environmental
Health
Community
Forensic
Organisational
Educational
Social
Clinical
Personality
Developmental
Cognitive
Biological

Question 13

Describe biological psychology

Answer 13

involves study and measurements of biological/physiological phenomena
-often requires sophisticated equipment to measure bodily signals e.g. heart rate, blood flow

Question 14

What is biological phenomena

Answer 14

lateralised dominance of certain functions in the brain e.g. left dominant hand reveals right hemisphere of brain dominant

Question 15

Describe cognitive psychology

Answer 15

involves study and measurement of mental abilities
-phenomena largely includes; learning, memory, intelligence, sensation/perception, etc

Question 16

Describe developmental psychology

Answer 16

involves study and measurement of changes in mental processes and behaviour from birth through to old age
-interest areas such as; parenting, childcare, etc
-can be challenging due to need to access children samples (following across their lives)

Question 17

Describe personality psychology

Answer 17

study and measurement of individual differencing in human traits/individuality
-personality tests identify certain types
e.g. Big Five Factor personality inventory (Agreeableness, Conscientiousness, Extraversion, Neuroticism, Openness to experience)

Question 18

What is the dark triad of personality

Answer 18

-Narcissism (selfish)
-psychopathy(lack of empathy/remorse)
-Machiavellianism(lack of morality)

Question 19

Describe clinical psychology

Answer 19

involves study of causes and treatment/prevention of mental/behavioural disorders e.g. depression, anxiety, etc
-can be associated with CBT

Question 20

What is CBT

Answer 20

cognitive behavioural therapy
-focuses on changing beliefs/behaviours via highly structure therapy sessions
-largest evidence base (more research done)
-more research does not=better version

Question 21

Describe social psychology

Answer 21

study and measurement of how people think about themselves/others, as well as role of social influence
-notable phenomena; conformity, prejudice/stereotypes, influence of media/attitudes
-bystander effect: phenomena where less people likely to intervene/assist when number of bystanders increase

Question 22

Describe educational psychology

Answer 22

study and measurement of learning/teaching, usually in very applied settings (schools, unis)
-focused on: developing/evaluating learning programs, training teachers, academic motivation, etc

Question 23

Describe organisational psychology

Answer 23

study and measurement of efficiency, productivity, satisfaction in a workplace
-interest in; leadership, stress/burnout, competition, etc
-valuable to companies as enhance productivity
-e.g. Hawthorne effect: lightings effect on productivity

Question 24

Describe forensic psychology

Answer 24

interaction between practice/study of psychology and the law
-services to those who; administer law/justice, make legally relevant decisions about people
-some service include; forensic interviewing, program evaluation

Question 25

Describe community psychology

Answer 25

integrates social, cult, econ., political, environmental and international influences to prevent psychological disorders. Promotes positive change, health and empowerment at individual and systematic levels
-services: assessment of community strength, needs, opportunities, or advocacy
-consumers; overseas aid, government

Question 26

Describe health psychology

Answer 26

concerns psychology of disease, exercise, substance use, risky behaviours
-services: health promotion, lifestyle change, promotion of exercise and healthy eating

Question 27

Describe environmental psychology

Answer 27

study of transactions between individuals and their physical settings
-examines psychological impact of environment on our behaviour
-services: government agencies, non-profit orgs

Question 28

Describe sport and exercise psychology

Answer 28

uses knowledge/skills and interventions to support athletes to reach optimal performance, consistently, alongside supporting wellbeing
-services:
performance-assessment of barriers to optimal performance, support mental preparation

wellbeing-athlete counselling to overcome stress, anxiety, interpersonal conflict