Lesson 1.1: Why Study Psychology?

Main idea: Psychology is a science. Like other scientists, Psychologists seek to explain and
control behavior and mental processes and test their ideas through research methods.

Reading Focus:

1) How are behaviors and mental processes different?

a. A behavior is any action that people can observe or measure whereas a mental process
is a mental activity.
2) What are some basic goals of psychology?
a. Explaining Behavior
b. Predicting and Controlling
3) How is psychology a science?
a. Psychological Research
b. Psychological Theories

Vocabulary:

 Psychology: The Scientific study of behavior and mental processes.

 Behavior:
 Cognitive Activities: Private, unmeasurable mental processes such as dreams, perceptions,
thoughts, and memories.
 Psychological Constructs: Theoretical entities, or concepts, that enable one to discuss
something that cannot be seen, touches, or measured directly.
 Theory: A statement that attempts to explain why something is the way it is and happens the
way it does.
 Principle: A basic truth or law.