Introduction to Psychology(2)

Kate Tackie
B. Pharm Pharmacy. Mphil Clinical Psychology
Psychology
Two words psyche= mind
Logos knowledge or study
Scientific steps used in acquiring Information

1. Observing a behavior

2. Propose a hypothesis….a statement that describes or explains a

relationship between two variables. We have to look for

variables that are associated with the behavior of interest

Scientific steps used in acquiring Information
3. Test the hypothesis by gathering evidence or data
This involves data collection.
Experimental research……..this establishes the cause and effect of relationship
between two variables (lab conditions)
Non Experimental Research……….this includes observation, direct and natural ,
surveys and interviews etc
4. Analyze your data and draw conclusions to refute or support your hypothesis.
5. Communicate your results……where the researcher publishes the findings of the
study in journals, news papers etc so that other people who are interested in the
research topic can replicate the study. They can also be presented at seminars
conferences
Variable
A characteristic that changes or has different values for different people
Eg age, gender, height etc
Dependent variable….a behavior measured or observed in an
experiment
Independent variable……the factor that is manipulated
Extraneous variable……it’s a condition that a researcher wishes to
prevent which can affect the outcome of the whole experiment
Contributions to psychology
1690…John Locke….the idea of Tabula…..Rasa
1637…….Rene Decartes…..Knowledge is in born in humans
1807….Phrenology
1905….Mary Calkins 1st female President of APA
1910……Margarent Washburn..Animal Behaviour
1920….. June Etta Downey Personality traits
2000….Elizabeth loftus…..False memory and Eye Witness testimony
1957…..the theory of cognitive dissonance
1900……Sigmund Freud….psychodynamism
Aims of Psychology
1. Describe….aggression
2. Explain / understand….causes of aggression
3.Prediction-this is the ability to adequately a behavior
4. Control….altering the conditions that influence
behavior in predictable way
Origins of Psychology
First psychology lab…..Leipzig Germany 1879 by wilhem wundt

1.Structuralism….
2. Functionalism…
3. Gestalt Psychology….
Contemporary Schools of Psychology
1. Psychodynamism / psychoanalysis
2. Cognitive perspective
3. Biological perspective
4. Behavioural perspective.
5. Humanistic Perspective.
Psychoanaylsis
This concentrates on inner forces in the individual as the basis for the
formation of certain behaviors.
Sigmund Freud father of psycho analysis and slips of tongue,
Personality….id,
ego,
superego
Psychoanalysis contd.

• Defense mechanisms……
-displacement
-sublimation
-repression
-denial
-projection
Research Strategies in Psychology
• Experiments---manipulate, measure, compare, control.
• Correlational Research
• Observational Research design
• Surveys
• Interviews
Research Ethics in Psychology
• Self regulatory guidelines for making decisions and defining
professions
Ethical codes maintain the integrity of a profession
Define the conduct of members and protect the welfare of subjects and
clients
1. Do no harm
2. Informed consent….describe procedures, risks and inconvenience
,benefits, voluntary participation, questions ..and signature line,
General principles in Code of Ethics
• Beneficence and No maleficence
• Fidelity and Responsibility
• Integrity
• Justice
• Respect for Peoples Rights and dignity.
• Deception
• Debriefing
• Confidentiality.
THANK YOU