Introduction to Psychology

• Psychology is the scientific study of the mind and behavior.

• It encompasses various subfields such as cognitive psychology, social
psychology, developmental psychology, and clinical psychology.
Schools of Psychology
• There are several major schools of thought in psychology, including
behaviorism, psychoanalysis, cognitive psychology, and humanistic
psychology.
• Each school offers unique perspectives on how the mind works and
how behavior is influenced.
Research Methods in Psychology
• Psychologists use various research methods, including experiments,
surveys, observations, and case studies, to investigate behavior and
mental processes.
• Each method has strengths and limitations, and the choice of method
depends on the research question.
Biological Bases of Behavior
• Biological psychology examines how biological factors, such as
genetics, hormones, and brain structure, influence behavior and mental
processes.
• Understanding the brain and nervous system is essential for
understanding human behavior.
Learning and Behaviorism
• Behaviorism focuses on observable behavior and how it is learned
through conditioning processes.
• Classical conditioning (Pavlov) and operant conditioning (Skinner) are
central concepts in behaviorism.
Cognitive Processes
• Cognitive psychology explores mental processes such as perception,
memory, thinking, and problem-solving.
• It investigates how people acquire, process, store, and retrieve
information.
Social Influence

• Social psychology studies how people's thoughts, feelings, and

behaviors are influenced by the presence of others.
• Topics include conformity, obedience, prejudice, and attraction.