Psychology as a

Science
The Goal of Psychology:
Empirical study of human behavior and cognition.

To describe…..
To understand ….
To predict….
To control ….
Where and What….

Philosophy How the mind works

Physiology How the body works
+ new ideas
Psychology How the mind and body
influence : feelings,
thoughts, and actions.
Early “isms” of Psychology
 Structuralism
– Wilhelm Wundt
– Structure of consciousness [mind]
– Introspection
 Functionalism
– William James
– How consciousness helped us to evolve
– Influenced by Darwinism

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Early “isms” of Psychology
 Behaviorism
– John Watson & B.F. Skinner
– Focus only on what is observable
– Narrowed and Extended the field
 Other Influences
– Freud and the unconscious
– Humanistic Psychologist
– Cognitive Revolution and technology

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Psychology Today
 Who are  What are
Psychologists? Psychologist?
– Clinicians – First and foremost,
– Counselors psychologists are
– Instructors investigators.
– – Role as problem solver
Consultants/Coaches
whether it be disorders or
– Legal/Medical fields explain human interaction.
– Schools/Measurement
Grand Issues of Psychology
 Stability vs. Change
 Nature vs. Nurture
 Rational vs.
Irrational
Different Perspective….
Different Questions….
1. Depression
2. Smoking
3. Weight Control
4. Low Productivity