University of Southern Mindanao

College of Arts and Social Sciences

Department of Psychology

Introduction to Psychology
Zenell Winniejoy B. Ligahon, RPm
Instructor
Chapter 1.
Introduction to Psychology
Chapter Outline
What is Psychology?
History of Psychology
Contemporary Psychology
 What is Psychology?
From the Greek words “psyche,” meaning life,
and “logos,” meaning explanation

systematic, scientific study of behaviors and

mental processes.
Goals of Psychology
1. Describe
2. Explain
3. Predict
4. Control
How did Psychology
begin?
WILHELM WUNDT (STRUCTURALISM)
 Structuralism
a school of psychology whose goal was to
identify the basic elements or structures of
psychological experience.

Introspection
EDWARD TITCHENER (STRUCTURALISM)
WILLIAM JAMES (FUNCTIONALISM)
 Functionalism
study of the function.
how our minds adapt to our changing
environment.
SIGMUND FREUD (PSYCHOANALYTIC THEORY)
SIGMUND FREUD

Figure 1.5
a) Sigmund Freud was a highly influential figure in the history of psychology.
b) One of his many books, A General Introduction to Psychoanalysis, shared his ideas
about psychoanalytical therapy; it was published in 1922.
 Psychodynamic
focuses on the role of a person’s unconscious,
as well as early childhood experiences
 GESTALT PSYCHOLOGY

Kohler, Koffka, Wertheimer (credit:

Elearning Industry)
 Behaviorism
based on the premise that it is not possible to
objectively study the mind, and therefore that
psychologists should limit their attention to the
study of behaviour itself.
IVAN PAVLOV (CLASSICAL CONDITIONING)

(Credit: Emaze)
JOHN B. WATSON (BEHAVIORISM)
B.F. SKINNER (OPERANT CONDITIONING)

Concentrated on how behavior was affected by its consequences.

Studied the principles of modifying behavior through reinforcement and

punishment which he saw as major factors in driving behavior (operant
conditioning).
 Humanism
perspective within psychology that
emphasizes the potential for good that is
innate to all humans.
ABRAHAM MASLOW (HUMANISM)

Figure 1.8
 CARL ROGERS (HUMANISM)

Carl Rogers developed a client -

centered therapy method that has
been influential in clinical settings.
Client-centered therapy involves the
patient taking a lead role in the
therapy session.
Rogers believed therapists need:
- unconditional positive regard
- genuineness
- empathy
THE COGNITIVE REVOLUTION

By the 1950’s, new disciplinary

perspectives in linguistics, neuroscience,
and computer science were emerging.
The mind became the new focus of
scientific inquiry.
Noam Chomsky
Noam Chomsky was very influential in
beginning the cognitive revolution. Figure 1.10
He believed psychology needed to In 2010, this mural honoring Noam
Chomsky was put up in
incorporate mental functioning into its Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (credit:
focus in order to fully understand human Robert Moran)
behavior.
 CONTEMPORARY PSYCHOLOGY

Branches of psychology
Biopsychology and Evolutionary Psychology
Sensation and Perception
Cognitive Psychology
Developmental Psychology
Personality Psychology
Social Psychology
Health Psychology
Industrial-Organizational Psychology
Sports and Exercise Psychology
Clinical Psychology
Forensic Psychology