Chapter 1 - The Science of Psychology

Understanding Psychology
ELEVENTH EDITION
Charles G. Morris, Albert A. Maisto
Chapter 1
The Science
of Psychology
Copyright © 2016, 2013, 2010 Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved
Links to Learning Objectives
LO 1.1 Define psychology and describe some of the LO 1.7 Explain how Watson and Skinner redefined
major subfields within psychology. the field of psychology.
LO 1.2 Describe the five enduring issues that cut LO 1.8 Describe what is meant by “the cognitive
across the subfields of psychology. revolution” in psychology.
LO 1.3 Explain what psychology has in common with LO 1.9 Explain how evolutionary psychology and positive
other sciences, how psychologists use the psychology are changing the focus of
scientific method, and the difference between contemporary psychology.
theories and hypotheses.
LO 1.10 Describe the role of women in the history of
LO 1.4 Characterize critical thinking by its various psychology.
steps.
LO 1.11 Discuss the ways in which knowledge and
LO 1.5 Describe the emergence of scientific awareness of human diversity can and does
psychology in the late 19th and early 20th inform and enrich psychological study.
centuries.
LO 1.12 Describe the characteristics, strengths, and
LO 1.6 Explain the roles voluntarism, structuralism, weaknesses of naturalistic observation, case
functionalism, and psychodynamic theory studies, surveys, correlational research and
played in initially defining psychology as “a experimental research.
science of the mind.”
Links to Learning Objectives
LO 1.13 Describe the differences between LO 1.15 Identify key ethical issues in psychological
independent and dependent variables and research with humans and nonhumans.
between control groups and experimental
groups. LO1.16 Describe some of the career paths that are
available to people who have studied psychology.
LO 1.14 Differentiate between random and Distinguish among psychiatrists, psychoanalysts,
representative samples, and describe the clinical psychologists, counseling psychologists,
factors that can influence a research study. and social workers.
What Is
Psychology?
The Definition of Psychology
LO 1.1 Define psychology and describe some of the major subfields within psychology.
Psychology is the
scientific study of behavior
and mental processes.
• Psychology encompasses every
aspect of human thoughts,
feelings and actions.
The Breadth of Psychology
Developmental
The study of all aspects

Physiological of human growth and
change — physical,
Experimental mental, social, and
emotional — from the
Personality prenatal period through
Clinical &
old age
Counseling
Social
Industrial &
Organizational
Developmental
The study of
Physiological the biological
basis of human
Experimental behavior,
thoughts, and
Personality emotions
Clinical &
Counseling
Social
Industrial &
Organizational
Developmental
The study of basic
Physiological psychological
processes such as:
Experimental • Learning
• Sensation
Personality • Motivation
• Emotion
Clinical &
Counseling
Social
Industrial &
Organizational
Developmental
The study of the differences
Physiological among individuals in such
traits as:
Experimental • Sociability
• Emotional stability
Personality • Self-esteem
Clinical & • Aggressive inclinations
Counseling • Openness to new
experiences
Social
Industrial &
Organizational
Developmental
Clinical:
Physiological Focuses on the diagnosis and
treatment of mental disorders
Experimental Counseling:
Focuses on “everyday”
Personality adjustment issues
(i.e., making
Clinical &
Counseling
difficult choices,
coping with
a troubled
Social relationship)
Industrial &
Organizational
Developmental
Explores how society influences the
Physiological individual, including such topics as:
• Interpersonal attraction
Experimental • Persuasion
• Attitude formation
Personality
• Obedience
Clinical & • Conformity
Counseling
• Group behavior
Social
Industrial &
Organizational
Developmental
Applies the principles
Physiological of psychology to the
workplace
Experimental
Personality
Clinical &
Counseling
Social
Industrial &
Organizational
The Major Subfields of Psychology
Field of Psychology Description
Developmental Psychology The study of how people grow and change physically,
cognitively, emotionally, and socially, from the prenatal
period through death. Includes child, adolescent, and life-
span psychology.
Physiological Psychology Investigates the biological basis of behavior. Includes
neuroscience, biological psychology, and behavior genetics.
Experimental Psychology Investigates basic psychological processes such as
sensation and perception, memory, intelligence, learning,
and motivation.
Personality Psychology Studies the differences between individuals on such traits as
sociability, emotional stability, conscientiousness, and self-
esteem
Clinical and Counseling Applies the principles of psychology to mental health and
Psychology adjustment. Clinical psychology focuses on the diagnosis
and treatment of mental disorders, while counseling
psychology is more concerned with “normal” adjustment
issues such as making difficult choices or coping with a
troubled relationship.
Social Psychology Explores how society influences thoughts, feelings, and
behavior.
Industrial and Organizational (I/O) Applies the principles of psychology to the workplace.
Psychology
Enduring Issues
LO 1.2 Describe the five enduring issues that cut across the subfields of psychology.
Person-Situation
To what extent
Nature-Nurture is behavior caused by
internal processes?
Stability-Change
To what extent is
Diversity- behavior caused
Universality by external
Mind-Body factors?
Enduring Issues
Person-Situation
Is the person
Nature-Nurture
we become a product
of innate, inborn
Stability-Change tendencies,
or a reflection of
Diversity-
Universality experiences?
Mind-Body
Enduring Issues
Person-Situation
Are the characteristics
we develop in childhood
Nature-Nurture
permanent and fixed,
Stability-Change or do we change in predictable
Diversity-
(and unpredictable) ways over
Universality the course of the life span?
Mind-Body
Enduring Issues
Person-Situation
Does our understanding of
human behavior apply equally well to
Nature-Nurture
everyone across cultures, or only to
men or women, particular racial or
Stability-Change
ethnic groups, or particular societies
Diversity- (especially our own)?
Universality
Mind-Body
Enduring Issues
Person-Situation
What is the relationship
Nature-Nurture between experiences
(such as thoughts
Stability-Change and feelings)
Diversity-
and biological
Universality processes
Mind-Body
(such as activity
in the nervous
system)?
Psychology As Science
LO 1.3 Explain what psychology has in common with other sciences, how psychologists
use the scientific method, and the difference between theories and hypotheses.
Systematically Test
Four Steps Predictions
4
of the
Scientific Make Predictions Based
on Theory
Method 3
Develop Theory
2
Collect Data
1
Why Use the Scientific Method?
Critical Thinking
LO 1.4 Characterize critical thinking by its various steps.
What is critical thinking?

• The process of examining
information and then making
judgments and decisions
How to Think Like a Scientist
1 Define the problem.
2 Suggest a theory or explanation for problem.
3 Collect and examine evidence.
4 Analyze assumptions.
5 Avoid oversimplifying.
6 Draw conclusions carefully.
7 Consider alternative interpretations.
8 Recognize the relevance of research to events.
Applying Psychology
Applying Psychology
The Be n e f i t s o f
dy i ng P s y c hol ogy
Stu
• Self-understanding
• Critical thinking skills
• Skill in applying the
scientific method
• Study skills
• Job skills
The Growth
of Psychology
The Growth of Psychology
1.5 Describe the emergence of scientific psychology in the late 19th and early 20th centuries
Socrates Plato Aristotle
Dualism: • Mind is pure and • We acquire

thoughts and abstract, all else knowledge by
ideas are distinct is mundane observing the
from the world of physical world
real objects and • Reason
our bodies. responsible for • We use logic
balancing and reasoning to
desires with make sense of
spirit in pursuit our
of reason’s observations.
goals.
Descartes Locke
• The human • The human mind
mind, unlike the at birth is a tabula
physical world, rasa, a “blank
is not subject to slate” that
laws. contains no innate
• Body provides knowledge.
information for • The human mind
the mind operates
according to laws.
Hobbes Darwin
• Thoughts and • The mind is
experiences are unobservable.
simply by-products • Not a proper
of the workings of subject for
our brain. scientific study
• Anticipated the
position of • Behavior is
psychological observable.
behaviorists • Open to scientific
examination.
The “New Psychology”: A Science of the Mind
LO 1.6 Explain the roles voluntarism, structuralism, functionalism, and psychodynamic theory
played in initially defining psychology as “a science of the mind.”
Voluntarism Psychodynamic
Functionalism Psychology
Structuralism
Voluntarism
LO 1.6 Explain the roles voluntarism, structuralism, functionalism, and psychodynamic theory
played in initially defining psychology as “a science of the mind.”
Wilhelm Wundt
• First psychology lab
in Germany (1879)
• Measurement and
experimentation
• Moved psychology
from a philosophy to
a science
Structuralism
Edward Titchener
• Analyze complex
experiences in terms
of their simplest
components
• Subdivisions of
consciousness:
– Physical sensations
– Feelings
– Images
Functionalism
William James
• Perceptions, emotions, and

images cannot be separated;
consciousness flows in a
continuous stream.
• Functionalist theory:
How individuals use perceptual
abilities to adapt and function in
their environment
Psychodynamic Psychology
Sigmund Freud
• Neurologist in late
18th century Vienna
• Controversial
• “Free will” is an illusion
• Unconscious impacts
human behavior
Redefining Psychology: The Study of Behavior
LO 1.7 Explain how Watson and Skinner redefined the field of psychology.
John B. Watson B.F. Skinner
• Behaviorism • Behaviorism revisited

• Focus on observable • Added concept of
and measurable reinforcement to
behavior Watson’s theory
• Based on Pavlov’s
work
Redefining Psychology: The Study of Behavior
Fear is learned when a neutral stimulus

is paired with an aversive stimulus like a
loud noise.
Watson believed fears

are learned via
experience.
John B. Watson and Behaviorism
“Watson argued that the whole idea of mental life was superstition…(he)
contended that you cannot see or even define consciousness any more
than you can observe a soul…For Watson, psychology was the scientific
study of observable, measurable behavior – and nothing more (Ardila,
2007). ”
– Learning Objective 1.7 (Morris and Maisto)
The Cognitive Revolution
LO 1.8 Describe what is meant by “the cognitive revolution” in psychology.
Gestalt
People perceive and experience
objects as whole patterns.
Humanistic
Cognitive
Gestalt
Emphasis on:
Humanistic
• Human potential
• Mental health
Cognitive • Well-being
Gestalt School of
psychology
Humanistic devoted to the
study of mental
Cognitive
processes in the
broadest sense
New Directions
LO 1.9 Explain how evolutionary psychology and positive psychology are changing the focus of
contemporary psychology.
Evolutionary Psychology
Focuses on behaviors and mental
processes and:
• their evolutionary origins
• their adaptive value
• the purposes they continue to serve
New Directions
Positive Psychology
Focuses on positive experiences, including:
• subjective feelings of happiness
and well-being
• the development of individual
traits such as integrity
and leadership
• the settings
that encourage
individuals to
flourish
New Directions Functionalism
Multiple Perspectives Today Structuralism

• Contemporary psychologists
tend to see different
Humanism Psychodynamic
perspectives as Psychology
complementary.
Evolutionary
• Most agree that the field Psychology
Positive
advances with the addition
Psychology
of new evidence to support Behaviorism
or challenge existing
theories. Cognitive
Psychology
Where AreThe
Where Are the Women?
Women?
LO 1.10 Describe the role of women in the history of psychology.
• Women have contributed to psychology from its beginnings.

• Often faced significant discrimination
• Teaching positions often
closed to them
• Teaching positions
Christine Mary Margaret

Ladd-Franklin Whiton Calkins Washburn
(1847–1930) (1863–1930) (1871–1939)
color vision how we learn verbal role of imagery in
material; self-psychology thought processes
Percentage of Women Recipients of Ph.D.'s in
Psychology, 1950–2010
Human Diversity
Human Diversity
LO 1.11 Discuss the ways in which knowledge and awareness of human diversity can and does
inform and enrich psychological study.
Psychologists have begun to question

assumptions explicitly based on:
Gender Race
and
Ethnicity
Gender
The psychological and

social meanings attached
to being biologically male
or female
• Gender stereotypes
• Feminist psychology
• Sexual orientation
Race and Ethnicity
Based on physical Based on cultural

differences: characteristics:
• Geographic location • Common homeland/
• Skin color history
• Hair texture • Language
• Genes • Religion
• Facial features • Cultural beliefs
• Social practices
Culture
Culture
The values, attitudes,

behaviors, and beliefs that
are passed from one
generation to another
• Individualistic Cultures
• Collectivist Cultures
• Cross-Cultural Research
Research Methods
in Psychology
Naturalistic Observation
LO 1.12 Describe the characteristics, strengths, and weaknesses of naturalistic observation, case
studies, surveys, correlational research and experimental research.
ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES
• Behavior likely to be • Expectations of observer

more natural, might distort or influence
spontaneous, and varied interpretation of what
than that observed in a was actually observed
laboratory (observer bias)
Case Study
• Yields a great deal of • May not be a

detailed descriptive representative sample
information • Time consuming and
• Useful for forming expensive
hypotheses • Potential for observer
bias
Survey
• May end up with

• Allows for a large
ambiguous answers if
amount of data to be
questions are poorly
gathered quickly
constructed
• May not be accurate,
depending on ability
and willingness of
participants to answer
questions honestly
Correlational Research
• Useful for predicting • Cannot draw

behavior conclusions about
cause and effect
Experimental Research
• Allows researchers to • Unexpected/

draw conclusions about uncontrolled variables
cause-and-effect may confound results
relationships • Unable to control or
manipulate many
variables
Experimental Research
LO 1.13 Describe the differences between independent and dependent variables and between control
groups and experimental.
groups.
Independent and Dependent Variables

(e.g., type of dog and level of fear)
• Experimental & control groups
Multimethod Research
Combining research methods to obtain better insights
surveys
Research Method Advantages Disadvantages
Naturalistic Behavior is observed in the Provides firsthand The presence of an observer may alter
Observation environment behavioral information that is the participants’ behavior; observer’s
in which it occurs naturally. more likely to be accurate than recording of behavior
reports after the fact. may reflect preexisting bias; often
Participant’s behavior is more unclear whether the observations can be
natural, spontaneous, and generalized to other settings and other
varied than behaviors people.
taking place in the laboratory.
Case Studies Behavior of one person or a few Yields a great deal of detailed The case(s) studied may not be a
people is studied in depth. descriptive representative sample. Method can be
information. Useful for forming time consuming and expensive. Observer
hypotheses. bias is a potential problem.
Surveys A large number of participants Enables an immense amount of Sampling biases can skew results.
are asked a standard set of data to be gathered quickly and Poorly constructed questions can result
questions. inexpensively. in answers that are
ambiguous, so data are not clear.
Accuracy depends on ability and
willingness of participants to
answer questions honestly.
Correlational This approach employs May clarify relationships Method does not permit researchers to
Research statistical methods to examine between variables that cannot draw conclusions regarding cause-and-
the relationship between two or be examined by other research effect relationships.
more variables. methods. Allows prediction of
behavior.
One or more variables are Because of strict control of The artificiality of the lab setting may
systematically manipulated, and variables, offers researchers the influence subjects’ behavior; unexpected
Experimental the effect of that manipulation opportunity to draw conclusions and uncontrolled variables may
Research on other variables is studied. about cause-and-effect confound results; many variables cannot
relationships. be controlled and manipulated.
The Importance of Sampling
LO 1.14 Differentiate between random and representative samples, and describe the
factors that can influence a research study.
.
Population Random
Sample
Representative
Sample
Human Diversity and Research
Unintended biases
in research
• Generalization of research
findings to other cultures
(gender, ethnicity, race)
• Influence of the
experimenter’s gender, race,
or ethnicity
Applying Psychology
rs:
Internet Use
Fl aw ed St udy?
A
When reading an account of a

psychological study in the
media, consider what kinds of
sampling and research methods
were used in the study.
• Is the study a true experiment?
• Does it have an experimental

and a control group?
Ethics and
Psychology
Ethics and Psychology
LO 1.15 Identify key ethical issues in psychological research with humans
and nonhumans.
.
APA Ethical Guidelines

for Human Subjects
Animal Research
APA Ethical Guidelines for

Animal Subjects
• Researchers must ensure
“appropriate consideration of the
animal’s comfort, health, and
humane treatment.”
• Animals may not be subjected to
“pain, stress, or privation” when an
alternative procedure is available.
Animal Research
“Psychologists study animal behavior to shed light on human behavior.
Crowding mice into small cages, for example, has yielded valuable
insights into the effects of overcrowding on humans…Yet, animal
protectionists and others question whether it is ethical to use
nonhuman animals, which cannot give their consent to serve as
subjects, in psychological research.”
– Learning Objective 1.15 (Morris and Maisto)
Careers in
Psychology
Job Possibilities:
Associate’s Degree in Psychology
LO 1.16 Describe some of the career paths that are available to people who have studied psychology. Distinguish
among psychiatrists, psychoanalysts, clinical psychologists, counseling psychologists ,and social workers. .
Qualified for
Paraprofessional positions
•State hospitals
•Mental health centers
•Other human services
settings
Job Possibilities:
Bachelor’s degree in Psychology
• Assistants to psychologists:
- Mental health centers
- Vocational rehabilitation centers
- Correctional centers
• High school psychology teacher
• Research Assistant
• Government or business positions
Job Possibilities:
Advanced Degrees (M.A. or Ph.D.)
• Colleges and universities

• School or health facilities
• Research
• Human Resources
• Therapists
Careers Paths for Therapists
• Psychiatrists
• Psychoanalysts
• Clinical Psychologists
• Counseling Psychologists
• Social Workers
Lecture Activities
How close are the mind and body? Let’s find out.
Check your pulse rate right now and write it down.
We’ll check again after going through the activity
on the next slide.
Did your pulse rate go up or down?
What
By are
howthe everyday
much?
implications for this
mind-body connection?
What do you think about John B. Watson’s
famous quote?
“Give me a dozen healthy infants, well-formed, and my own
specified world to bring them up in and I'll guarantee to take any
one at random and train him to become any type of specialist I
might select – doctor, lawyer, artist, merchant-chief and, yes,
even beggar-man and thief, regardless of his talents, penchants,
tendencies, abilities, vocations, and race of his ancestors. I am
going beyond my facts and I admit it, but so have the advocates
of the contrary and they have been doing it for many thousands
of years.”
Evolutionary psychologists say that men generally prefer to
?!
mate with younger women because of the increased chances
of healthy babies. But some examples counter this argument.
What does this say about the validity of evolution, and of
efforts to explain psychological processes through
evolutionary processes?
A.It provides evidence that evolution is false.

B.It says nothing about physical evolution, but suggests
that human psychology is not affected by evolution.
C.It says nothing about the validity of evolution as an
explanation for physical or psychological processes.
D.It is “the exception that proves the rule.”
Correlational Research
1. Find a partner and develop a list of two
numeric variables that you think would be
associated (i.e., amount of sleep and GPA)
and survey/observe at least 10 people in
class.
2. Discuss the findings with your partner and
write your conclusions.

Chapter 1 - The Science of Psychology

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Description:

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Chapter 1 - The Science of Psychology

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Understanding Psychology

The study of all aspects

What is critical thinking?

1 Define the problem.

2 Suggest a theory or explanation for problem.

3 Collect and examine evidence.

6 Draw conclusions carefully.

7 Consider alternative interpretations.

8 Recognize the relevance of research to events.

Socrates Plato Aristotle

Dualism: • Mind is pure and • We acquire

• Perceptions, emotions, and

John B. Watson B.F. Skinner

• Behaviorism • Behaviorism revisited

Fear is learned when a neutral stimulus

Watson believed fears

– Learning Objective 1.7 (Morris and Maisto)

Multiple Perspectives Today Structuralism

• Women have contributed to psychology from its beginnings.

Christine Mary Margaret

Psychologists have begun to question

The psychological and

Based on physical Based on cultural

The values, attitudes,

• Behavior likely to be • Expectations of observer

• Yields a great deal of • May not be a

• May end up with

• Useful for predicting • Cannot draw

• Allows researchers to • Unexpected/

Independent and Dependent Variables

When reading an account of a

• Does it have an experimental

APA Ethical Guidelines

APA Ethical Guidelines for

– Learning Objective 1.15 (Morris and Maisto)

• Colleges and universities

A.It provides evidence that evolution is false.

You might also like