PSYCHOLOGY – THE BIG PICTURE

What is Psychology?

Diversity of Professions

Psychological Theories

What is Psychology?

What is Psychology

Etymology (literal origin)‘Psyche’ – greek for mind or soul‘Logos’ – greek for study ofSyllabus Definition:• the scientific study of how we think, feel and act • the scientific study of behaviour and mental processesNote: disagreements about the definition, what and how researchshould be conducted still exist among psychology practitioners.

KEY TERMS

WHAT IS BEHAVIOUR?

Includes actions, thoughts and feelings

WHAT ARE MENTAL PROCESSES?

Processes that are based in the brain and directly affect one’s behaviour such as perception, memory, reasoning, logic, attention, decision-making

Contemporary Psychology

POPULAR

Fads and fashions

Based on common sense

Common practice – widely held beliefs and expectations of behaviour

Staple of media, constantly in public view

SCIENTIFIC

Based on empirical evidence

Cumulative body of knowledge obtained from theory-driven application of the scientific method

Findings published in professionally reviewed scientific journals - too technical for the general population!

Is ‘Common Sense’ good Psychology?

Popular beliefs are usually based on common sense or intuition. How accurate are the following popular beliefs? (See Ans on p490 Txtbk)

1. Psychics have special insights and can help police solve crimes. ( True/False)

2. Looking after children at home is always better for them than daycare. ( True/False)

3. Playing violent video games makes children aggressive. ( True/False)

4. Males are more aggressive than females. ( True/False)

5. Older people are a burden to their families and society. ( True/False)

Non-Psychology Careers that apply knowledge, methods and techniques from Scientific Psychology

Professional: Technical: Police investigator Police negotiator Intelligence officer Animal trainer Recruitment officer Public relations officer Hospitality staff Sales person Sports coach Personal trainer Web designers Game designers

Anthropologist Medical Practitioner Sociologist Social worker Market researcher Nurse Teacher Speech pathologist Criminologist Managers Financial Analyst Advertising Executives

PSYCHOLOGIST

PSYCHIATRIST

Psychology versus Psychiatry

DIVERSITY OF PSYCHOLOGY:Areas of Specialisation in Psychology

Academic psychologist – conducts research in areas of interest in psychology combined with teaching and supervision of graduate students

Clinical psychologist – assess, diagnose, treat and/or prevent mental health problems

Clinical neuropsychologist – assess and diagnose brain impairments and how it affects thinking, emotions, behaviour and personality; also involved in rehabilitation and management of people with brain impairments

DIVERSITY OF PSYCHOLOGY:Areas of Specialisation in Psychology

Community psychologist – concerned with community issues such as recreation, homelessness, social or mental health

Counselling psychologist – help people deal with personal and relationship problems

Educational and developmental psychologist – provide assessment, intervention and counselling to address developmental and educational issues.

Forensic psychologist – apply psychological knowledge to assess, intervene and research in the legal system and correctional services.

DIVERSITY OF PSYCHOLOGY:Areas of Specialisation in Psychology

Health psychologist – works on the promotion and maintenance of health-related behaviour, prevention and treatment of psychologically based illness, analysis and improvement of the healthcare system

Organisational psychologist – help people function effectively in their work environments

Sports psychologist – provide counselling and therapy to help athletes achieve peak performance and develop personal well-being and life adjustment skills.

PSYCHOLOGY CONCEPTS

SELFBiological InfluencesCognitionDevelopmental

PsychologyPsychology of Personality

OTHERSSocial PsychologyRelational InfluencesCommunication

SOCIETYCultureSocial Values and PracticeSocial, Historical and

Political Influences

RESEARCH METHODSPlanning and Conducting

Psychological ResearchProcessing and Evaluating

Psychological Research

•Refer to 3A/3B syllabus