Te Ropu Awhina in the School of Psychology:

A brief introduction to Psychology, and to Awhina in the School of Psychology

What is Psychology?

• The scientific study of human behaviour, interaction and the human brain

• Pioneers of the field include Wilhelm Wundt (1832-1920) Sigmund Freud (1856-1939) and B.F Skinner (1904-1990)

• Psychology divided into many subfields, the main ones being Cognitive Psychology, Social Psychology, Abnormal Psychology and Biological Psychology

What is Psychology? (cont)

• More to Psychology than just a focus on mental health. For example…

• The investigation of social phenomena, such as the bystander effect. (A phenomenon where people are less likely to help someone in need if a crowd is around).

• Sports Psychologists help athletes improve under mental duress or to help increase performance.

Te Ropu Awhina in the VUW Psychology Department

• Nine mentors: Turi McLeod-Bennett, Tawhana Chadwick, Debbie Lever, Ben Tilyard, Denise Kirby, Nick Brown, Pania Wickens, Saele Mu’uau and Arna Mitchell

• Supported by Dave Gittings, Matthew Viliamu and Jannelle McIvor

• All are academically accomplished people who are striving to help Maori and Pacific Island Students achieve in their study

Thank you for listening and have a good evening