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Psychology is the scientific study of behavior, mental processes, and brain functions, with goals to describe, predict, explain, and control behavior. It has roots in Greek philosophy and British empiricism, with early contributions from figures like Wundt, James, and Freud, leading to various psychological perspectives such as biological, cognitive, and social. Studying psychology enhances self-awareness and critical thinking, connects to multiple fields, and offers diverse career opportunities.

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Psychology is the scientific study of behavior, mental processes, and brain functions, with goals to describe, predict, explain, and control behavior. It has roots in Greek philosophy and British empiricism, with early contributions from figures like Wundt, James, and Freud, leading to various psychological perspectives such as biological, cognitive, and social. Studying psychology enhances self-awareness and critical thinking, connects to multiple fields, and offers diverse career opportunities.

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starfallxx16
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Chapter 1: The Science of Mind – Key Notes

What is Psychology?
Psychology is the scientific study of behavior, mental processes, and brain functions.

Goals of psychology include: describe, predict, explain, and control behavior.

Philosophical & Scientific Roots


Greek philosophers: proposed natural (not supernatural) explanations for behavior.

British empiricists: emphasized that knowledge comes from experience.

Physicians: demonstrated that the mind is physical, laying the groundwork for
neuroscience.

Hermann von Helmholtz: studied reaction time, proving that mental processes could be
measured
.

Early Foundations
Psychologist Theory Contribution
Wilhelm Wundt Structuralism Behavior broken into components; first psych lab in
1879
.
William James Functionalism Behavior is purposeful and aids survival
.
Sigmund Freud Psychodynamic Emphasis on the unconscious and early experiences.
Ivan Pavlov Behaviorism Discovered classical conditioning.
B.F. Skinner Behaviorism Focused on rewards and punishments (operant conditioning).
Abraham Maslow Humanism Humans are naturally good and seek growth.
Carl Rogers Humanism Developed client-centered therapy.
Ulric Neisser Cognitive Psychology Helped launch the cognitive revolution
.

Major Psychological Perspectives


Perspective Focus
Biological Links between behavior, brain, and genetics.
Evolutionary How behavior helps survival and reproduction.
Cognitive Thought, memory, problem solving.
Social Influence of others and society on behavior.
Developmental Behavior across the lifespan
.

Why Study Psychology?


Increases self-awareness, critical thinking, and understanding of others.

Applies to real-world issues: health, education, justice, relationships, and more


.

Psychology as a Hub Science


Connects to fields like medicine, education, law, and public health.

Seen as a core discipline in understanding human behavior and societal trends


.

Careers in Psychology
Common fields: clinical, education, research, business, government.

Psychologists are different from psychiatrists (only the latter can prescribe medication,
except in some U.S. states

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