The Science of Behavior
CHAPTER 1
Topic: The Science of Behaviour
Textbook Pages: 4-24
THE NATURE OF PSYCHOLOGY
Psychology: The Scientific study of behaviour and the mind.
Behaviour: Actions and responses that we can directly observe.
Mind: Internal states and processes, such as thoughts and feelings, that cannot be seen directly and that must be inferred from observable, measurable responses.
Clinical Psychology: Subfield where psychologists study and treat mental disorders.
Cognitive Psychology: Specializes in the study of mental processes (examine topics such as attention, memory, decision making, etc.)
Psychology’s Scientific Approach
Science: The process of systematically gathering & evaluating empirical evidence (evidence gained through experience and observation) to answer questions and test beliefs about the natural world.
Pitfalls of Everyday Approaches
Mental shortcuts when forming judgments stereotypes
Fail to consider alternative explanations for why behaviours occur
Confirmation bias by selectively paying attention to information that is consistent with our beliefs
Thinking Critically About Behaviour
Critical Thinking: Involves taking an active role in understanding the world around you rather than merely receiving information.
When someone makes a claim or “fact” a scientist would ask the following questions:
What, exactly is the claim or assertion?
Who is making the claim? Is the source credible and trustworthy?
What’s the evidence, and how good is it?
Are other explanations possible? Can I evaluate them?
What is the most appropriate conclusion?
Psychology’s Goals
1) Describe how people and other animals behave
2) Explain and understand the causes of these behaviours
3) Predict how people and animals will behave under certain circumstances
4) To influence or control behaviour through knowledge and control of its causes to enhance human welfare.
Psychology as a Basic and Applied Science
Basic Research: The quest for
Topic: The Science of Behaviour
Textbook Pages: 4-24
THE NATURE OF PSYCHOLOGY
Psychology: The Scientific study of behaviour and the mind.
Behaviour: Actions and responses that we can directly observe.
Mind: Internal states and processes, such as thoughts and feelings, that cannot be seen directly and that must be inferred from observable, measurable responses.
Clinical Psychology: Subfield where psychologists study and treat mental disorders.
Cognitive Psychology: Specializes in the study of mental processes (examine topics such as attention, memory, decision making, etc.)
Psychology’s Scientific Approach
Science: The process of systematically gathering & evaluating empirical evidence (evidence gained through experience and observation) to answer questions and test beliefs about the natural world.
Pitfalls of Everyday Approaches
Mental shortcuts when forming judgments stereotypes
Fail to consider alternative explanations for why behaviours occur
Confirmation bias by selectively paying attention to information that is consistent with our beliefs
Thinking Critically About Behaviour
Critical Thinking: Involves taking an active role in understanding the world around you rather than merely receiving information.
When someone makes a claim or “fact” a scientist would ask the following questions:
What, exactly is the claim or assertion?
Who is making the claim? Is the source credible and trustworthy?
What’s the evidence, and how good is it?
Are other explanations possible? Can I evaluate them?
What is the most appropriate conclusion?
Psychology’s Goals
1) Describe how people and other animals behave
2) Explain and understand the causes of these behaviours
3) Predict how people and animals will behave under certain circumstances
4) To influence or control behaviour through knowledge and control of its causes to enhance human welfare.
Psychology as a Basic and Applied Science
Basic Research: The quest for