10:30A -11:45 8/18: What Is Psychology

Objectives

1. Have a general understanding of psychology as a discipline.

2. Be aware of the theories of psychology (psychoanalytic, behaviorism, humanistic, cognitive, biological)

3. Start thinking about how psychology can help us better understand relationships.

Multiple Choice

What is psychology?

• The scientific study of mind and behavior

• The study of plants and animals

• The analysis of historical events

• The practice of physical exercise

Multiple Choice

Which of the following best describes the main focus of psychology as a scientific discipline?

• The study of the soul and its immortality

• The scientific study of the mind and behavior

• The analysis of artistic expressions

• The study of physical health and diseases

Perspectives of Psychology Basics

The goal is to have a general idea of the following perspectives.

History of Psychology Refresher

Multiple Choice

Wilhelm Wundt is credited as one of the founders of psychology. What method did he emphasize for understanding the structure and characteristics of the mind?

• Behavioral observation

• Introspection

• Dream analysis

• Cognitive testing

Psychoanalytic Perspective

Open Ended

Explain the significance of Sigmund Freud's contributions to psychology and mention one of his influential works.

Multiple Choice

Which psychologist is most closely associated with the theory that many psychological problems arise from the unconscious mind?

• Sigmund Freud

• Ivan Pavlov

• John B. Watson

• Abraham Maslow

Psychoanalysis Perspective

How does this relate to Personal relationships?

• Defense mechanisms

• Unconscious motivations can shape how we relate to others

• Self-awareness and communication

  • Bringing unconscious patterns to consciousness can help people change toxic dynamics, understanding triggers, and communicate more authentically.

Behavioral Perspective

Multiple Choice

Which psychologist focused on modifying behavior through reinforcement and punishment, and what is this approach called?

• B. F. Skinner; operant conditioning

• Ivan Pavlov; classical conditioning

• John B. Watson; behaviorism

• Abraham Maslow; humanism

Behavioral Perspective

How does this relate to Personal relationships?

• It focuses on how observable behavior and how its shaped by learning

• From the behavioral perspective, much of how we act in relationships is learned through experience.

  • A person raised in a household where emotional expression is rewarded may be more open in relationships. If it was discouraged, they may become emotionally reserved.

• Relationships are shaped by operant conditioning (reinforcement & punishment)

• Modeling & imitation: we learn by watching others

Humanistic Perspective

Multiple Choice

According to Maslow's hierarchy of needs, which of the following needs must be met before an individual can achieve self-actualization?

• Physiological needs

• Esteem needs

• Self-actualization needs

• Cognitive needs

Multiple Choice

Which of the following qualities did Carl Rogers believe therapists need in client-centered therapy?

• Unconditional positive regard

• Analytical thinking

• Strictness

• Manipulation

Humanistic Perspective

How does this relate to Personal relationships?

• The humanistic perspective focuses on individual experience, personal growth, authenticity, and self-actualization. 

• Unconditional positive regard

  • Loving and accepting someone without conditions or judgment andsupporting them even when they make mistakes or struggle

• Empathy and active listening 

• Personal responsibility 

Cognitive Perspective

Multiple Choice

How did Noam Chomsky influence the field of psychology during the cognitive revolution?

• He emphasized the importance of mental functioning in understanding human behavior.

• He focused on animal behavior exclusively.

• He rejected the use of linguistics in psychology.

• He promoted only behavioral approaches.

Cognitive Perspective

How does this relate to Personal relationships?

• Cognitive psychology focuses on how people think—their thought patterns, beliefs, perceptions, interpretations, and memory—and how those mental processes influence behavior and emotions.Thoughts Shape Feelings and Behavior

• Schemas and Core Beliefs

  • Schemas are mental frameworks we develop over time (e.g., about love, trust, or intimacy).

  • Core beliefs (often formed in childhood) influence how we interpret others' actions.

Open Ended

How would you summarize what psychology is and why it is important to study it? How can psychology help us better understand our relationships with friends, families, and partners?