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Ψ Definition of Psychology - The science of the human soul; specifically, the systematic or scientific knowledge of the powers & functions of the human soul, so far as they are known by consciousness; a treatise on the human soul.
Ψ Definition of Psychology - The
systematic, scientific study of behaviors & mental processes.
 Goals of Psychology
- Describe - Explain - Predict - Control -
Modern Approaches
Ψ Biological approach - Examines how our genes, hormones, & nervous system interact with our environment.
Ψ Cognitive approach - Focuses on how we process, store,& use information.
Ψ Behavioral approach - Analysis of how learning occurs based upon reward & punishment.
Subsets: B. F. Skinner (strict behaviorism)
Albert Bandura
(adds social cognition)
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Ψ Psychoanalytic approach - Based on the belief that childhood experiences greatly influence the development of later personality traits & psychological problems. From Sigmund Freud's work.
Ψ Humanistic approach - emphasizes individual freedom in directing a one's future. Developed in part as a result of Abraham Maslow's dissatisfaction with psychoanalysis & behaviorism
Ψ Cross-cultural approach - Studies the influence of cultural & ethnic similarities & differences.
Ψ Evolutionary approach - Studies how
evolutionary ideas, such as adaptation & natural selection, explain behaviors & mental processes.
By combining information from all the approaches psychologists stand a better chance of reaching their four goals of describing, explaining, predicting & controlling behavior. (An eclectic approach works best.)
General Psychology
Robert C. Gates
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