Psychology 101 is a foundational course that introduces students to the scientific study of the mind and behavior. It covers a broad range of topics, providing a comprehensive overview of psychological concepts and theories.
Conditioning Emotions
Intelligence Individual
differences Intra –
personal relations
Memory Motivation
Perceptions Problem-
solving Schools of
thought Sub-
consciousness
1.2 Introduction
In this introductory lecture, I shall first introduce you to the definition of the term
psychology, after which I will focus on the psychological perspectives that are currently
used in the study of behavior and mental processes.
The ideas behind various schools of thought will then be examined with a view to
introducing you to the dynamic nature of the field of psychology. I will end this lecture
with a brief look at the branches of modern psychology.
You are encouraged to participate fully in this lecture and towards this end, I have
prepared for you some exciting activities within the lecture, as well as some revision
exercises which you will find at the end of the lecture. I have also suggested some
additional reading materials.
1.3 Objectives
By the end of this lesson, you should be able to:
Define the term „psychology‟
Explain the basic tenets of the five perspectives of psychology
Identify the schools of thought that have significantly
contributed to the growth of psychology
Distinguish between the branches of modern psychology
1.4 The nature of psychology
As you will notice later in this lecture, the field of psychology has its roots in many
disciplines, including philosophy and physiology. This makes it difficult for us to
come to a consensus regarding a single, globally accepted definition of psychology.
2
, In spite of this problem, there is no debate about the meanings of the two words that
comprise the compound word „psychology‟. These words are „psycho‟ and „logos‟.
Note:
The word Logos means „use of logic‟
While psycho means „of the mind‟
Therefore the term „psychology‟ literary means „the science of the mind‟. I would also
like to introduce you to definitions by respected psychologists, after which I will select a
working definition. The contributions by these psychologists are as follows:
Ornstein (1985) defined psychology as „ the study of human experience‟,
Kendall (1986) saw psychology as the scientific study of mental and behavioral
functioning.
Atkinson and Hilgard (1983) viewed psychology as the scientific study of
behavior and mental processes. This definition was also proposed by Myers
(1996).
Munavi (1988) asserted that psychology was the scientific study of human and
animal behavior.
You can see that the above definitions have a common theme, that of psychology being
scientific and the focus on behavioral functioning. The last definition shall be our
working definition, since it is most comprehensive in terms of:
Acknowledging the scientific nature of psychology.
Focusing on the study of both humans and animals.
1.5 Why do we need to study psychology?
Obviously, this question may not be answered adequately until you go through the whole
text. However, I would like you to note that once you have studied psychology, you will
be in a good position to:
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