Functionalism studied the psychological processes which enable individuals to be able to adapt to their environments; each psychological process has an important role which is their main point of focus. William James, who is one of the founders of functionalism, felt that in order to study psychology, it had to come from multiple sources, through introspection, experimentation, the study of children, the
In psychology there are two essential elements in understanding theories and human behavior that is research and statistics, and how do we make sense of this information and the data collected. Primary and secondary data are the two main types of data in any research. “Primary data is information collected by the researcher directly through instruments such as survey, interviews, focus groups or observation. Tailored to his or her specific needs, primary researcher with the most accurate and up-to-date data. Secondary data, on the other
Because of science one now can measure these processes and quantify them so that cognitive psychologist may use behavioral observation to measure damage, mental processes and mental states. Because of cognitive science, cognitive psychologist are able to see just what is going on within a person’s brain and make the most educated guess on how he or she should be treated because of their behavior (Van Wagner, 2009). Behavior of individuals can be observed and watched, measured and tested, and a conclusion can be made from behavior on whether or not cognitive psychology is the best treatment for the individual. Even though cognitive psychology arose in response to behaviorism, this does not mean that behavior is not important for the
Psychologists then use their understanding of learning and behavior to treat psychological disorders and addictions. Concepts of learning and behavior are used in various parenting styles. Finally, our knowledge also applied to develop more effective curriculums or training programs for children versus adults. 2) How is prejudice developed and nurtured through classical and operant conditioning? Give specific examples that demonstrate each kind of learning.
In cultural psychology the mental processes are compared with the society and the individual who has grown up in that society. Comparatively, cross-cultural psychologists systematically research behavior across cultures in different cultural situations (Shiraev & Levy, 2010). Critical Thinking Critical thinking in cross-cultural psychology is important because cross-cultural psychology is about identifying the similarities and differences in individuals and how they function in his or her culture. Critical thinking is about making realistic, valid and reasonable evidence. Critical thinking is described as maintaining an attitude that is open=minded and doubtful (Shiraev & Levy, 2010).
Another important aspect of research is the process of scientific theory construction and testing. Scientific theory construction and testing is an intricate and important part of psychology research. The first step is to propose a theory, which is a set of interrelated ideas that explain a set of observations (Shaughnessy, Zechmeister, & Zechmeister,
A case study is an in depth investigation of an individual or a small group. To learn about the people who are being studied, researchers may observe or speak with them, interview others who knew about them, and find out more about their backgrounds and personal histories. ii. How do psychologists use them Psychologists use what they learn in a case study to generalize broader principles that apply to the larger population. c. Naturalistic Observation i.
The focus is on the current research and theory in this rapidly evolving field. We will also consider the relevance of brainimaging and brain-injury results as well as behavioral data. Student Learning Objectives: Program objective 1.1 Describe the primary objectives of scientific psychology (describing, explaining, predicting, and changing behavioral and mental processes). Program objective 1.3 Describe, apply, and analyze selected content areas in psychology (e.g., memory, attention, language, judgment & decision making, knowledge). Program objective 2.1 Identify and explain different research methods used by psychologists.
Examination of Clinical Psychology PSY/480 April, 2012 Michelle Sargent Catherine Brodehl PhD Examination of Clinical Psychology Clinical Psychology is defined as “the assessment, treatment, and understanding of psychological and behavioral problems and disorders (Plante, 2005, p. 7).” Simply put it is the work of an educated professional putting their knowledge to work to aid others in dealing with issues that affect the consistency of everyday life. Clinical psychology utilizes the scientific method to produce informed practice, procedure, and treatment for those in need of help. The job of a clinical psychologist calls upon a number of personal and social characteristics in order to be successful and produce real results
Defining Social Psychology Brandi K. Keller PSY/400 March 20, 2013 Dr. Timothy Doty Defining Social Psychology Throughout the years each field of science and each discipline relating to psychology has had to fight to prove its point and its relevance to the field; therefore, making each field of psychology worthy of its place within the science and academic communities. One of the many behaviors observed during this trial has been the way people think, influence, and relate to others otherwise known as social psychology. Friends, family, and collogues influence each other, which can be either a positive or a negative influence. How each person thinks and relates to these influences is what determines if the influence will be a positive