2.
Class Notes: Introduction to Psychology
Overview: Psychology is the scientific study of behavior and mental processes. It is
a diverse field that includes various subfields such as clinical psychology, cognitive
psychology, and developmental psychology.
Key Topics:
History of Psychology:
o Early thinkers like Wilhelm Wundt and William James are considered
the fathers of modern psychology.
o Freud’s psychoanalysis theory was groundbreaking in understanding
unconscious processes.
o Behaviorism, led by figures such as B.F. Skinner, emphasized
observable behaviors over internal mental states.
Research Methods in Psychology:
o Experimentation: The most controlled method of research. Involves
manipulating variables to establish cause-and-effect relationships.
o Surveys and Case Studies: These methods collect data on
behaviors, opinions, and experiences.
Key Areas of Psychology:
o Cognitive Psychology: Studies mental processes such as perception,
memory, and thinking.
o Developmental Psychology: Examines changes in behavior and
cognition across the lifespan.
o Social Psychology: Focuses on how people are influenced by others
and by social contexts.