Transcript Psychology`s Big Question…

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Psychology’s Big Question…
Nature versus Nurture
Continuing Controversy…
• Relative contributions of biology and
environment
• “Nurture works on what nature
endows”
• Every psychological event is
simultaneously a biological event.
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As a Result of this Controversy:
• Psychology has many levels of
analysis.
• Integrated “biopsychosocial”
approach
• Looks at biological, psychological &
social-cultural factors that influence
any behavior or mental process
Let’s Put What You Are
Learning to Work!
• As we learn about the various
subfields of psychology, think about
Ben in the case history report you
read.
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Current Perspectives in Psychology
• Neuroscience:
– How does the body and brain enable
emotions, memories & sensory experiences?
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Current Perspectives in Psychology
• Evolutionary:
– How does the natural selection of traits
promote the survival of genes?
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Current Perspectives in Psychology
• Behavior genetics:
– How much to our genes and environment
influence our individual differences?
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Current Perspectives in Psychology
• Psychodynamic:
– How does behavior spring from unconscious
drives and conflicts?
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Current Perspectives in Psychology
• Behavioral:
– How do we learn observable responses?
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Current Perspectives in Psychology
• Cognitive:
– How do we encode, process, store and
retrieve information?
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Current Perspectives in Psychology
• Social-cultural:
– How does behavior and thinking vary across
situations and cultures?
Methodology in Psychology 12
• Basic Research:
– Scientific work that adds to the knowledge
base without concern for practical application
Methodology in Psychology 13
• Applied Research:
– Scientific work that uses the knowledge from
basic research to tackle personal problems.
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Those Who “Practice” Psychology
• Counseling psychologist:
– Possesses a PhD
– Helps individuals cope with challenges and
crises
– Help individuals improve personal and social
functioning.
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Those Who “Practice” Psychology
• Clinical psychologist:
– Possesses a PhD
– Assesses and treats mental, emotional, and
behavioral disorders
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Those Who “Practice” Psychology
• Psychiatrist:
– Possesses an MD
– Has completed a residency in psychiatry
– Licensed to prescribe drugs
– Treat both the emotional and physical causes
of psychological disorders