Transcript Psychology-Mrs. Norris

Psychology I-Mrs. Norris
Tues/Wed, Feb. 21st & 22nd
Please get out:
your textbook
two writing implements of different colors
Did you know??
Wilhelm Wundt’s laboratory was originally a small third floor room in a
shabby building at the University of Leipzig. Wundt and two of his
graduate students conducted the first experiment there in December
1879. The equipment they used was a chronoscope, a metal stand with
an elevated arm, a telegrapher’s key, a battery, and a rheostat, which
used resistance to regulate currents. The experiment measured the time
lag between a subject hearing a ball hit a platform and the subject’s
pressing of a telegraph key. Many psychologists consider that event the
beginning of modern psychology.
Chapter 1: What is Psychology?
• The Big Idea:
– Originating in ancient times, psychology is a science consisting of
many different fields that study human behavior and mental
processes.
• Essential Question:
– How have psychological theories and practices changed over
time?
• Objective:
– Understand the historical background of the study of psychology
through identifying the schools of thought, major theorists, and
main principles of each.
Agenda
1.Chapter 1, Section 3: A History of Psychologystart
2.To Prepare for class Thurs/Fri, Feb 23/24:
– Nothing? 
Graphic Organizer for Ch 1, Sec 3
• What was one thing you learned about the history of
psychology?
• Which school of thought makes the most sense to you
(which school of thought do you agree the most with)?
Why?
• Throughout the period make a graphic organizer (or add to
your notes if you took them) that includes:
– The name of each school of thought
– Each school’s major theorist
– Each school’s main principles
How have psychological theories and
practices changed over time?
• Since ancient times, philosophers and scientists have studied
behavior and mental processes. Psychologists throughout history
have continued to refine and develop these studies.
• Psychology is as old as human history, with its roots going back to
ancient Egypt and Greece.
• The scientific approach, which began in the 1500s, led to the birth of
modern psychology in the 1800s.
• Modern psychologists continually propose new theories focused on
behavioral and cognitive research.
• Contributions were made by modern psychologists such as William
James, B.F. Skinner, and Sigmund Freud
The Beginning
• Do you think Socrates’ directive to “know
thyself” is good advice?
• How can knowing yourself help you
understand the world and the people who
inhabit it?
Early Views and Beliefs
• What does Peri Psyches mean?
• How did the views of Hippocrates about
mental confusion and madness differ from
views held by many other ancient Greeks?
• How might reactions to mental abnormalities
been different if Greek thinking about the
human mind had not been lost during the
Middle Ages?
Pioneers in Psychology
• What did John Locke theorize about knowledge?
• What led to the birth of modern psychology in the
1800’s?
• How might structuralists describe how a person can
experience a car?
• What is one way that functionalism contrasted from
structuralism?
• Do you think that individual consultations with
patients is a better method of studying human
behavior than laboratory research? Why, or why not?
Psychoanalysis
• What is the emphasis of psychoanalysis?
• Psychology Video
– Freud’s Legacy
Somatoform Disorders
Somatization: the expression of psychological distress through physical
symptoms. People with somatoform disorders have psychological
problems (such as depression) but experience inexplicable physical
symptoms (such as paralysis).
Conversion Disorder
Hypochondriasis
• Patients experience a change in or
loss of physical functioning in a
major part of the body for which
there is no known medical
explanation
• Patients often show a lack of
concern for their symptoms.
• A person’s unrealistic
preoccupation with thoughts that
he or she has a serious disease.
• Patients may become absorbed by
minor physical symptoms and
sensations.
Explaining Somatoform Disorders
• Explanations are primarily psychological, however there is some
evidence that biological or genetic factors may play a role.
• Psychoanalytic theory suggests disorders occur when individuals
repress emotions associated with forbidden urges and instead
express them symbolically in physical symptoms.
• Other psychologists have argued that people with conversion
disorder “convert” psychological stress into actual medical problems.
• Behavioral theorists have suggested that somatoform symptoms can
serve as a reinforcer if they successfully allow a person to escape
from anxiety.
Watson and Behaviorism
• Do you agree with Watson’s belief that it is
absurd to place yourself in the mind of a rat?
Why?
• Describe an instance when you “knew” what a
family pet, or a neighbor’s pet, was thinking?
• Was this a scientific view or an emotional view?
Modern Developments in Psychology
• Who is the founder of the school of
behaviorism?
• Why do behaviorists believe it is unscientific to
study consciousness?
• Why are John B. Watson’s ideas important in
psychology?
Skinner and Reinforcement
• Discuss your personal experiences in using reinforcement
to train your pets.
• How successful were you in eliciting the desired behavior?
• Over the course of a school day, note the number of times
your behavior is reinforced in a positive way by other
people.
– Example: A teacher may congratulate the student on a correct
answer, or a friend may compliment the student on his or her
choice of clothing.
– Do you find such reinforcement an incentive to continue these
behaviors?
– Is reinforcement alone in a sufficient explanation of human
behavior?