Thinking Like a Psychologist
Introduction to Psychology
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View the following video as an introduction to psychology as a social science.
What interests you most about the field of psychology?
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Psychology as a social science is actually a fairly young discipline. The interests and work of the initial psychologists have shaped psychology as we know it today, in terms of the scientific study of the human mind, of human behaviour, and of mental conditions. Ultimately, the goal of psychological study is to describe, understand, and predict human behaviour and mental processes.
The Psychology Wall of Fame
Take a look at each of the following people who have helped shape the psychology we study today. Record your definitions and answers to the questions in a graphic organizer of your choosing as you will need them later.
YearBook
There are many examples in media (photos, memes, videos, songs, etc.) that can be used as examples of how psychologists’ ideas have permeated into our everyday lives. For example, this photo of a boy taking part in a breakfast program at school can be used as an example of Maslow’s ideas because it demonstrates how a physiological need (food) must be met first before a student can be expected to be able to learn.
The following recognizable “like” symbol can be related to both operant and classical conditioning, as it has had an impact on the behaviour of social media users. Whose theory do you think fits best: Pavlov or Skinner? Why?
Advertisers are well known for their use of psychology in their marketing strategies and campaigns. Take a look at this well-known symbol. What word do you see spelled out in her collar? How do you think the work of Carl Jung would relate to this symbol? Why do you think this restaurant chain used this symbol? Some would argue that this was not purposefully done by the advertiser. If not, and it appears anyway, how would this unconscious act further strengthen the ideas of Jung and other psychodynamic theorists?
Influence of Psychology in Our Everyday World
Your turn ...
For at least three of the psychologists about whom you have just learned, find examples in media (video, song, picture, etc.) that, to you, demonstrate how the thinking and contributions of these psychologists are apparent in our everyday life.
For each one, explain how the example you found exemplifies the specific psychologist’s work.
Your explanation needs to show your understanding of the psychologist’s ideas and how they relate explicitly to the example you have chosen.
Theories Used in Psychological Study
There are multiple perspectives from which a psychologist can approach his or her study. There is not one right or wrong way to study an issue; however, using different perspectives allows one to understand a subject of study in different ways. Often, one theory will just ‘fit’ better because of what the researcher wants to find out. The following video will introduce you to different theories or approaches used in psychology:
To summarize...
We will be returning to these theories and psychologists multiple times in this unit. Use this interactive quiz to test your understanding of theories by matching the psychologist to the appropriate theoretical perspective. If you require additional help and more examples to understand, please let your teacher know. These are foundational pieces that will continue to be used throughout this unit.
Learning Goals and Success Criteria
Learning Skills and Work Habits