What is Psychology? An Introduction

Have you ever questioned What is Psychology? It involves the examination of human behaviour and thoughts through a scientific lens. Psychology includes various perspectives, ideas, and techniques to comprehend how individuals perceive, process, and interact with their environment. Studying Psychology allows you to explore the intricate details of the fascinating human mind.

According to Statista, Have you ever questioned What is Psychology? It involves the examination of human behaviour and thoughts through a scientific lens. Psychology includes various perspectives, ideas, and techniques to comprehend how individuals perceive, process, and interact with their environment. Studying Psychology allows you to explore the intricate details of the fascinating human mind.

Table of Contents 

1) Historical Development of Psychology 

2) Major Schools of thought 

3) Key Concepts in Psychology 

4) Research Methods in Psychology  

5) Ethics in Psychology 

6) Conclusion 

Historical development of Psychology 

The field of Psychology has a rich history that has evolved over centuries. Understanding its development provides insights into mental health and wellbeing. Psychology's roots can be traced back to ancient civilizations, where philosophers contemplated the nature of the mind.
 

   

Early 18th century  

In the late 1800s, William James presents functionalism as a new psychological viewpoint, moving away from studying the structure of consciousness to examining its adaptive roles. Functionalists aim to comprehend the significance of mental processes and how they contribute to survival and adaptation in a dynamic environment.

Mid-18th century  

Wilhelm Wundt founded the initial psychological lab in Leipzig, Germany, marking a crucial point in Psychology's history and the emergence of contemporary experimental Psychology. Wundt's lab was centred on examining conscious experience through introspection, where individuals reflect on their thoughts and experiences. This method is recognized as structuralism.

Late 18th century 

In the late 1800s, Sigmund Freud created psychoanalysis, a psychological theory and therapy method. Freud stressed the importance of early childhood experiences and the impact of unconscious desires and conflicts on shaping Human Behavior. Psychoanalysis helps comprehend personality and dreams and advances Psychotherapy.

Early 19th century 

Behaviourism became a prominent theory in the early 1900s, spearheaded by figures like John B. Watson and B.F. Skinner. Behaviourists focus on studying observable behaviours and do not consider introspection and subjective experiences as valid methods in Psychology. They suggest that behaviours are influenced by external stimuli and reinforcement processes, leading to a more empirical and scientific approach to Psychology.

Mid-19th century  

Humanistic Psychology emerges in the mid-1900s as a reaction against behaviourism and psychoanalysis. Influential figures such as Carl Rogers and Abraham Maslow focus on human potential, self-actualisation, Mental Health Awareness and personal growth. Humanistic Psychology emphasises individual experiences, free will, and the pursuit of happiness and fulfilment.  

The 1950s onwards 

Cognitive Psychology became increasingly important as a separate area of research during the 1950s. Cognitive Psychologists study mental functions like perception, memory, attention, language, and problem-solving. They investigate information processing, storage, and use and how cognitive processes impact human behaviour.

Major Schools of Thought 

The primary theoretical frameworks or perspectives that shape Human Behaviour and mental processes and their studies are referred to as major schools of thought in Psychology. These different viewpoints offer psychologists varying perspectives on examining Mind and Behavior, leading to unique interpretations of the field of Psychology.

a) Structuralism 

Structuralism, a philosophy founded by Edward Titchener, sought to break down consciousness into its essential elements. It highlighted self-reflection, a technique in which people ponder their thoughts and experiences to grasp the makeup of consciousness. Structuralists aimed to recognise the fundamental components of the mind and how they blended to create intricate mental perceptions.

b) Functionalism 

Functionalism, developed by William James, focused on how mental processes and behaviours help individuals adapt to their environment. Understanding the purpose and utility of consciousness and behaviour was essential in comprehending human experiences. Functionalism emphasises studying how the mind functions in real-life situations.

c) Behaviourism 

Behaviorism, led by psychologists like John B. Watson and B.F. Skinner focused on observable behaviours. It rejected introspection and emphasised the role of external stimuli and reinforcement in shaping behaviour. Behaviorism helped establish Psychology as an objective and scientific discipline.

Learn to encourage mental well-being with our Mental Health and Wellbeing Training! 

Key Concepts in Psychology 

Basic psychological concepts are crucial ideas and principles that help us comprehend the intricacies of human behaviour and mental processes. Investigating these ideas offers an essential understanding of different areas of Human Psychology.

a) Perception and sensation  

Perception entails making sense of sensory input received from the surroundings. It includes:

a) Sensing

b) Listening

c) Inhaling

d) Sampling, and 

e) Feeling. 

Sensation involves identifying and recording stimuli using our sensory organs. Perception and sensation collaborate to influence how we perceive the world.

b) Learning and conditioning  

Acquiring new abilities, information, or actions through experience is a part of the learning process. Conditioning is the act of developing connections between stimuli and responses through learning. The research conducted by Ivan Pavlov on classical conditioning delves into the process of learning by associating neutral stimuli with naturally existing stimuli—operant conditioning, examined by B.F. Skinner explores how we learn through either reinforcement or punishment.

c) Memory and cognition  

Memory consists of encoding, storing, and retrieving information. It enables us to preserve and remember previous experiences and knowledge. Cognition involves intricate internal processes like thinking, problem-solving, reasoning, and decision-making. Memory and cognition are connected, impacting our capacity to acquire knowledge, comprehend, and engage with the environment.

Find help with our course in Handle Violence and Aggression at Workplace Course today! 

d) Emotion and motivation  

Emotion entails personal feelings coupled with changes in the body and actions. It impacts our thoughts, emotions, and actions, vital to our everyday existence. Motivation involves the actions that kickstart, direct and maintain behaviour. Emotion and motivation are closely connected, influencing our wants, intentions, and behaviours.

e) Personality and individual differences  

Personality consists of long-lasting patterns of thoughts, feelings, and actions that differentiate people. It consists of attributes, features, and distinctive traits that form a person's personality profile. Individual variances investigate the diversity in psychological characteristics and actions among individuals, acknowledging the uniqueness of each person.

f) Social Psychology  

Social Psychology: 

a) Studies how people think, feel, and act in social contexts.

b) Explores social influence, conformity, and attitudes.

c) Investigate prejudice and interpersonal relationships.

d) Examines how social surroundings shape thoughts, feelings, and behaviours.

Struggling with Anxiety? Find guidance with our Anxiety Courses today!

Research Methods in Psychology 

Research methods in Psychology are the strategies and methods employed to explore and analyse different aspects of Human Behaviour and cognitive functions. These techniques enable researchers to collect data, evaluate data, and come to significant findings. These are some frequently used research techniques in the field of Psychology:

a) Experimental research  

Experimental research involves manipulating variables to examine cause-and-effect relationships. It allows researchers to test hypotheses rigorously by manipulating an independent variable and measuring its impact on a dependent variable. This method provides valuable insights into causal relationships and helps establish the effectiveness of interventions or treatments.

b) Correlational research  

Correlational research examines the relationship between variables without manipulating them. It helps identify patterns and determine the strength of relationships. However, it's essential to note that correlation does not imply causation, and further research is often needed to establish underlying mechanisms.

c) Observational research  

Observational research involves systematically observing and recording behaviour or phenomena in natural settings. This method allows studying real-life behaviours, social interactions, developmental processes, and complex behaviours. However, observer bias and an observer's presence may influence the observed behaviour.

d) Case study research  

Case study research involves deep exploration and analysis of specific individuals, groups, or situations. It collects qualitative and quantitative data through interviews, observations, and document analysis. It provides detailed insights into complex phenomena, but the findings may not be generalisable to the broader population.

e) Survey research  

Survey research involves gathering data from a large sample of participants using questionnaires or interviews to understand attitudes, opinions, beliefs, or behaviours. Surveys allow for efficient data collection from diverse populations but may be influenced by biases. Careful attention to survey design and administration is crucial.

f) Qualitative research  

Survey research involves gathering data from a large sample of participants using questionnaires or interviews to understand attitudes, opinions, beliefs, or behaviours. Surveys allow for efficient data collection from diverse populations but may be influenced by biases. Careful attention to survey design and administration is crucial.

g) Mixed-methods research  

Mixed-methods research combines quantitative and qualitative approaches, integrating measures like surveys and experiments with methods such as interviews and observations. Leveraging both data types provides a comprehensive understanding of research questions and helps explore complex phenomena. Researchers gain a more complete view of the research topic using multiple methods.

Learn to build the foundation for emotional health with our Mindfulness Training! 

Ethics in Psychology 

Ethics in Psychology encompasses the principles and guidelines that dictate psychologists' conduct and safeguard participants' rights, well-being, and confidentiality. Ethical considerations are crucial for upholding psychological research and practice integrity and trustworthiness.

a) Informed consent and confidentiality  

Informed consent is obtaining voluntary participation in research or therapy by providing information about the purpose, procedures, risks, and benefits. It's essential that participants fully understand and willingly consent. Confidentiality involves safeguarding their personal information and keeping their identity and data private. 

b) Research Ethics  

Research ethics involves:

a) Considering moral and ethical principles in scientific studies.

b) Prioritising participant well-being and rights.

c) Obtaining informed consent.

d) Ensuring privacy and confidentiality.

e) Addressing issues of deception, debriefing, and voluntary participation.

c) Professional standards and guidelines  

Professional standards and guidelines, set by organizations like the American Psychological Association (APA), ensure that psychologists uphold ethical conduct in research and practice, covering areas such as competence, relationships, assessment, therapy, supervision, and research. 

Conclusion 

As we conclude this blog, we trust that you now understand What is Psychology. It's an ever-evolving area of study that delves into the complexities of human behaviour and cognitive processes. Exploring different ideologies and investigative techniques offers an essential perspective on self-awareness and interpersonal relationships, benefiting individual development and community welfare.

Don’t struggle alone; try our Psychological Skills Training for Human Wellness Training!