Introduction to Psychology - Unit Code :Psy/Os/Co/Cr/03/6/A

An overview of the basic concepts, history, and major theories in psychology, including the different perspectives and subfields within the discipline.

Introduction to Psychology – Study Notes

1. What Is Psychology?

Definition: The scientific study of behavior and mental processes.
Key Focus: How people think, feel, and act, and why they do so.
Scope: Encompasses biological, cognitive, social, and cultural dimensions.

2. Historical Foundations

Era / Figure	Main Contribution	Core Idea
Wilhelm Wundt (1879)	First experimental psychology lab (Leipzig)	Psychology as a laboratory science; introspection.
William James (1890)	The Principles of Psychology	Functionalism – purpose of mental processes.
Sigmund Freud	Psychoanalysis	Unconscious drives, psychosexual stages.
John B. Watson	Behaviorism (1913)	Observable behavior as the only scientific data.
B.F. Skinner	Operant conditioning	Reinforcement & punishment shape behavior.
Jean Piaget	Cognitive Development	Stages of logical thinking in children.
Carl Rogers	Humanistic psychology	Person‑centered therapy; self‑actualization.
Aaron Beck	Cognitive therapy	Thoughts influence emotions & behavior.

3. Major Sub‑Fields

Sub‑field	Primary Questions	Typical Methods
Biological / Neuropsychology	How do brain structures & chemicals affect behavior?	Neuroimaging, EEG, lesion studies.
Cognitive Psychology	How do we perceive, remember, think, and solve problems?	Experiments, reaction‑time tasks, computer modeling.
Developmental Psychology	How does behavior change across the lifespan?	Longitudinal & cross‑sectional studies.
Social Psychology	How do people influence and are influenced by others?	Lab experiments, field studies, surveys.
Clinical / Counseling Psychology	How can mental illness be diagnosed & treated?	Psychotherapy, assessment, clinical trials.
Industrial‑Organizational (I‑O) Psychology	How to improve workplace performance & well‑being?	Surveys, job analysis, selection testing.
Health Psychology	How do psychological factors affect health?	Behavioral interventions, epidemiological studies.

4. Research Methods

Experimental Method
- Manipulate independent variable (IV) → observe effect on dependent variable (DV).
- Random assignment → control for confounds.
Correlational Studies
- Measure relationship between two variables (r).
- No causation implied.
Observational Methods
- Naturalistic: observe behavior in real settings.
- Structured: controlled observation in lab.
Surveys & Questionnaires
- Collect self‑report data.
- Importance of reliability & validity.
Case Studies
- In‑depth analysis of a single individual or group.
- Useful for rare phenomena.
Neurophysiological Techniques
- fMRI, PET, EEG, TMS.
- Link brain activity to mental functions.

5. Core Concepts & Terminology

Behavior – Observable actions or responses.
Mental Processes – Thoughts, feelings, memories, perceptions.
Conscious vs. Unconscious – Awareness vs. processes outside awareness.
Nature vs. Nurture – Genetic inheritance vs. environmental influence.
Plasticity – Brain’s ability to change structurally/functionally.

Topic Concept Map

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Introduction to Psychology

Research Methods in Psychology

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Biological Basis of Behavior

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Sensation and Perception

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Learning and Memory

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Social Psychology

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Developmental Psychology

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Abnormal Psychology

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Cognitive Psychology

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Health Psychology

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