Prueba Psyhology 09-04-24

PSYCHOLOGY
Early Beginnings
In the fourth and third centuries BC people like Plato, Aristotle and Socrates started asking the
difficult questions like, how does the mind work? Why do I think as I do? Etc. It was the same
philosophers who gave the answers.
Plato
Plato’s academy flourished in Athens from 380BC to about 530 AD. There was no syllabus as such
and the style was very much dialectical, following the practice from Socrates. Their knowledge grew
as they struggled with the answers, at this point, learning comes from reasoning, not from
experience.
The Birth of psychology as a Science

It’s agreed that psychology as a science was born in 1879, after being part of philosophy, at the
university of Leipzig by Wilhelm Wundt. He set up the first formal psychology laboratory. He
conducted experiments of a formal nature into almost everything, however he influenced every
psychologist in the early decades of the 20th century.
William James
He introduced experimental psychology to America, and produced the first psychology textbook,
Principles of Psychology. He also promoted functionalism, that was the idea that psychology should
investigate the function of the mind and of behavior, the contrary to structuralism, that is the
structure of mind, etc, that is the focus of the study.
Definition of Psychology
There is no single definition of psychology that is universally acknowledged. A common definition
is: psychology is the scientific study of mental processes and behavior and how these are affected by
internal processes and the environment. The first important part of the definition is “scientific”, this
means systematic and controlled study of human behavior. Secondly “mental processes” and
“behavior”, mental processes are covert behaviors, other behaviors are overt. Finaly the definition
recognizes that behavior is influenced by two sets of factors: internal processes and the
environment..
The Diversity of psychology

Psychology is a multidisciplinary science that includes knowledge from the natural and social
sciences. Psychology researchers use a number of data collection methods to study a variety of
topics. There are many advantages in psychology’s relationship to other sciences, most psychologists
undertake research within their own field, but if they were to combine their knowledge they could
create completely new areas of knowledge.
Cognitive psychology
Philosophers have asked how the humans come to know the world, this is called epistemology. In
theory of knowledge this is referred to as “ways of knowing”. When we ask this question we refer to
processes such as sensation, memory, language and reason. Today this is part of cognitive
psychology.
Ethics
This is also an integral part of philosophy and psychology. Today, ethical concerns are fundamental
to psychological research and applied psychology.
Wilhelm Wundt
th
In the mid-19 century many psychologists like Wilhelm Wundt started to study processes like
neural transmission, reflexes and perception. He was particularly interested in the study of
consciousness, however his definition of psychology as the science of consciousness was soon
criticized by most Americans, and in USA it was replaced by the psychology of behavior.
Psychology in applied settings

Introduction
If psychology can be defined as the scientific study of behavior the applications of such a discipline
and virtually limitless. Since psychology first became recognized as a field of scientific endeavor in
the last century, numerous specialist fields have emerged like:
Clinical psychology
Clinical psychologists help people with behavioral and emotional problems. These may range from
those associated with mental illness to physical problems. They seldom works alone, but is part of
highly trained team and other specialists, they also may work in academic institutions. In order to
become one a first degree in psychology is required, followed by a higher degree.
Occupational Psychology
Occupational psychologists are concerned with the many issues arising from people in their work
environment. They may be involved with the structure of organizations, productivity, job
satisfaction, selection, personnel and raining. Their general aim is to improve the quality of working
life. They must be familiar with the general processes that take place within an organization, whilst
also showing an awareness of individual’s capabilities and limitations. To be one you have to have a
degree in psychology
Educational Psychology
Educational psychologists look at the ways in which people learn and so are concerned with the
processes that take place inside and outside of the classroom. They also work in devising learning
programs and methods of instruction. They may act as special advisers where education is involved
and also administer psychometric tests. O be one you have to obtain a degree in psychology,
followed by teaching qualification, and at least you have to have 2 years of experience before
applying for a training course.
Criminological Psychology
Criminology is concerned with the study of crime, criminals and pemology, and psychologists
involved in this field may work in a variety of settings, one is within the prison services. They may
also be found within breaches of the Home Office. Occasionally, psychologists with a particular
expertise may be called upon to assist the police with especially difficult cases.
The Psychology Teacher

In recent years psychology has risen popularity, therefore there has been an increase in the demand
for psychology teachers. Nowadays, examining boards provide at least one psychology syllabus as a
guide for teachers, including a general introduction to the main theories and ideas of the subject.
With the introduction of new educational courses, psychology teachers may be called to service
courses in psychological aspects are found.
Sport Psychology
Sport psychologists apply psychological principles to sporting activities, although many topics
within psychology have fairly obvious links with sport. There are two main roles that can be
identified, practical consultant/adviser, and researcher. The practical consultant/adviser entails the
use of techniques to help with aspects such as mental preparation and goal-setting. And the
consultant, may work either with individuals or whole teams, usually beginning by the identifying
areas of concern to be worked on over a period of time.
Health Psychology
It is relatively new and it has been defined as the application of psychology to health, health
problems and health care. It offers a much broader scope than psychotherapy since it doesn’t exclude
physiological problems. Although the applications are very diverse, the definition highlights three
major strands of health psychology, first is health itself, specifically what constitutes a healthy
person, secondly illness, psychologists may examine mental aspects to do with being ill. And the
third is concerned with health care, which psychologists concentrate on the behavior on seeking care.

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PSYCHOLOGY

The Birth of psychology as a Science

The Diversity of psychology

Psychology in applied settings

The Psychology Teacher

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