PSYC 100 Lecture Notes - Lecture 1: Empiricism, Materialism, Determinism

• School: Queen's University
• Department: Psychology
• Course: PSYC 100
• Professor: Jordan Poppenk

Document Summary

Psychology: the study of behaviour, thought, and experience. A type of science that requires using methods of collecting data and observations, developing theories, in order to make predictions and hypotheses (testable questions) Theory: explanation of a broad range of observations that generate new hypotheses and integrate numerous findings into a coherent whole. Biopsychosocial model: thoughts and behaviours have many influences such as brain chemicals, hormones, drugs, family, peers, or specific social situations. Empiricism: a philosophical tenet that we obtain all knowledge through observable facts and experiences. Rationalism: the pursuit of truth through reason and logic. Determinism: the belief that all events are governed by lawful, cause and effect relationships (ex. Behaviour is influenced by internal and external forces such as genes, brain chemistry, and peers) Materialism: the belief that humans, and other living beings, are composed exclusively of physical matter. Influences from medicine: clinical psychology, diagnosis and treatment of psychological disorders.