PSYC 2000 : Psychology Notes Test 1-3
Document Summary
What is psychology: psychology is interested in understanding behavior of people and animals, psychology: the scientific study of behavior and mental processes, behavior: any action, mental processes: perceptions, thoughts, feelings, often called latent constructs. Brief history of psychology: philosophers tried to understand the human mind ad its connection to the physical body, medical doctors and physiologists tried to understand the connection between the body and the brain. Modern view of psychology: biopsychosocial model, all behavior results from an interaction of our biology, psychological state and social state, biopsychosocial approach and obesity, 69% of american adults are overweight- double the rate. 40 years ago: biological explanation:genetics (thyroid disorders, psychological explanation: depression, socio-cultural explanation: lack of exercise in society; prevalence of fast food; food deserts. Study types: basic research: conducted to answer questions about the nature of behavior and cognition- develops/builds theories, applied research: conducted to resolve practical problems-develops new innovations/technologies. Theory: all research begins with a theory.
