Psychology 1000 Chapter 1: Chapter 1_ The Science of Behaviour (2)

• School: Western University
• Department: Psychology
• Course: Psychology 1000
• Professor: Mike Atkinson

Document Summary

The scientific study of behaviour and the mind. Internal processes/states not seen directly and must be inferred through actions (eg. thoughts, feelings) Actions and responses we can directly observe. 4 central goals: describe how people and animals behave, explain & understand causes of behaviours, predict how people and animals will behave under certain conditions. Influence & control behaviour through knowledge to enhance human welfare. Study of mental processes, views mind as information processor. Examines- consciousness, attention, memory, decision making, problem solving. Examines how- the brain processes genes & hormones & how that influences our body. evolution shaped psychological capabilities and behavioural tendencies. Studies human physical, psychological, social growth across a lifespan. Eg- parenting styles, emotions of infants, mental capabilities as an adolescent. Eg- hearing, vision, perception, thirst, hungry, motivational states. Eg- leadership, teamwork, work motivation, factors influencing job satisfaction, productivity. Examines people"s thoughts, feelings, behaviour in regards to the social world. Empirical evidence - circumstances and observing the outcome.