chapter1

toc =Chapter 1 - Approaches to Psychology=

**SECTION 1: Why study psychology ?**
In this chapter, we learned the reasons, how important is psychology and why. Description, Explanation, Prediction and Influence. To summarize each of these terms, **description** is to describe or gather information about the behaviors being studied and to present what is known. **Explanation** is why people behave as they do. **Prediction** is what organisms will do. **Influence** is a conducting study with long term goal of finding more about human behavior.
 * Psychology** is the study of behavior and mental processes . //As psychologist go about their systematic and scientifc study of humans and animals they have several goals.// Those goals are:

Within this goal, we can observe two sciences: **the basic science** (or research) and **the applied science** (psychological principles). **Psychology** can provide insight into behavior and has practical applications in everyday life. Also psychologists rely on the scientific method when researching an issue. //The scientific method// includes hypothesis which is an assumption about behavior that is tested through scientific research. **Psychology** can provide insight into behavior and has practical applicatios in everyday life.

**SECTION 2: History of psychology**
There is a long history about psychology which includes **structuralism**, which is a study of basic elements that make up conscious mental experiences. **Functionalism** is a study of the function of consciousness. Finally, **inheritable traits** and **the Gestalt psychology** //(it means “whole patterns”).//

There are different types to study that all include psychology. **Psychoanalytic psychology** which involves interpretation of unconscious thoughts. **Behaviorist** investigate observable behavior. Also **humanists** who believe that human behavior is self directed. **Cognitive psychologists** focus their study on mental processes and rationally motivated behavior. **Psychobiologists** are interested in the physiological basis of behavior in humans and animals.
 * Sociocultural psychoogy** is the study of modern influential movement on how to view human behavior from a political and cross-cultural point of view.

**SECTION 3: Psychology as Profession**
//There are many speciality fields in psychology, including clinical, developmental, industrial/ organizational, experimental, and community psychology.//
 * Psychiatrists and clinical psychologists** both treat people with psychological disorders. Psychiatrists are medical doctors, whereas clinical psychologists are trained in psychology.

Key Terms:

 * Psychology** is the scientific study of behavior that is tested through scientific research.
 * Basic science** is the pursuit of knowledge about natural phenomena for its own sake.
 * Applied science** is discovering ways to use scientific findings to accomplish practical goals.
 * A structuralist** is a psychologist who studied the basic elements that make up conscious mental experiences.
 * A functionalist** is a psychologist who studied the function (rather than the structure) of consciousness.
 * A psychoanalyst** is a psychologist who studies how unconscious motives and conflicts determine human behavior.
 * A behaviorist** is a psychologist who analyzes how organisms learn or modify their behavior based on their response to events in the environment.
 * A humanist** is a psychologist who believes that each person has freedom in directing his or her future and achieving personal growth.
 * A psychobiologist** is a psychologist who studies how physical and chemical changes in our bodies influence our behavior.
 * A clinical psychologist** is a psychologist who diagnoses and treats people with emotional disturbances.
 * Psychiatry** is a branch of medicine that deals with mental, emotional, or behavioral disorders.
 * Developmental psychologist** is a psychologist who studies the emotional, cognitive, biological, personal, and social changes that occur as an individual matures.
 * Educational psychologist** is a psychologist who is concerned with helping students learns.
 * Community psychologist** is a psychologist who may work in a mental health or social welfare agency.
 * Industrial/organizational psychologist** is a psychologist who uses psychological concepts to make the workplace a more satisfying environment for employees and managers.
 * Experimental psychologist** is a psychologist who studies sensation, perception, learning, motivation, and emotion in carefully controlled laboratory conditions.