Seeks to explain, define, and treat abnormal behaviors and promote well-being Using the example of memory: Clinical psychology is concerned with how psychological disorders impact memory, e.g., traumatic experiences that create intrusive flashbacks. Individual Differences (Personality) Perspective Recognizes and investigates individual differences in personality Using the example of memory: Individual differences in “need for What Does It Mean to Be a Psychologist? Objective LO6: Explain why psychology’s role as a “hub science” allows psychologists to pursue a wide range of career paths with respect to professional specialties and research areas. Note: In 2006-2007, more than 90,000 students in the U.S. received bachelor’s degrees in psychology. Degrees in Psychology An undergraduate degree allows one to seek employment in diverse fields to psychology, such as working in a research facility, rehabilitation center, management, sales, service, public affairs, education, human resources, etc. This reflects the “hub” nature of the science. A master’s degree (two years beyond a bachelor’s) allows one to teach in a institution and, in many states, become licensed as a therapist. Master’s level psychologists work in the healthy industry and education fields, including school psychologists who may assess students for academic and psychological service needs and/or counsel students. A doctoral degree (2-5 years beyond a master’s) allows one to teach and conduct research at colleges and universities (less than 28%), work as therapists (40%), or other fields such as business, government, and schools. Doctoral-Level Psychology Those pursing a doctoral degree typically focus on a particular perspective, taking coursework in their area of specialization. Not all people who receive a doctorate in psychology do clinical work. Doctoral students who want to do clinical work have internships in clinical settings and undergo supervised training prior to government-regulated licensure that adds another year to their graduate studies. Psychologists differ from psychiatrists in that they are not medical doctors and, typically, cannot prescribe medication (currently only allowed in New Mexico and Louisiana).
Zero correlation: Two variables do not have any systematic relationship with each other (knowing the variable of one does not tell you anything about the variable with other) (e.g., crime rates and full moon) Correlation is not causation: We can know there is a relationship between the two variables but we cannot know if one variable causes the other. The relationship may be caused by a third variable The variables may be influencing each other simultaneously Why use it? There are times where it would be Impossible or unethical to use experimental methods with humans and ask them to place themselves at risk, but we can draw correlations between existing behaviors in people and their functioning or health. Experimental Methods: When conducting an experiment, the researcher has a great deal of control over the variables and context. Experiments allow researchers to talk about cause. Begins designing an experiment with a hypothesis: “If I do this, then that will happen.” To test the hypothesis , the researcher manipulates or modifies one or more variables and observes changes in others The variable controlled by the experimenter is the independent variable. The dependent variable is the observed result of the manipulation of the independent variable. Participants get assigned to one of two groups: Control group: The group that experiences all experimental procedures with the exception of exposure to the independent variable Experimental group: The group that does experience the independent variable To prevent individual differences from masking or distorting the effects of the independent variable, participants are randomly assigned to the control or experimental group. Each participant has an equal chance of being assigned to either group. Confounding variables: Variables that are irrelevant to the hypothesis being tested, such as individual differences among participants that can alter conclusions Limitations: Experiments can be artificial; people may change their behavior if they know they are participants in a study. Variables may also not truly represent real-life variables. Making a study realistic has ethical challenges in that it could physically or psychologically harm participants. Independent and dependent variables must be operationalized; that is, they can be defined and implemented in a concrete fashion. Different researchers operationalize variables in different ways. Thus, methods can vary widely from study to study. Meta-analyses: A statistical analysis of many previous experiments on the same topic. Typically it proves a clearer picture of the phenomenon being studied than
Brains did not appear in heads until animals formed skeletons 500 million years ago. The first human brain didn’t appear until 7 million years ago. The current model of the brain came about in the last 100,000-200,000 years. The social complexities and demands of the human species contributed to the rapid increase in human brain size and intelligence Brain Labeling The brainstem, limbic region, and cortex comprise the “triune brain,” (Concept of Neurologist Paul Maclean 1990) which has developed in layers over the course of evolution. It is a basic and simplified yet powerful organizing concept for understanding the brain and for self development. (See below for “Reptile Brain”, “Mammal” Brain, and Human Brain.) The brain is also divided into two hemispheres, left and right. The front lobe or prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for “executive functioning,” the conscious focus of attention, impulse control, planning, and decision making, deliberated judgments, creativity, deliberated emotion and motivation. The parietal lobe, which integrates sensory information at the lower top of your head. occipital lobe, the part of the brain responsible for vision, is locate d at the back of the head. The sides are the temporal lobes, which are involved in hearing. Inside the temporal lobes are the hippocampus, which is associated with memory, and the amygdala, which is involved in emotional reactions such as anger or fear. Inside the brainstem is the medulla, which regulates involuntary movements like your heartbeat and breathing. The reticular formation can also be found here, which is involved in the regulation of arousal. Inside the basal ganglia, which are associated with initiating movement and controlling fine motor activity; the thalamus, which sends messages between the lower brain centers and the cerebral cortex; and the hypothalamus, which is involved in the regulation of appetite, thirst, emotion, and body temperature. Along with the pituitary gland, it plays a role in controlling the endocrine system and hormonal drives The Triune Brain Concept The Spinal Cord, Brainstem, and Cerebellum, (THE REPTILE BRAIN)
Positron emission tomography (PET scan): provides a computerized image of the brain and other organs at work Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): provides a detailed image of the soft matter of the brain or other body parts Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI): allows for assessment of function and structures in the brain Experimental Methods Lesioning: part of the brain is destroyed in animal subjects to observe the effects on behavior. Electrical recording: electrodes are implanted and records of electrical changes are gathered. Electrical stimulation: a mild electric current is passed through parts of the brain to observe the effects.