PSYC1020 Lecture Notes - Lecture 1: Mondegreen, Cognitive Psychology, Falsifiability
PSYC1020: Psychology as a science
Psychology: a science which studies behaviour and the physiological and cognitive processes
which underly it. It is the scientific study of the human mind. The systematic study of
behaviour. It is a way to help people.
Paradigms: these are concepts/thought patterns/perspectives. They provide the basis for
research and treatments in psychology. Summed up: a perspective, approach or frame of
reference, as well as the group of researchers whose work adheres to this frame of
reference.
Paradigm:
• Subject matter
➢ General definition of field
➢ Specific focal topics
• Methods
• Language and concepts
• Root metaphor
• Intellectual influences
➢ Prior
➢ Contemporary
Cognitive psychology: human brain works like a computer program.
• Five most prominent paradigms in contemporary psychology:
➢ Behaioural learig i eerythig; e lear ho to ehae the ay e
do).
➢ Cognitive (study of mental processes (as shown in behaviour)).
➢ Biological (alterations of biological processes = abnormal behaviour).
➢ Psychodynamic (focuses on psychological forces underlying and driving
human behaviour, feelings, emotions etc.)
➢ Humanistic studyig fro perspetie of a idiiduals o, sujetie
experience(s)).
Extra interesting note: mondegreens = mishearing/misinterpreting a phrase in such a way
that it is gie a e eaig. Origis: isheard lyri ad laid hi o the gree eae
ad Lady Modegree.
Is psychology a science?
• What is a science?
1. Methodical
2. Systematic exploration of variables
3. Making sense of the world
4. NOT proven facts. Instead: evidence-based suggestions/assumptions and
theories.
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