Helpdesk: WhatsApp: 0736552548 Email: info@kenyaplex.com

EPS 100: Introduction to Psychology Notes

Institution: Kenyatta University

Course: Bachelor of Arts

Content Category: lecture notes

Posted By: davidkariuki1010

Document Type: DOCX

Number of Pages: 86

Price: KES 200

Limited Time Offer! Get your download in 15m 00s

 
    
808 Views
9 Purchases
View Schemes of Work  |  View Lesson Plans

Summary

DEFINITION OF PSYCHOLOGY.
The word psychology comes from the Greek words psyche which means “mind/soul/spirit” and
logos meaning “knowledge or study”.
Formally defined, psychology is the scientific study of behavior and mental processes of humans and other animals.
Psychology as a science. Pysychology is a scientific study.
Psychological research uses scientific methods to provide enlightening and reliable information about behavior. Science is derived from the Latin word “scire” i.e. to know. Science avoids mere opinions, intuitions and guesses and strives to know by using objective evidence. Science uses logic to reason about the possible causes of a phenomenon and then tests the resulting ideas psychology relies on empirical evidence i.e. information gained from direct observation.The information is collected systematically through carefully designed experiments; various assumptions can be validated or refuted.
The study of behavior.
Behavior means the outward (overt) observable acts of a person/ animal, either alone or in a group.
Study of mental processes
Psychologists also study covert behaviors. These are private, internal activities, such as thinking; dreaming; remembering; perceiving; reasoning; problem solving and other mental events.
Study of humans and other animals
Psychology includes the study of human as well as animal behavior. Psychologists study rats, dogs, cats, insects, pigeons, monkeys, chimpanzees, turtles and other animals.
THE GOALS OF PSYCHOLOGY
i) Describe behavior: Answering psychological questions requires a careful description of behavior.This is based on making a detailed record of behavioral observation.
ii) Understanding behavior: Explaining an event-Stating the causes of behavior and determining how they led to the described behavior.
? E.g. research on “bystander apathy” reveals that people often fail to help when other possible helpers are nearby. Why? Because a “diffusion of responsibility” occurs. Basically, no one feels personally obligated to assist. As a result, the more potential helpers there are, the less likely it is that anyone will help (Darley 2000; Darley and Latane, 1968). This can help us explain a perplexing problem.

iii) Predicting behavior: This is the ability to forecast/ foretell behavior accurately. e.g.
? How people learn most effectively.
? Bystander apathy – makes a prediction of the chances of getting help- (having many potential helpers is no guarantee that anyone will help).
iv) Controlling or influencing phenomena: This refers to altering conditions that affect behavior e.g. if you suggest changes in a classroom that help students learn better, you have exerted control. If you help a student overcome terrible exam/ test anxiety, control is involved.
N.B. Psychological control must be used wisely and humanely.
MAJOR PERSPECTIVES FOLLOWED IN THE STUDY OF PSYCHOLOGY
A perspective is a broad look at a topic/ issue.
A number of perspectives have been used to explain human thought and behaviour.
i) The Psychoanalytic perspective.
The psychodynamic perspective originated with the work of Sigmund Freud. This view of psychology and human behavior emphasizes the role of the unconscious mind, early childhood experiences, and interpersonal relationships to explain human behavior and to treat people suffering from mental illnesses. He viewed psychological traits and disorders as having an origin in sexual and aggressive drives
ii) The Behavioural perspective(early 20th century)
• Behaviour theorists include B.F. Skinner and J,B. Watson.
• Proposes that behaviour is a product of learning
• It strove to make psychology a more scientific discipline by focusing purely on observable behavior.
• Today, the behavioral perspective is still concerned with how behaviors are learned and reinforced.
• Behavioral principles are often applied in mental health settings, where therapists and counselors use these techniques to explain and treat a variety of illnesses
iii) The biological perspective
• This helps us understand how the body and the brain work in unison to create emotions, memories and sensory experiences.
• This perspective studies evolutionary and hereditary influences on behaviour, how messages are transmitted within the body, and how blood chemistry is related to moods and motives.
iv) The humanistic perspective
• This school of thought known as humanistic psychology emerged during the 1950s.
• This perspective emphasizes the role of motivation on thought and behavior.
• It emphasizes that the human being has the capacity to deliberately choose a meaningful life pattern and therefore grow to greater maturity and fulfillment.
• It was influenced greatly by the work of prominent humanists such as Carl Rogers and Abraham Maslow.
• Concepts such as self-actualization are an essential part of this perspective.

v) Cognitive Perspective
• This perspective began during the 1960s.
• ‘Cognition’ is the ability to utilize the mind in terms of mental processes such as memory, thinking, problem solving, language and decision-making.
• In this perspective, psychologists explore the way human beings use their mental processes to reason and solve problems.
• Influenced by psychologists such as Jean Piaget and Albert Bandura, this perspective has grown tremendously in recent decades.
iv) Cross-cultural perspective
• This is a fairly new perspective in which psychologists and researchers look at human behavior across different cultures.
• It looks at cultural and ethnic similarities and differences on both psychological and social functioning.
• The assumption is that each person has a cultural and ethnic background which influences their thinking and behavior depending on the environment in which they are.
GROWTH OF PSYCHOLOGY
NB: The roots of psychology lie in philosophy (use of logic and specialization to understand the nature of reality, experience, and values) on the one hand and physiology on the other (Study of biological workings of the body, including the brain).
Philosophers such as Plato, Aristotle, Descartes and Locke – raised provocative questions about human thoughts, feelings and behavior. E.g.
? Renes Descartes (French) focused attention on the distinction between mind and body.
? John Locke (English philosopher) stressed that all human knowledge arises from experience of the entire world and from reflection about it.
Among the early scientific psychologists were the structuralists.

Approaches to Psychology/schools of thought
A school of thought comprises a system of ideas that a proponent wishes to promote. Theories are based on schools of thought.
1. Structuralism
Wilhelm Wundt (1832 – 1920): Founder of scientific psychology.
? Set up the first psychology laboratory in 1879 in Leipzig, Germany.
? He defined the task of psychology as the systematic study of the structure of the conscious adult mind.
? Structuralism sought to break experiences into basic elements or structures, in the same way that a substance like water could be broken into molecules of hydrogen and oxygen.
? He sought to identify the building blocks of consciousness i.e.
i) Sensations – which arise from the eyes, ears and other sense organs.
ii) Feelings e.g. fear, anger and love

Below is the document preview. Purchase to access the complete document.

  • 10415_1.jpg
  • 10415_0.jpg
  • 10415_1.jpg
  • 10415_0.jpg
    ........

    This is the end of this document preview. Buy to download the complete document.


    More Resources

    • Certificate in Plumbing Complete Notes

      Certificate in Plumbing Complete Notes INTRODUCTION TO PLUMBING Specific objective a. Narrate the history of plumbing trade b. State relationship existing between plumbing and other building...

      Price: KES :  100

       
    • Clinical Medicine: General Surgery Complete Notes

      Download complete Clinical Medicine General surgery complete notes SURGERY MODULE 1 SURGERY 1 It has three units: 1. General introduction to surgery 2. Soft tissue...

      Price: KES :  200

       
    • Digital Literacy Complete Notes

      Enhance your digital literacy with comprehensive notes. Purchase now and receive instant delivery via WhatsApp, email, or direct download. 1.1 Determine concepts of ICT in accordance with computer...

      Price: KES :  250

       
    • AEM 203 Agroecology II Notes

      AEM 203 Agroecology II Notes University of Embu Bachelor of science in management of agro-ecosystems and environment Brief overview: Basic Concepts 1. Ecosystem: A piece of earth containing...

      Price: KES :  1000

       
    • ISC 207 Management Information Systems Notes

      Full notes on management of information systems. Get the full notes here Brief Overview: System Concept A system is an organized, purposeful structure regarded as a whole and consisting of...

      Price: KES :  200

       
    • BASS 301: Religion and Science in East Africa Notes 2016/2017

      Scientific methods of study and research Brief Overview: INTRODUCTION The following section attempts to explain the relationship between religion and science. It starts by explaining the...

      Price: KES :  400

       
    • AEM 203 Agroecology Notes: Interaction between agriculture, global environment and social systems

      The notes comprises origin of agriculture, the global food system and its influences on environment and its mitigation measures 2.0 INTERACTION BETWEEN AGRICULTURE, GLOBAL ENVIRONMENT AND SOCIAL...

      Price: KES :  1000

       
    • Laboratory Manual on the Determination of Electrical Conductivity and Salinity of Water

      This is a laboratory manual on the determination of electrical conductivity and salinity of water Experiment: Determination of the conductivity and salinity of water Introduction Conductivity is a...

      Price: KES :  500

       
    • Kenyatta University EMP 201: Curriculum Development Notes

      Document Length: 9 pages. The notes are all about curriculum Implementation and Teacher education, the definition of Curriculum Implementation, Strategies for Curriculum Implementation, Agencies of...

      Price: KES :  150

       
    • Internet and Networking Revision Notes: Module III diploma in ICT

      These are revision questions and answers for module III diploma in ICT. They are very understandable Q&A for exam preparation. DATA COMMUNICATION AND NETWORKS 1. Define the term Computer...

      Price: KES :  200

       
    • TPR 202 Ethics/Introduction to Ethics Notes

      These are the ethics notes from a researched background and they help one understand about social science. Please read and at the end of it you will benefit, am sure. TPR 202 ETHICS/ INTRODUCTION...

      Price: KES :  150

       
    • Sociology Notes: Scope of Sociology

      Sociological theory: A theory refers to a statement of general principles which try to explain the nature of things. A sociological theory is, therefore, a branch of sociology that attempts to...

      Price: KES :  200

       
    • BLM 3312: Logistics Management Notes

      Content covered in this document: - Definition of Logistics - Types of Logistics;inbound,outbound and reverse logistics - Diagrammatic representation of different types of...

      Price: KES :  100

       
    • BBM 3324: Insurance Risk Management Notes

      [ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT]ERM Challenges 1. Assessing ERM’s Value 2. Privilege 3. Defining Risk 4. Risk Assessment Methods 5. Qualitative Versus Quantitative risks 6. Time Horizon 7....

      Price: KES :  100

       
    • SCS 2113: Management Information System Notes

      Management information system MIS levels in organization Functions of MIS MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEM_2 STRUCTURE What does a management information system look like? What does a management...

      Price: KES :  200

       
    • Conflict of Laws With Regard to Marriage

      Introduction According to Fawcett, private international law (Conflict of Laws) is that part of domestic law which comes into operation whenever the court is faced with a claim that contains...

      Price: KES :  1500

       
    • CLS 401: Professional Ethics Notes

      Notes on Professional Ethics and practice for Law students, neatly summarized for easier reading and understanding. Each topic is outlined clearly. The notes cover most topics taught in professional...

      Price: KES :  2000

       
    • ENTR 032: Introduction to Entrepreneurship

      An entrepreneur is someone who conceives an idea, creates a path to success, does whatever it takes to succeed and tries to dominate their market since they're willing to risk almost everything to...

      Price: KES :  100

       
    • EMA 412: Economics and Planning of Education Notes 4th year

      These are lectures note for EMA412:ECONOMICS AND PLANING OF EDUCATION for 4th year for education students. Brief Overview: Educational Planning Is a conscious and deliberate Government effort...

      Price: KES :  300

       
    • EMA 411: Educational Management and Administration Notes

      These are lecture notes of EMA 411.EDUCATIONAL MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION for 4th year students for teaching and reading. Brief Overview: Organization – refers to the structure and...

      Price: KES :  200

       
    • AEC 418: Project Appraisal and Evaluation - Introduction to Project Appraisal Notes

      Content: This is an introduction to project appraisal and evaluation. 1. Introduction A project appraisal should entail the following: 1) A presentation and discussion of the socio-economic...

      Price: KES :  300

       
    • AEC 418: Project Appraisal and Evaluation - Financial Appraisal Notes

      This is a well illustrated topic about financial appraisal in the course project appraisal and evaluation. This topic has the following subtopics: (i) Total investments costs (ii) Fixed...

      Price: KES :  50

       
    • ABA 431: Business Research Methods for Business Management Notes 4th Year

      BUSINESS RESEARCH METHODS FOR BUSINESS MANAGEMENT for 4th year for education students .The notes can be used for teaching and learning. Brief Overview: 1.1 MEANING OF RESEARCH Research refers...

      Price: KES :  300

       
    • BEC 3400: Economics of Public Policy Notes

      These notes gives the full detail of economics of public policy which is taught to students in fourth year who take bachelor of science in economics. The notes are well summarized and in a simple and...

      Price: KES :  200

       
    • Diploma in Clinical Medicine and Surgery Cims 0336: Medicine 2 Notes

      This are notes for medicine 2,they can be used for teaching in clinical medicine and surgery Brief overview: RISK FACTORS Malnutrition and conditions with IS such as HIV LBW Large population...

      Price: KES :  99

       
    • ENS 2100: Urbanization and environment Notes (One Sub-topic)

      This contains only one sub-topic about the environment and urbanization well written and summarized Brief Overview: URBANIZATION AND ENVIRONMENT. In this paper we are going to discuss the...

      Price: KES :  10

       
    • Professional Theory and Practice

      This work gives the definition, history, concepts, nature, the empirical formulation, value & ethics, practice model, perspectives and practical interventions of behavioral theory. It gives clear...

      Price: KES :  200

       
    • AEC 418 Project Appraisal and Evaluation - Economic Analysis of Projects

      This is a topic about economic analysis of projects. it is an important topic in project appraisal and evaluation. It has the following sub topics (i) conversion of markets to accounting prices (ii)...

      Price: KES :  200

       
    • AEC 418 Project Appraisal and Evaluation - Risk Assessment of Projects

      This document is about the topic 'Risk assessment of projects'. Assessment of projects is a very important thing in project evaluation. The following are the key subtopics which are highlighted. (i)...

      Price: KES :  100

       
    • EPY 110: Maseno University Introduction to Educational Psychology Notes

      This is full notes for the students taking Education.Introduction to psychology comes in simple and easy to understand notes placed in point form. All the theories are described in a simple way and...

      Price: KES :  50

       

    More Content By davidkariuki1010

    • APP 200: Principles of Public Law Notes

      A. The legal definition of Law In its strict sense, law can be understood to be “that portion of the established thought and habit which has gained distinct and formal recognition in the shape of...

      Price: KES :  200

       
    • EFN 302: Philosophy of Education Notes

      TABLE OF CONTENTS Lesson One: Introduction to...

      Price: KES :  200

       
    • EMP 403: Economics of Education and Educational Planning Notes

      • Planning in all its forms is a rational process of preparing a set of decisions for future actions directed at achieving objectives already set • It is thus a continuous process • Its concerned...

      Price: KES :  200

       
    • APS 103: History and Systems of Psychology Notes

      HISTORY AND SYSTEMS OF PSYCHOLOGY In this course, we are dealing with two disciplines, history and psychology, using the methods of history to describe and understand the development of...

      Price: KES :  200

       
    • AGD 403: Gender, Population and Resource Management Notes

      Week 1: Introduction to Gender, Population and Resource Management In this first lesson, we explain the term gender, population, resource and resource management. We also explain the different...

      Price: KES :  200

       
    • AHT 340: Politics in Africa Notes

      Politics in Africa is a course modeled to capture the gradual historical development of Africa‘s political structures and the challenges it has faced from the pre-colonial, colonial and...

      Price: KES :  200

       
    • AGE 100: Introduction to Cartography and Map Analysis Notes

      1.0 Introduction to Cartography 1.1 Introduction The section begins with the definition of term cartography. It explores nature of the discipline, which has been shown to have very interesting...

      Price: KES :  150

       
    • BBA 414: Management of Public Enterprises Notes

      INTRODUCTION ....................................................................................................................................................... 2 1.1 Overview of...

      Price: KES :  200

       
    • BBM 312: Business Statistics II Notes

      TABLE OF CONTENTS COURSE OUTLINE………………………………………………………………………2 TABLE OF CONTENTS.................................................................................................... 4 CHAPTER 1:...

      Price: KES :  200

       
    • BAF 3204: Principles of Taxation Notes

      CHAPTER ONE THEORY OF TAXATION OBJECTIVES At the end of this chapter, the student Should be able to: Understand the various types of taxes imposed in Kenya Explain the importance of taxes in a...

      Price: KES :  200

       
    • SMA 104: Calculus I Notes

      SMA 104: Calculus I Notes with sample questions and answers Kenyatta University

      Price: KES :  150

       
    • BMS 200: Business Statistics Notes

      INTRODUCTION Statistics basically deals with how we interpret figures for decision making. In the business world, decisions have to be made; some of these decisions are based on simple aspects of...

      Price: KES :  200

       
    • BAC 409: Forensic Accounting Notes

      WEEK 1: FRAUD AND FORENSIC ACCOUNTING OVERVIEW WEEK 2 &3: FINANCIAL CRIME INVESTIGATION WEEK 4 &5: PROVING CASES THROUGH DOCUMENTARY EVIDENCE WEEK 6&7: ANALYSIS TOOLS FOR...

      Price: KES :  200

       
    • EEN 110: Environmental Education For Sustainable Development Notes

      DEFINITION OF CONCEPTS The term Environment is defined differently by different authors Muyanda mutembi 1993- Environment is the surrounding conditions that influence the behavior and development...

      Price: KES :  200

       
    • SMA 432: Partial Differential Equations

      Contents: Purpose of the Module 5 Module Learning Outcomes 5 Course Description 5 LESSON 1 6 CONCEPTS OF PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS 6 LESSON 2 12 Formation of Partial Differential...

      Price: KES :  200

       
    • ECE 305: Social Studies for Early Childhood Education Notes

      1.3 Definition of terms 1.3.1 Social Studies • According to Collins English Dictionary social studies is the study of how people live and organise themselves in society, embracing geography,...

      Price: KES :  200

       
    • ASC 200: Introduction to Social Theory Notes

      1.11NTRODUCTION TO SOCIOLOGICAL THEORY Sociological theory is a set of assumptions, assertions, and propositions, organized in the form of an explanation or interpretation, of the nature, form, or...

      Price: KES :  200

       
    • SCH 203 - Theory of Spectroscopic Methods Notes

      TABLE OF CONTENTS PREAMBLE ii UNIT 1 1 BASIC PRINCIPLES OF MOLECULAR SPECTROSCOPY 1 1.1 Introduction 1 1.2 The Nature of Electromagnetic Radiation 2 1.3 The Electromagnetic Spectrum 3 1.4...

      Price: KES :  200

       
    • AGE 401: Environmental Conservation Notes

      INTRODUCTION: Environmental conservation is the protection, preservation and management of natural environments and the ecological communities that inhabit them. This also includes the management...

      Price: KES :  200

       
    • BMS 400: Management of Information Systems Notes

      Introduction - Data consists of raw figures and facts representing events such as business transactions that are presented for processing - Information -This is processed data, it is meaningful,...

      Price: KES :  200

       
    View all resources  

    What Our Users Say

    Good Work

    Joseph

    "Your work guys is good. I've recommended your website to many teachers so far."

    I will recommend you to parents

    Jared

    "Thanks I will recommend you to parents for learning content."

    Your schemes are very good

    Margaret

    "Your schemes are very good and well planned am happy to be your customer."

    Great problem solving skill

    Babyghurl

    "Thanks so much for your kindness ...This is a great problem solving skill."

    Thanks for great care

    Jelva

    "Thanks for great care. I shall remain to be member more to introduce my colleagues."

    You are doing a great job

    Njoroge

    "You are doing a great job."

    Helpful website

    Happy Teacher

    "Hello. We appreciate your effort in updating the website, it's very helpful to teachers."

    My issue has been solved

    Henry

    "My issue has been solved and thanks for being honest, I will continue getting materials from your website, it has a lot more that I need. Be Blessed."

    Your service is exemplary

    Robin

    "Much appreciated.....your service is exemplary🙏🏽"

    I will refer my friends

    Milka

    "Be blessed I will refer my friends. Good job."

    Quick Links

    © 2008-2025 by Lexplex Group. All Rights Reserved | Home | About Us | Contact Us | Copyright | Terms Of Use | Privacy Policy | Advertise