Grade 11, University & College Preparation (Course Code: HSP 3M)
Author of Course: Kevin Leung, O.S.
Author of Text: Colin M. Bain/ Jill S. Colyer - The Human Way
UNIT 2 THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE SOCIAL SCIENCES
Chapter 2.2 Notes (Psychology's development)
I) Fields of study in psychology
1) Psychoanalysis - analyzes inner experiences (dreams, thoughts, feelings, etc.) & the mind
2) Behavioural Psychology - analyzes principles of behaviour
- turned away from #1, goal is the prediction and control of behaviour. Used animals; Until 50's.
- Edward L. Thorndike (1874-1949): Law of Effect (Behaviours that result in a positive outcome will be repeated, those in negative outcome would be avoided)
3) Cognitive Psychology - analyzes perception, learning, memory and reasoning. From 50's on.
- investigated i) operation of schools & suggested improvements ii) values/beliefs in our lives
II) Famous Psychologists
Sigmund Freud (1856-1939)
- founder of psychology who worked in turn-of-century Vienna
Conscious Mind - contains memories we can recall. Tip of the iceberg.
Unconscious Mind - contains memories we cannot recall. Influence human behaviour; must be unlocked to treat mental disorders.
Free Association - replaced hypnosis. 1) Patients in a state of complete relaxation, 2) therapist read a list of words 3) patients respond with the first idea that came to mind 4) Secrets revealed
- unconscious mind speaks to us in dreams
Theory of Human Personality
Id - Pleasure-seeking element (agression & sexual drive)
Superego - Urges us to do good things to obtain positive results
Ego - Referees between id and superego. Judgments and values that help us discern.
- conflict between the three causes anxiety
Defence mechanisms are techniques used to deal with such anxiety and maintain self-esteem
Includes narcotization, reaction-formation, projection, displacement, repression, introjection, etc.
- introduced very controversial ideas
- significant in development of psychiatry - the study & medical treatment of mental distorders
Alfred Adler (1870-1937)
- Austrian who first worked with Freud, then eventually broke away
- emphasis desire for power more than just pleasure
- Individual psychology: system of therapy that focussed on the conscious mind rather than the unconscious, because people are noramlly aware of their goals and values.
- Inferiority complex: People feel inferior at certain times and therefore compensate by seeking experiences that give them a feeling of power
- dreams important in understanding human personality
- REJECTED:
i) people who have difficulty relating to others probably had damaging sex experience as children
ii) dreams reveal more about our sexuality than anything else
- argues that people are maladjusted and need to pursue worthwile goals to increase self-esteem
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