PSY1101 Intro to Psychology

Individual Activity #1
Name: Denise Alec Y. Fernando

Year & Program: 1st Year BS Psychology

 What is Psychology?

1. Psychology is a multifaceted discipline and includes many sub-fields of study such areas
as human development, sports, health, clinical, social behavior and cognitive processes.
(Mcleod, 2023)
2. Psychology is the scientific study of the mind and behavior. Psychologists are actively
involved in studying and understanding mental processes, brain functions, and behavior.
The field of psychology is considered a "Hub Science" with strong connections to the
medical sciences, social sciences, and education (Boyack, Klavans, & Borner, 2005)
3. Psychology is the study of mind and behavior. It encompasses the biological influences,
social pressures, and environmental factors that affect how people think, act, and feel.
(MSEd, 2022)

 In general, psychology is the scientific study of the mind and behavior; thus, it is
associated with a number of factors concerning mental processes, biological influences,
etc. which is why it consists of several sub-fields.

 What are the branches of Psychology and definition?

1. Abnormal psychology - is concerned with psychopathology and abnormal behaviors, or

the patterns of emotion, thinking, and behavior that might indicate a mental health
problem.
2. Behavioral psychology - commonly known as behaviorism, is a learning theory based on
the concept that all actions are learned through conditioning.
3. Biopsychology - studies how the brain, neurons, and nervous system impact ideas,
feelings, and actions. This field draws on a variety of disciplines, including fundamental
psychology, cognitive psychology, experimental psychology, biology, physiology, and
neuroscience.
4. Clinical psychology - deals with diagnosing and treating mental illnesses, abnormal
behavior, and psychiatric problems; specializes in providing comprehensive care and
treatment for complex mental health issues.
5. Cognitive psychology - is a psychological area that is concerned with internal mental
states. This field has expanded since it was first developed in the 1960s and focuses on
the science of how individuals think, learn, and remember.
6. Comparative psychology - is a discipline of psychology that studies animal behavior.
This is significant because studying how animals behave can lead to a more in-depth and
wide understanding of human psychology.
7. Counseling psychology - focuses on treating individuals who are in mental distress who
may be experiencing a wide range of psychological symptoms.
8. Cross-cultural psychology - is the study of how cultural factors influence human
behavior. This could entail examining dissimilarities between collective and individualist
cultures, for example. Cross-cultural psychologists may also investigate how different
cultures differ in terms of emotion, personality, or child development.
9. Developmental psychology - deals with how people grow and change throughout their
lives. It aims to comprehend and explain why and how people change.
10. Educational psychology - focuses on schools, educational challenges, and student
concerns. Educational psychologists frequently investigate how students learn. In order to
improve student outcomes, they may also work directly with kids, parents, teachers, and
administrators.
11. Experimental psychology - studies the brain and behavior using scientific methods.
Experiments, correlational research, case studies, and naturalistic observation are among
the methodologies employed.
12. Forensic psychology - is concerned with topics of psychology and the law.
Psychological principles are used to legal concerns by those who work in this field. This
could include studying criminal behavior and treatment, as well as working directly in the
judicial system.
13. Personality psychology - is the study of how people create their personalities. One of the
most important and popular disciplines of psychology, experts in this field work to better
understand how personality shapes our ideas and behaviors.
14. Social psychology - seeks to comprehend and explain social behavior. It examines a
variety of issues, such as group behavior, social interactions and perceptions, leadership,
nonverbal communication, and social influences on decision-making. Social influences
on behavior are a significant focus of social psychologists, but they are also interested in
how people perceive and interact with others.
15. Sports psychology - is the study of how psychology effects sports, athletic performance,
exercise, and physical activity. Individuals may work with a sports psychologist to
improve their focus, mental toughness, motivation, or anxiety associated with sports.
 Out of the many definitions, my best three are:

1. Behavioral psychology - is a theory of learning that the environment influences human

behavior. Behavioral psychology, in its most basic form, is the study and analysis of
observable behavior. This field of psychology influenced thought heavily throughout the
middle of the 20th century.
2. Developmental psychology - this is where physical growth, intellectual development,
emotional changes, social growth, and perceptual changes that occur across the lifespan
are all studied. Others may specialize on newborn, child, adolescent, or geriatric
development, while others may focus on the effects of developmental delays.
3. Personality psychology - is the study of how people develop their personalities. One of
the largest and most recognized fields in psychology, experts in this area work to better
understand how personality shapes our ideas and behaviors.

 At least 5 Psychologist and contribution that shape our understanding of what

psychology today?

1. Sigmund Freud - Sigmund Freud was one of the most prominent and influential
psychologists of the twentieth century and is referred to as the "father of modern
psychology." He laid a foundation for many ideas that psychologists used and continue to use
to create new discoveries. His most significant contribution to psychology was the
development of talk therapy as a method of treating mental health problems. He also
proposed the unconscious as the hidden motivation underlying our actions.
2. William James - a philosopher and psychologist who had a significant impact on the
development of psychology in the United States. He is most recognized for his contributions
to functionalism, one of psychology's oldest schools of thought. His book entitled “The
Principles of Psychology” is regarded as one of the most famous and significant texts in the
history of psychology.
3. B.F. Skinner - is one of the most well-known psychologists in history. He was an ardent
supporter of behaviorism, making him a dominant figure in psychology. Many therapy
strategies based on his theories, such as behavior modification and token economies, are still
widely employed today. Skinner is most known for his concepts of operant conditioning and
reinforcement schedules.
4. Erik Erikson - stage theory of psychosocial development sparked interest and research
into human development over the lifetime, making him one of history's most recognized
psychologists. Erikson, an ego psychologist who studied with Anna Freud, extended
psychoanalytic theory by looking at development throughout life, including experiences in
childhood, adulthood, and old age.
5. Jean Piaget - was the psychologist who had the largest influence on our knowledge of
cognitive development. His theory of cognitive development made him one of the most
recognized psychologists in history. His study has a particularly important influence on our
knowledge of children's intellectual development. His studies supported the advancement of
developmental psychology, cognitive psychology, genetic epistemology, and educational
reform.

 Your best 3 topics in the Midterm period that interest you most and explain fully.

1. Introduction to Psychology: What is Psychology?

For me, truly comprehending the idea behind why a person act and behaves in a certain way
is what I find interesting to learn, which is why I chose this course; to also put myself on a
more compassionate level without imposing judgment on variety of individuals. Moreover, I
believe having a deeper understanding towards the concept of psychology will further
enhance my knowledge which I could apply in my daily life of meeting new people and
experiencing new things.
2. Consciousness
As I claimed myself a self-aware person in terms of recognizing my nature, the underlying
idea of what more consciousness is and how psychology relates to it intrigues me.
3. Thinking Learning and Intelligence
Since I’m the type of person who genuinely wants to be better and be satisfied with the
things I do. That said, I’m interested in this topic in the sense that I want to know how I could
utilize my full potential in performing well. I believe that we all have varying levels of
intellectual ability, but knowing how to make the most of what you have and use one's
capability more effectively is a fascinating skill to master which I would love to learn.

 Compare biological perspective and psychological perspectives of Psychology.

The biological perspective, also known as biopsychology, aims to determine the
psychological aspects of human behavior by examining findings from genetic, neurological,
and immune system studies. While a psychological perspective is a school of thought or a
philosophy that guides someone's interpretation of an individual's behavior; in other
words, the systems of ideas that psychologists employ to understand and interpret behavior.

 Top 3 of your advocacy and explain fully.

1. Mental Health Advocacy – Primarily because raising awareness concerning mental health
will help in fostering a holistic approach in the community. Thus, spreading knowledge by
openly discussing issues like these will make the community much healthier in terms of
having an understanding and open mind towards serious matters.
2. Gender Equality Advocacy – Given that in today’s generation, it is a good thing that we
became more open towards accepting other gender such as the LGBT community since we
became much more aware of identifying different gender. However, as a woman, I have not
disregarded the idea that the promotion of gender equality has unconscious biases that, in my
opinion, need to be addressed. Because in some cases, those who support this notion
unintentionally oppress the other gender; for instance, it seems to me that they already
invalidate men by insisting and playing the "women rights" card, which conveys a
superiority. In reality, however, it should be believed that each and every person has worth
regardless of gender diversity.
3. Environmental Advocacy – As someone who despises polluted places, it is also one of
my endeavors to encourage people to be mindful of what they do in their environment.
Having awareness of knowing what are the right and wrong practices we do will help
mitigate problems that can worsen our surroundings. Moreover, we could be part of the
solution.

 One advocacy song, title of the song, singer, and portion that you like most and
explain fully.

Since I advocate for mental health awareness, my chosen advocacy song would undoubtedly
be my go-to therapy/comfort song, "With A Smile" by Eraserheads. To be honest, everything
about this song is beautiful as it touches my heart thus evokes me to feel a sense of healing
and helps me put my mind into a state of solace; however, the portion of the lyrics that I
appreciate the most is: “You can't win at everything, but you can try. Baby, you don't have to
worry, 'cause there ain't no need to hurry, no one ever said that there's an easy way.” Because
 it seems to allow me to be vulnerable, to be heard, and to be validated with any of my
bottled-up emotions such as anxiety and stress.

References:
Definition:
 Mcleod, S., PhD. (2023). What is psychology? Simply Psychology.
https://www.simplypsychology.org/whatispsychology.html
 What is Psychology? | Department of Psychology. (n.d.).
https://psychology.osu.edu/about/what-psychology
 MSEd, K. C. (2022). What is psychology? Verywell Mind.
https://www.verywellmind.com/psychology-4014660
Branches of Psychology:

 MSEd, K. C. (2023). Major branches of psychology. Verywell Mind.

https://www.verywellmind.com/major-branches-of-psychology-4139786#toc-clinical-
psychology
 An Introduction to Behavioral Psychology - Rivier Academics. (2019, November 13).
Rivier Academics. https://www.rivier.edu/academics/blog-posts/an-introduction-to-
behavioral
Psychologist and contribution:
 MSEd, K. C. (2022). Sigmund Freud's Life, Theories, and Influence. Verywell
Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/sigmund-freud-his-life-work-and-theories-
2795860#toc-freuds-contributions-to-psychology
 MSEd, K. C. (2020). William James Psychologist Biography. Verywell
Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/william-james-biography-1842-1910-2795545
 MSEd, K. C. (2023). B. F. Skinner's Life, Theories, and Influence on Psychology.
Verywell Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/b-f-skinner-biography-1904-1990-
2795543
 MSEd, K. C. (2023a). Biography of Erik Erikson (1902-1994). Verywell Mind.
https://www.verywellmind.com/erik-erikson-biography-1902-1994-2795538#toc-erik-
ericksons-contributions-to-psychology
 MSEd, K. C. (2022b). Jean Piaget Biography (1896-1980). Verywell Mind.
https://www.verywellmind.com/jean-piaget-biography-1896-1980-2795549
Biological perspective and Psychological perspective:

 Coppens, T. (2012, August 15). What Is the Biological Perspective. Owlcation;

Owlcation. https://owlcation.com/stem/What-Is-the-Biological-Perspective
 4.4 Psychological perspective. (n.d.). https://members.aect.org/edtech/ed1/04/04-04.html