Justin Moore PSYCH 2301-7426 Professor Ott 01/31/2008 CHAPTER 1 SUMMARY Psychology is the scientific study of behavior and mental processes in all their many facets. (pg. 3) There are many fields of psychology; however, seven of the largest subfields were discussed. Developmental psychologists, (pg. 4-5) personality psychologists (pg. 6) clinical and counseling psychologists, (pg 6) social psychologists, (pg 6) industrial and organizational psychologists. (pg 7) Wilhelm Wundt founded the first psychological laboratory at the University of Germany in 1879. Later on, William James developed the functionalist theory that focused on how individuals use their perceptual abilities to adapt and function in their environment. This theory raised questions about learning; the complexities of mental life, the impact of experience on the brain, and humankind’s place in the natural world that still seem current today. (pg. 13) Around the same time Sigmund Freud was by far the best known psychologist. (pg. 14) Freud’s take on early psychology contrasted vastly from Wundt. Freud explored the unconsciousness of the brain and developed the psychodynamic theory. (pg 14) In America, another pioneer of psychology was John B. Watson when he introduced behaviorism and conditioning. B.F. Skinner took conditioning and added reinforcement by rewarding his subjects for behaving how he wanted them to behave. (pg 15) Human diversity introduces how different groups of people differ in their values, behaviors, and approaches to the world. That shapes how psychologist performs their research methods in their work. Naturalist observation, case studies, surveys, correlation research, experimental research and multimethod research. (pg 28-31) Psychology is an exciting field to explore because you can have your own private practice, disperses medication, or conduct clinical trials. Psychology offers more to society other than counseling or social work. It offers research such as changes in...