PSYA01H3 Introduction to Psychology Part 1 Summary of Chapter 1-8 Lecture Notes from the Text book UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO

1.1 The Science of Psychology
Two unifying qualities of psychological science:
1. Psychology involves the study of behaviour including perceptions,
thoughts and emotions.
2. Psychology employs the scientific method in their work.
Psychology: Scientific study of behaviour, thought, and experience, and
how they can be
affected by physical, mental, social, and environmental factors.
Scientific method: Way of learning about the world
-collecting observations
-developing theories to explain them
-using theories to make predictions
(Involves hypothesis testing and construction of theories)
Hypothesis: Testable prediction about processes that can be observed and
measured.
- Can be supported or rejected (you do not PROVE a hypothesis)
- MUST be testable
Pseudoscience: Idea that is shown as science but does not actually use
basic principles of
scientific thinking/procedure.
Theory: Explanation for broad range of observations that also generates
new hypotheses
:Combines numerous findings into a whole
(General principles/explanations of some aspect of the world, including human
behaviours)
- Builtfrom hypotheses (repeatedly tested + confirmed)
- Must be falsifiable (process helps to ensure that science is selfcorrecting)
Biopsychosocial model: Explaining behavior as a product of biological,
psychological +
sociocultural factors
Ex. Social situations can affect how we think
-getting annoyed at the crowded hallway at school, can trigger the release
of
chemicals and hormones in your brain
- Biological (brain structures and chemicals, hormones, and external
substances such as drugs)
- Psychological (memories, emotions, and personalities)
- Social factors (family, peers, ethnicity, and culture)