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Chapter 1TWT

The document provides an overview of psychology, defining it as the scientific study of behavior and mental processes, and outlining its goals, branches, and relationship with other disciplines. It discusses variations in psychological attributes such as intelligence, aptitude, creativity, and emotional intelligence, along with methods for assessment and the significance of psychological testing. The content emphasizes the importance of understanding psychological differences for personal and professional success.

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Ananya
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3 views6 pages

Chapter 1TWT

The document provides an overview of psychology, defining it as the scientific study of behavior and mental processes, and outlining its goals, branches, and relationship with other disciplines. It discusses variations in psychological attributes such as intelligence, aptitude, creativity, and emotional intelligence, along with methods for assessment and the significance of psychological testing. The content emphasizes the importance of understanding psychological differences for personal and professional success.

Uploaded by

Ananya
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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THE WISE THERAPIST

CUET-UG PSYCHOLOGY

Chapter 1: What is Psychology?

Definition of Psychology

Aspect Description
Literal Meaning Derived from Greek words: Psyche (soul/mind) and Logos
(study/discourse)
Modern Psychology is the scientific study of behavior and mental processes.
Definition

Goals of Psychology

Goal Description
Describe What is the behavior? Example: Observing a child’s hyperactivity.
Explain Why is the behavior occurring? Example: Due to anxiety or
environment.
Predict When is it likely to happen again?
Control/Modify How to bring change? Example: Through therapy, reinforcement, etc.

Understanding Behavior

Type of Behavior Example


Overt (Observable) Walking, talking, writing
Covert (Internal) Thinking, feeling, remembering

Mental Processes

• Internal experiences inferred from behavior.


• Include thinking, memory, perception, emotion, and motivation.
THE WISE THERAPIST
CUET-UG PSYCHOLOGY
Branches of Psychology

Branch Focus Area


Clinical Psychology Diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders
Counseling Psychology Everyday adjustment issues
Educational Psychology Learning processes in educational settings
Developmental Psychology Changes across lifespan
Social Psychology Influence of society on behavior
Industrial-Organizational Psychology Workplace behavior
Health Psychology Relation of mind and body in illness and health

Psychology as a Natural and Social Science

Natural Science Traits Social Science Traits


Scientific methods Deals with human behavior in a social context
Controlled experiments Cultural and contextual variables
Biological basis of behavior Interpersonal and group dynamics

Psychology and Other Disciplines

Discipline Relationship with Psychology


Biology Nervous system, hormones, brain-behavior links
Sociology Group behavior, social norms
Anthropology Cultural influences on behavior
Economics Decision-making, consumer behavior
Political Science Attitudes, leadership, public opinion

Flowchart: Psychology and Its Scope


Psychology
|
-----------------------------------------
| | |
Mental Processes Behavior Applications
(Thinking, (Covert & Overt) (Clinical, I/O, etc.)
Emotions, etc.)
THE WISE THERAPIST
CUET-UG PSYCHOLOGY

Psychologists at Work

Type Work Description


Experimental Psychologists Conduct lab studies on learning, sensation,
perception
Clinical Psychologists Treat mental health disorders
Counseling Psychologists Help people with adjustment problems
School/Educational Psychologists Address student learning and behavior issues
Industrial/Organizational Enhance productivity and morale in workplaces
Psychologists
Forensic Psychologists Work in legal and criminal justice settings

Summary Points

• Psychology is a science of behavior and mental processes.


• It aims to describe, explain, predict, and modify behavior.
• It has applications in education, health, industry, etc.
• It is both a natural and a social science.
• Psychology interacts with multiple disciplines and has many branches.
THE WISE THERAPIST
CUET-UG PSYCHOLOGY

Chapter 2: Variations in Psychological Attributes

Introduction

• People differ from each other in terms of physical features, personal traits, cognitive
abilities, and emotional tendencies.
• These differences are known as psychological attributes.

Major Psychological Attributes

Psychological Attribute Description


Intelligence Ability to learn, understand, and apply knowledge
Aptitude Potential to learn or acquire a specific skill
Creativity Ability to produce novel, original ideas
Personality Consistent patterns of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors
Values Enduring beliefs about what is desirable or worthwhile
Interest Preferences towards particular activities or subjects
Emotional Intelligence Ability to perceive, control, and evaluate emotions

Assessment of Psychological Attributes

Method Description
Psychological Tests Standardized instruments to assess attributes
Interviews Face-to-face interactions for information gathering
Observation Systematic watching of behavior in a natural setting
Self-Report Individuals provide information about themselves
Case Study Detailed analysis of a single individual or group

Types of Intelligence

Theory Proponents Key Ideas


Spearman’s Two-Factor Charles General factor (g) + Specific factors (s)
Theory Spearman
THE WISE THERAPIST
CUET-UG PSYCHOLOGY
Thurstone’s Primary L.L. Thurstone Seven independent mental abilities
Mental Abilities
Gardner’s Multiple Howard 8 intelligences (Linguistic, Logical,
Intelligences Gardner Spatial, etc.)
Sternberg’s Triarchic Robert Analytical, Creative, and Practical
Theory Sternberg intelligence
Cattell’s Theory Raymond Fluid intelligence (innate) and
Cattell Crystallized intelligence (acquired)

Emotional Intelligence (EI)

Aspect Description
Definition Ability to perceive, express, regulate, and understand emotions
Components Self-awareness, Self-regulation, Empathy, Social skills, Motivation
Importance Helps in personal and professional success, managing stress and relationships

Personality

Approach Description
Type Approach Personality classified into types (e.g., introvert/extrovert)
Trait Approach Personality as a combination of traits (e.g., Big Five: OCEAN)
Humanistic Approach Emphasizes personal growth and self-actualization
Behavioral Approach Personality shaped by environment and learning
Cultural Approach Focus on cultural influences on personality development

Flowchart: Variations in Psychological Attributes


Variations in Psychological Attributes
|
---------------------------------------------------
| | | | | |
Intelligence Aptitude Creativity Personality Emotional Intelligence
THE WISE THERAPIST
CUET-UG PSYCHOLOGY
Differences Between Intelligence, Aptitude, and Creativity

Attribute Definition Focus Example


Intelligence General mental ability Problem-solving Solving a math problem
Aptitude Specific capacity for learning Future potential Musical or technical skill
Creativity Novelty in thinking Original ideas Creating an artwork

Uses of Psychological Testing

Field Use
Education Identify learning difficulties, giftedness
Industry Recruitment, placement
Counseling Personality assessment
Clinical Diagnosing mental disorders
Research Understanding human behavior

Summary Points

• Individuals vary in psychological attributes such as intelligence, aptitude, creativity,


etc.
• These can be assessed using various methods.
• Different theories explain intelligence in unique ways.
• Emotional intelligence and personality influence adjustment and success.
• Psychological testing is useful in multiple domains.

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