Origins Of Psychology And Research Methods

ABC/123 Version X 1 Origins of Psychology and Research Methods Worksheet

Describe the perspectives of psychology, using two to three sentences each. Select one major figure associated with one of the perspectives and describe his or her work in two to three sentences. Complete a table of research methods used in psychology, compare and contrast two of these methods in at least 75 words, and describe an ethical issue related to research, explaining why informed consent is necessary. Explain why psychologists study twins and adopted children, and what can be learned from these studies. Describe the functions of neurotransmitters and hormones, and how they influence the brain and behavior.

Paper For Above instruction

Psychology encompasses several major perspectives that aim to understand human behavior from different angles. The psychoanalytic perspective, founded by Sigmund Freud, emphasizes unconscious motives and childhood experiences as determinants of behavior. Behaviorism, led by John B. Watson and B.F. Skinner, focuses on observable behaviors and the influence of the environment, asserting that all behavior is learned through interaction with surroundings. The humanist perspective, championed by Carl Rogers and Abraham Maslow, stresses individual potential, self-actualization, and personal growth as central to understanding behavior. Cognitive psychology examines mental processes such as perception, memory, and problem-solving to explain how individuals interpret and respond to their environment. The neuroscientific or biopsychological perspective investigates the biological underpinnings of behavior, emphasizing brain structures, neurotransmitters, and hormones in shaping actions and responses. Evolutionary psychology explores how natural selection has favored behaviors that enhance survival and reproductive success, providing insight into innate tendencies. Lastly, the sociocultural perspective emphasizes the impact of society, culture, and social interactions on individual behavior, highlighting the importance of context and environment in shaping human actions (Myers, 2014).

One prominent figure associated with the psychoanalytic perspective is Sigmund Freud, who developed theories of the unconscious mind, defense mechanisms, and psychosexual stages. Freud's work laid the foundation for understanding how subconscious drives influence behavior and mental health, emphasizing the importance of early childhood experiences in shaping personality and psychological development (Freud, 1917).

Research methods in psychology include case studies, naturalistic observation, surveys, and longitudinal studies. Case studies involve in-depth analysis of a single individual or group over time, providing detailed information but often limited in generalizability. Naturalistic observation records behaviors in natural settings, offering insights into real-world phenomena but potentially lacking control over variables. Surveys utilize questionnaires to gather data from large populations efficiently but may suffer from self-report bias. Longitudinal studies track the same individuals over extended periods to observe changes and development, though they require significant time and resources.

Comparing case studies and surveys, case studies provide rich, detailed data that reveal complex psychological phenomena but are limited in scope and may not be representative of the larger population. Surveys, by contrast, can collect data from many participants, enabling generalizations about behaviors or attitudes but often lack depth and context. Both methods contribute uniquely to psychology: case studies enable exploration of rare or complex issues, whereas surveys facilitate pattern recognition across broader groups (Creswell, 2014).

An ethical issue in psychological research is ensuring informed consent, which involves participants understanding the purpose, procedures, potential risks, and their rights during the study. Informed consent is essential because it respects individual autonomy, prevents coercion, and protects participants from harm. Without proper consent, the validity of the research is compromised, and ethical standards are violated, risking psychological or physical harm to participants (American Psychological Association, 2017).

Studying twins allows psychologists to disentangle genetic and environmental influences on behavior. Identical twins share nearly 100% of their genes, while fraternal twins share about 50%, making comparisons informative about genetic contributions. Research on adopted children helps assess environmental effects, as these individuals share no genetic ties to their adoptive families. Such studies reveal the relative importance of nature versus nurture in development and behavior, informing our understanding of genetic predispositions and environmental shaping (Plomin & DeFries, 1979).

Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that transmit signals across synapses between neurons, influencing mood, cognition, and behavior. For instance, dopamine plays a role in reward and motivation, while serotonin affects mood regulation and sleep. Hormones, produced by glands like the adrenal and thyroid, regulate bodily functions and can also impact brain activity. For example, adrenaline prepares the body for fight-or-flight responses, affecting alertness and stress levels. Together, neurotransmitters and hormones modulate brain activity and influence behaviors, emotions, and psychological states, highlighting the biological basis of human functioning (Bear et al., 2016).

In summary, understanding the various psychological perspectives, research methods, and biological components offers a comprehensive picture of human behavior. These insights inform effective practices in therapy, research, and education, fostering deeper appreciation of the complex interplay between biology, environment, and individual experience in shaping human actions and mental processes (Kalat, 2016).

References

• American Psychological Association. (2017). Ethical principles of psychologists and code of conduct. APA Publishing.
• Bear, M. F., Connors, B. W., & Paradiso, M. A. (2016). Neuroscience: Exploring the Brain (4th ed.). Wolters Kluwer.
• Creswell, J. W. (2014). Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches (4th ed.). SAGE Publications.
• Freud, S. (1917). Introductory lectures on psychoanalysis. Liveright Publishing.
• Kalat, J. W. (2016). Biological Psychology (12th ed.). Cengage Learning.
• Myers, D. G. (2014). Psychology (10th ed.). Worth Publishers.
• Plomin, R., & DeFries, J. C. (1979). Behavioral genetics in the postgenomic era. American Psychologist, 34(10), 776–781.