Introduction
to Psychology
Course Code: PSY-101
Course Instructor: Ms. Wania
Habib
Lecture 1
Introduction of
Psychology
Objectives
• To give the introductory knowledge of
the basic concepts in Psychology
• To ensure that the students will aware
of the nature of psychology as a
scientific approach
• To give comprehensive knowledge about
the subject matter of Psychology
Why we learn
Psychology??
▪ To understand the nature and
mechanism of behavior and mental
processes
▪ To develop understanding about the
relationship between behavior and
mental processes.
▪ To apply this understanding to real life
situations and on the basis of this learn
for future.
Definition of
Psychology
• The word of psychology is derived from
two Greek words “Psyche and Logos”
• Psyche means “Soul/Spirit/Mind” and
Logos means “Knowledge”
• Psychology stands for the knowledge of
mind/soul
• with the passage of time, it became the
study of human mind and behavior.
• Psychology is the scientific study of
behavior and mental processes.
Subject Matter of
Psychology
⮚ Subject Matter of psychology is A-B-C
• A stands for Affect
• B stands for- Behavior (Overt and
Covert Behavior)
• C stands for- Cognition
Subject Matter of
Psychology (cont..)
• Affect: refers to the experience of
feelings or emotions, it’s the observable
expression of emotion through facial
expression e.g. voice tone, hand
gestures, tears
• Behavior: Behavior anything that we do
(Overt and Covert Behavior)
• Cognition: The mental processes and
thinking of a person which include
perception, attention, memory, learning
etc.
Subject matter of
Psychology (cont..)
• Overt Behavior • Covert Behavior
• Behavior that • Behavior that is
other people can hidden, consist on
see and directly or mental, social and
sensibly physical actions
observable, mostly that are not
in which used body immediately
language e.g. observable e.g.
walking, running lying, deception
Subject Nature
• Psychology is the scientific study and
practical application of observable
behavior and mental processes of
organisms.
• Does not believe in stereotypes or
superstitions
• Believe in cause and effect relationship
• Is capable to turn its theory into
practice by having its applied aspects.
Areas or Branches of
Psychology
1-Psychopathology /Clinical
Psychology
● Clinical psychology deals with the study, diagnosis, and
treatment of psychological disorders.
2-Social Psychology
● Social psychology is the study of how people’s thoughts,
feelings, and actions are affected by others.
3-Developmental Psychology
● Developmental psychology examines how people grow and
change from the moment of conception through death.
4- Educational Psychology
● Educational psychology is concerned with teaching and
learning processes, such as the relationship between
motivation and school performance.
5-Environmental psychology
Environmental psychology considers the relationship
between people and their physical environment.
6- Health Psychology
● Health psychology explores the relationship between
psychological factors and physical ailments or disease.
7- Positive Psychology
● Positive Psychology is a scientific approach to studying human
thoughts, feelings, and behavior, with a focus on strengths
instead of weaknesses, building the good in life instead of
repairing the bad, and taking the lives of average people up to
“great” instead of focusing solely on moving those who are
struggling up to “normal” (Peterson, 2008).
8- Organizational Psychology
● Industrial/organizational psychology is concerned with the
psychology of the workplace.
9- Criminal Psychology
a branch of psychology that studies the behaviors and thoughts of criminals
Applications of
Psychology
• Psychology is one of the popular subjects among
students. But, still it is struggling for its due
recognition. Let's have a view how it emerged in
Pakistan and what is its current status.
⮚ Education and Teaching: Psychology as
an independent subject was introduced in
1960s, in Pakistan, at Government College,
Lahore (now GC University, Lahore) and Karachi
University. Earlier it was taught as a part of
philosophy. Almost all universities offer post
graduate and most of them offer doctoral
degree program as well. Bachelor of Study Four
year degree program has also been launched in
Applications (cont..)
⮚ Civil Services Selection Board:
Selection board hires the professional
psychologists for their selection program, which
includes application of psychology tests,
situational tests, observational methods and
interview techniques for their screening.
⮚ Army Selection Center: In armed forces
psychological assessment is considered vital.
Candidates have to appear before selection
committee, and psychologists are also among
the members of that team. Psychologists design
behavioral situational tests especially for them.
Applications (cont..)
⮚ Hospitals and Clinics: The formal
training of clinical psychology as a
specialization started at Punjab University in
1983 and in Karachi University in 1984. It is
known as post master's training program for
clinical psychologists.
• Now many universities have introduced not only
the diploma and degree program in clinical
psychology but MS and doctoral degree
program also. According to mental health
ordinance, Federal Mental Health Authority has
established psychiatric units in major hospitals.
So, clinical psychologists have a vast field in
Applications ((cont..)
⮚ Rehabilitation Center: Many
rehabilitation centers have been established for
mentally retarded and physically handicapped.
Psychologists are employed there as therapist
instructors, teachers and as executives
⮚ Non Government Organizations
(NGOs): Psychologists have formed their own
organizations for social welfare, guidance and
counselling of people. These NGOS run many
schools, rehabilitation centers, drug eradication
centers, and they launch many social awareness
programs as well. Psychologists and social
workers render their services for such
Applications ((cont..)
⮚ Research: In 1976, the Federal Education
Ministry established a "National Institute of
Psychology" (NIP) as an autonomous
organization for research purpose. In 1994, NIP
was renamed as "Center of Excellence Dr.
Muhammad Ajmal Institute of Psychology" after
its founder. Research, translation of tests,
standardization and formulation of norms of
foreign tests were the major goals of this
institute. Still it is producing test for local use.
Many of psychologists are working there..
⮚ To sum up, teaching in colleges and universities
is the major application. Psychologists have
