General psychology: Answers to exam papers

Psychology as a science. History of the development of psychology

1.1. Psychology as a science, object and subject of psychology

Currently psychology

(from ancient Greek soul; knowledge) is defined as

• “the science of the patterns of development and functioning of the psyche as a special form of life activity” [, P. 274];
• a field of scientific knowledge that studies the patterns of emergence, formation and development of mental processes, states and properties of humans and animals;
• “a certain ordered view of events related to the internal, mental, mental, spiritual life of a person, as well as to the field of human (and animal) behavior” [, P. 10].

The immediate goal of psychological research

is the study of the role of mental functions in individual and social behavior, as well as the physiological and neurobiological processes underlying cognitive activity and behavior of people.

The object of psychology as a science in the broad sense is man.

Object

Psychology is the psyche,
the subject
is the basic laws of the generation and functioning of mental reality.

Psyche

- This

• “a systemic property of highly organized matter, which consists in the subject’s active reflection of the objective world, in his construction of a picture of the world that is inalienable from him and self-regulation on this basis of his behavior and activities” [, P. 265];
• “a general concept denoting the totality of all mental phenomena” [, P.34].

At different stages of development of psychological knowledge as a subject of psychology

various phenomena were considered: the soul, phenomena of consciousness, the direct experience of the subject, the unconscious, behavior, etc. (Fig. 1.1).

Subject of psychology

–

• “the natural connections of the subject with the natural and sociocultural world, imprinted in the system of sensory and mental images of this world, motives prompting action, as well as in the actions themselves, experiences of their relationships to other people and to themselves, in the properties of the individual as the core of this system” ( A.V. Petrovsky, [, P. 6]);
• “facts, patterns and mechanisms of the psyche as a reflection of reality in the brain, on the basis and with the help of which behavior and activities that have a personal character in a person are controlled” [, P.7];
• concrete facts of mental life and mental phenomena.

Rice.
1.1. Subject of psychology

Psychic phenomena

– subjective experiences or elements of the subject’s internal experience.
There are four groups of mental phenomena:
processes, states, properties and formations.

Mental process

– an act of mental activity that has an object of reflection and a regulatory function. Mental processes act as primary regulators of behavior.

Psychic reflection

– the process of forming an image of the conditions in which some activity is carried out.

Rice.
1.2. Types of mental processes

Mental condition

(English mental state) – “an internal holistic characteristic of the individual psyche, relatively unchanged over time” [, P.92].

Mental states are formed on the basis of mental processes and characterize the state of the psyche as a whole. In Fig. 1.3 presents classifications of types of mental states on various grounds.

Rice.
1.3. Types of mental states

Mental properties

– “individual psychological characteristics that determine the constant ways a person interacts with the world” [, P.92]. They are characterized by stability and constancy, determine the uniqueness of a person and are the basis of his personality (examples of properties: temperament, character, personal abilities).

Psychic formations

– the result of the development of the human psyche; they are the result of his acquisition of life and professional experience. Examples of mental formations: knowledge, competencies, habits, beliefs, values.

Mental processes, states and properties form the main conceptual “framework” of modern psychological science.

Types of psychology

In addition to a large number of specialized areas, psychology is divided into two large components:

1. Academic
   . This is a science whose key task is to understand the human psyche in order to achieve objective knowledge. Academic psychology studies human behavior and creates a theoretical scientific basis designed to explain all psychological phenomena and identify the relationships between them.
2. Applied
   _ This section of psychology is aimed at obtaining practical results. It explores ways to influence a person's mental state in order to improve their life, increase their productivity and level of happiness. Applied psychology is used in their work by psychotherapists, psychiatrists, teachers, trainers and other specialists who help people develop, improve and solve problems.

To better understand how academic and applied psychology differ, let’s look at each section in more detail.

Academic psychology

This is a fundamental science, the research of which is purely scientific in nature and is not initially aimed at obtaining practical results. When studying a certain mental process, the task is to study it and understand it, to find relationships with other processes.

Academic psychology is characterized by:

• explores and explains mental processes, looks for patterns;
• does not look for or study ways to influence these processes;
• creates a theoretical basis for further research within applied psychology.

Despite these features, academic psychology does engage in some applied research if it is of theoretical interest. Thanks to this, ways of influencing mental processes can be discovered, which will later find practical application in other areas.

Applied psychology

Since applied psychology is aimed at obtaining practical results in various areas of human activity, it includes a large number of areas. Its main areas are:

1. Psychodiagnostics
   . Recognition and analysis of human psychological characteristics.
2. Psychocorrection
   . Impact on identified deviations in the psyche to bring it into line with age and other norms.
3. Consulting
   . Psychological assistance to healthy people experiencing temporary difficulties due to life circumstances.
4. Psychotherapy
   . Psychological assistance to healthy people with personality disorders.

Applied psychology refers to areas that focus on helping those in need. Typically these are people who:

• found themselves in a difficult life situation;
• plan to build a business;
• have difficulty communicating;
• are experiencing a crisis in personal or family relationships;
• are concerned about the behavior of their own children;
• experience loss of strength, depression, irritability;
• suffer from phobias and panic attacks;
• trying to get rid of bad habits;
• want to change their profession.

All of the listed problems and life situations are within the competence of applied psychology. In most of these cases, consultation with a psychotherapist is appropriate.

What books will help a beginner

What books should I start with to get to know myself and the science of psychology? Initially, let’s say that this can be either non-educational literature or textbooks or monographs on the topic under consideration.

1. L. Burbo “5 injuries that prevent you from being yourself.” This book will tell you in an easy and understandable way about the five main personal traumas. He will also tell you what methods and methods can be used to work them out;
2. D. Kehoe “The subconscious can do anything.” Reveals such elements as consciousness and subconsciousness, as well as how they work and interact with each other;
3. K. Jung “Memories, Reflections, Dreams.” The book is quite popular in Jung's writings. It reveals deep psychology. In general, all of Jung's works are required reading, as they reveal the basis and basis of psychology;
4. D. Goleman “Emotional Intelligence.” Reveals the characteristics of our emotions and the emotional functioning of the brain.

If you want to go deeper into more theoretical knowledge, any general psychology textbook will do. It can be purchased, downloaded or borrowed from the library. The choice is yours.

Should you consult a psychologist if you have problems?

Of course it's worth it. What is more important here is the ability to contact a specialist in case of problems. You can contact a psychologist if you have problems of varying importance. Consultation is necessary for mental illnesses (for example, depression, bipolar mental disorder), as well as serious and profound injuries.

For example, victims of domestic violence need specialist advice. Since it is impossible to work through this moment on your own. For many factors. For example, due to the presence of Stockholm syndrome, when the victim idealizes the rapist and begins to justify him. Therefore, a professional view and approach from the outside is needed.

Where to start studying

We have already looked at what psychology studies. But where should a beginner start? In fact, you can read information randomly on topics of interest if you do not want to study science systematically. For example, you are interested in how to get out of conflict situations. That's why you read the relevant materials. Such study, of course, will not make you a professional.

If you want a more comprehensive approach to learning, then you need to start with the theoretical foundations. Just the same, we need to focus on studying the subject and object of psychology, tasks, branches and sections. And then layer on the theory other material, more applied and practical.

Advice: buy books on psychology. Everything in them is put together in the correct and necessary sequence. Given definitions and theory. For practical knowledge, you can turn to the Internet.

General outlook

Studying psychology for overall development is a good idea. The general horizons need to be constantly expanded. Firstly, this will allow you to improve the quality of your self-education and the depth of your personality. Secondly, you will be able to discuss a wider range of topics. Thirdly, this is a good way of self-knowledge.

Child psychology

Many young parents and expectant mothers are often interested in how to properly raise their child. It is in this situation that the section of child psychology comes to the rescue. The child's psyche is strikingly different from that of an adult.

Special books and manuals can answer many questions:

1. How to talk to a child;
2. How to build trusting relationships;
3. How to overcome a crisis of a certain age (3, 7, 13 years);
4. How to explain something to a child;
5. How to help him;
6. How to love and show love towards children, etc.

Psychology of creativity

Many creative works influence the human psyche, evoking in him feelings of beauty, compassion, empathy, disgust, etc. Therefore, in order for a picture or film to achieve its result, it is necessary to understand how and what elements can influence the human psyche.

If you pay attention to works of the horror genre, you will see special techniques that are used to create an atmosphere of fear and fear. It is also based on the functioning of our brain and subconscious mind. Therefore, studying psychological foundations can be a good basis for creativity.

Another example is designers. They have the concept of “color psychology”. The psyche reacts to certain shades in a specific way. Therefore, when creating logos, projects, websites, banners, designers should be guided by the basics of color psychology.

Psychology is common in design, business

Psychology of success

Motivation and self-confidence are the engines of our success in life. Therefore, now on the shelves of bookstores you can often find literature that is devoted to how to achieve success, profit, and how to build a business.

Studying psychological science allows you to choose the right method for achieving goals and results. You can find many techniques for visualizing your dreams, for working through insecurities, etc. This really allows you to achieve success, since everything comes from our head.

Self-development

Using knowledge of psychology, you can work through your own conflicts and problems:

1. Excessive self-esteem;
2. Egocentrism;
3. Excessive altruism;
4. Uncertainty;
5. Closedness;
6. Work through negative character traits;
7. Understand which relationships are pulling you back and get out of them;
8. Correctly defend your personal boundaries;
9. Protect your interests and desires;
10. Self-esteem and respect from others.

Mental properties

Mental properties are the most stable and constantly manifested personality traits, providing a certain level of behavior and activity typical for it. These are mental phenomena that are realized in a certain society.

Mental properties include:

1. Temperament;
2. Character;
3. Capabilities;
4. Directionality.

When talking about the mental properties of a personality, we are talking about its essential, more or less stable, permanent features. These are the characteristics that distinguish each person. Their totality determines a person’s individuality, because it is impossible to meet 2 people with exactly the same mental properties.

You should not confuse some isolated cases of manifestation of any traits with mental properties. After all, each of us has happened to forget something, but “forgetfulness” is not a characteristic feature for everyone. Everyone has been in an irritable state at some point, but “irritability” is characteristic only of some. Thus, a mental property can only be a stable and permanent feature of a person, which is developed and formed during life.

Famous psychologists and their theories

Today, science is actively developing. Therefore, there are many theories now. Let's look at the most popular of them.

Table of theories of famous psychologists and philosophers