CHAPTER OUTLINE
- • Development of psychology
- • Nature of subject psychology
- • Scope of psychology
- • Methods of psychology
- • Relationship of psychology with other subjects
- • Significance of psychology in nursing
- • Applied psychology to solve everyday issues
Psychology is an offspring of subject philosophy. Psychology is derived from two Greek words, ‘psyche’ and ‘logos’. ‘Psyche’ means ‘mind, soul or spirit’ and ‘logos’ means the ‘study of’ or ‘knowledge’—study of soul. The word soul was used vaguely and there were many interpretations that could be given to it. Later on, William James used the term ‘mind’, which replaced ‘soul’. As years went by the meaning of psychology changed. Those who studied what was called ‘mind’ found that they could neither see it nor understand it. Seeing what it did meant they had to study the activities of human beings. The influence of physiology made some scientists like Wilhelm Wundt of Germany define psychology as the study of ‘consciousness’. However, this was also discarded in the course of time and the current definition of psychology as the systematic study of human and animal ‘behavior’ came to be accepted (Flowchart 1.1).
MEANING OF BEHAVIOR
‘Any manifestation of life is activity’ and behavior is a collective name for these activities. The term behavior includes the following:
- Motor or conative activities (walking, swimming, dancing, etc.)
- Cognitive activities (thinking, reasoning, imagining)
Behavior includes not only the conscious behavior and activities of the human mind but also the subconscious and unconscious. It covers both overt and covert behaviors involving all the inner experiences and mental processes.
In a nutshell the term behavior refers to the activities and experiences of a living organism over its life time.
DEFINITIONS OF PSYCHOLOGY
- Psychology is the science of human and animal behavior. It includes the application of behavioral science to human problems.
- Psychology is the science of human behavior.
—Walter Bowers Pillsbury (1911)
- Psychology is a science which aims to give us better understanding and control of the behavior of the organism as a whole.
—William McDoughall (1949)
- Psychology is the scientific study of activities of the individual in relation to his environment.
—Woodworm and Marquis
- Psychology is the investigation of human and animal behavior and of the mental and physiological processes associated with the behavior.—Jackson (1976)
DEVELOPMENT OF PSYCHOLOGY
Psychology as a separate area of study split away from philosophy a little over 100 years ago. The successes of the experimental method in the physical sciences encouraged some philosophers to think that mind and behavior could be studied with scientific methods. In 1879, the first psychological laboratory was established at the University of Leipzig by the German philosopher and psychologist Wilhelm Wundt (1832–1920). Wundt was the first to measure human behavior accurately and is known as the ‘Father of Psychology’. Major landmarks in the development of psychology are listed in Figure 1.1.
Schools of Psychology
William James, Wilhelm Wundt and other psychologists of the time thought of psychology as the study of mind. In the first decades of the twentieth century, psychologists came to hold quite different views about the nature of mind and the best way to study it. Schools of thought formed around these psychologists. These schools of thought are known as the schools of psychology.
Structuralism
This early school of psychology grew up around the ideas of Wilhelm Wundt in Germany and was established by one of Wundt's students, Edward B Titchener (1867–1927). The goal of the structuralist was to find the units or elements which make up the mind. The main method used to discover these elementary units of mind was introspection.
Gestalt Psychology
This school of psychology was founded in Germany around 1912 by Max Wertheimer (1880–1943) and his colleagues. These psychologists felt that structuralists were wrong in thinking of the mind as being made up of elements. They argued that mind could be thought of as resulting from the whole pattern of sensory activity and the relationships and organizations within this pattern.
Functionalism
Functionalists such as John Dewey (1873– 1954), James R Angell (1869–1949) and Harvey Carr (1873–1954) proposed that psychology should do ‘what mind and behavior do’. The functionalists performed experiments on the ways in which learning, memory, problem solving and motivation help people and animals adapt to their environments.
Behaviorism
This school of psychology originated with John B Watson (1879–1958). He insisted that psychology should be restricted to the study of the activities of people and animals—their behavior.3
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Psychoanalysis
Psychoanalysis was founded by Sigmund Freud (1856–1938). He developed a theory of behavior and mind which said that much of what we do and think results from urges or drives which seek expression in behavior and thought. It is the expression of the unconscious drives which shows up in behavior and thought. The term unconscious motivation thus describes the key idea of psychoanalysis.
Except for the modern version of behaviorism and psychoanalysis the old schools of psychology are no more in existence.
Major Perspectives of Psychology
Psychology today is practiced as a blend of various methods. A modern-day psychologist leans towards using one of the methods more than the other but depends on all that has been developed in the past. Various viewpoints about what is important in understanding mental life and behavior characterize the present outlook. Among these perspectives are the behavioral, biological, cognitive, social, developmental, humanistic and psychoanalytic aspects (Figure 1.2).
Psychology is an independent subject and a positive science. Psychology is also a biosocial science. It has an important relationship with both biological and social sciences. It may be considered as a link between the two groups. Study of psychology is necessary in the field of medicine, nursing and other areas of human endeavor.
NATURE OF SUBJECT PSYCHOLOGY
Psychology is the scientific study and practical application of observable behavior and mental processes of organisms. It is also the science of experience of an individual which is intimately connected with physiological processes, especially of the nervous system.
- Psychology uses scientific methods: Almost all the methods of psychology are more or less scientific in their nature. Out of these the experimental method is the most scientific. Modern psychology widely uses this method in all its branches. In experimental method both dependent 5and independent variables are distinguished. While the dependent variables are controlled, the effect of independent variables is observed. Thus, in the experiment the psychologist observes a certain phenomenon in strictly controlled situations. The psychological laboratories are continuously developing and new and more exact instruments being constantly put to use. With these instruments psychologist observes the phenomenon, records, compares, classifies and discovers various principles through generalization.
- Psychology is factual: Psychology studies facts of behavior by observation and experiments, not by values.
- Laws of psychology are universal: The laws of psychology are found to be the same at all times and places under similar conditions.
- Laws of psychology are verifiable: By verification and reverification psychological principles have been found to be true everywhere. They can be verified by any one.
- Psychology discovers the cause-effect relationship in human behavior: Psychology not only observes behavior but also finds out cause-effect relationship in it. For example, psychology has discovered why and in what circumstances a child becomes a delinquent or a degenerate. These findings have been put to use and found to be correct. Thus psychology discovers the ‘how’ of behavior together with its ‘what’.
- Psychology predicts human behavior: By discovering the cause-effect relationship psychologists are also able to accurately predict human behavior. In modern progressive countries appointments to various government posts are being made based on the predictions coming out of psychological tests.
From the above characteristics it can be deduced that the nature of psychology is scientific (Figure 1.3).
SCOPE OF PSYCHOLOGY
The scope of a subject can usually be discussed under the following two headings:
- Limits of its operations and applications.
- Branches, topics and subject matter with which it deals.
Limits of Operations and Applications
The field of operation and application of subject psychology is too vast.
- It studies, describes and explains the behavior of living organisms.
- It describes all types of life activities and experiences—whether conative, cognitive or affective, implicit or explicit, conscious, unconscious and subconscious of a living organism.
- It studies not only human behavior but also human experience, language and other forms of communication. Psychologists are interested in individual differences which can either be genetically determined or occurring as a result of learning. They study how individuals and society interact and behave as members of small and large groups.
- It is applicable to all the living creatures created by the almighty irrespective of their species, caste, color, age, sex, mental or physical state. Thus normal, abnormal, children, adolescents, youth, adults, elderly persons, criminals, patients, workers, officials, students, teachers, parents, consumers, etc., are all studied in subject psychology.
Branches of Psychology
No limit can be imposed upon the scope of subject psychology. It has many branches, fields and subfields (Table 1.1). For convenience, it may be broadly divided into pure and applied psychology (Flowchart 1.2). Pure psychology provides the framework and theory. It deals with the formulation of psychological principles and theories. It suggests various methods and techniques for the analysis, assessment, modification and improvement of behavior.
In applied psychology the theory generated through pure psychology finds its practical shape. Here ways and means of the application of psychological rules, principles, theories and techniques with reference to the real practical life situations are discussed.
Branches of Pure Psychology
- General psychology: General psychology deals with the fundamental rules, principles and theories of psychology in relation to the study of behavior of a normal adult.
- Abnormal psychology: Abnormal psychology deals with the behavior of individuals who are unusual. It studies mental disorders, their causes and treatment.
- Social psychology: Social psychology deals with the group behavior and interrelationships of people with others (how an individual is influenced by others and how an individual influences others behavior). It studies various types of group phenomena such as public opinion, attitudes, beliefs and crowd behavior. Social psychologists study the ways in which individuals are affected by other people.
- Physiological psychology: This branch of psychology describes and explains the biological and physiological basis of behavior. It concerns the structure and functions of sense organs, nervous system, muscles and glands underlying all behavior. It emphasizes on the influence of bodily factors on human behavior.7
- Parapsychology: Parapsychology deals with extrasensory perceptions, causes of rebirth, telepathy and allied problems.
- Geopsychology: This branch of psychology describes and explains the relationship of physical environment particularly weather, climate and soil with behavior.
- Developmental psychology: This branch of psychology describes the processes and factors that influence growth and development in relation to the behavior of an individual from birth to old age. It is further subdivided into branches like child psychology, adolescent, adult and geriatric psychology. Development psychologists try to understand complex behaviors by studying their beginning and the orderly ways in which they change or develop over the life span.
- Experimental psychology: This branch of psychology studies the ways and means of carrying out psychological experiments using scientific methods. Experimental psychologists do basic research in an effort to discover and understand the fundamental and general causes of behavior. They study basic processes such as learning, memory, sensation, perception and motivation.
Branches of Applied Psychology
- Educational psychology: Educational psychology is that branch of applied psychology which tries to apply psychological principles, theories and techniques to human behavior in educational situations. The subject matter of this branch covers psychological ways and means of improving all aspects of the teaching/learning process. Educational psychologists are most often involved in the increase in efficiency of learning in schools by applying psychological knowledge related to learning and motivation.
- Clinical psychology: This is the largest subfield of psychology. This branch of applied psychology describes the causes of mental illness, abnormal behavior of a patient and suggests treatment and effective adjustment of the affected person in the society.
- Industrial psychology: This branch of applied psychology seeks the application of psychological principles, theories and techniques for the study of human behavior in relation to industrial environment. Industrial psychologists apply psychological principles to assist public and private organizations with their hiring and placement programs, training and supervision of personnel and improvement of communication within the organization. They also counsel employees within the organization who need help with their personal problems.8
- Legal psychology: Legal psychology is that branch of applied psychology which tries to study the behavior of persons like clients, criminals, witnesses, etc., with the help of application of psychological principles and techniques. The root cause of crime, offence, dispute or any legal case can be properly understood through the use of this branch of psychology.
- Military psychology: This branch of psychology is concerned with the use of psychological principles and techniques in military science. How to keep the morale of soldiers and citizens high during war time, how to secure recruitment of personnel with good leadership and fighting capacities, etc., are the various topics that are dealt within this branch of psychology.
- Political psychology: This branch of psychology relates itself with the use of psychological principles and techniques in studying politics and deriving political gains.
METHODS OF PSYCHOLOGY
Psychology is termed as the scientific study of human behavior. Special tools and procedures help us in gathering and organizing its subject matter and essential facts about behavior. These procedures termed as methods help in studying human behavior (Figure 1.4). They are as under:
1. Introspection or Self-observation Method
Introspection also known as self-observation method is one of the oldest methods of psychology which means ‘to look within’. It is defined as the process of directly examining one's own conscious mental states such as thoughts and feelings.
As it is not possible to understand the inner feelings and experiences of other persons, the subject is asked to systematically observe his own behavior and report the same which is later analyzed to understand behavior. This characteristic of the introspection method is not available to other natural sciences.
Steps in Introspection Method
The steps involved introspection are presented in Figure 1.5.
- Look within: The psychologist encourages the individuals to look within and describe his thoughts, feelings and experiences.
- Begin to question: The individual begins to question the working of his own mind processes by trying to look within and recall what happened and how he is feeling.
- Frame mental processes: The individual consolidates knowledge about his mental processes and reports. During this step the subject gets direct, immediate and intuitive knowledge about the mind.
- Analysis: The psychologist analyses and interprets information. This helps in advancement of scientific knowledge.
For example, a patient after an operation may be asked to report how he feels. The patient will try to look within and recall what happened and how he is presently feeling. The patient then reports his mental processes. This report will help in improving the treatment modality.
Merits
- Introspection is a fundamental method of psychology. Observation and experimentation are based upon introspection.
- Introspection gives us direct, immediate and exact knowledge of our own mental processes.
- It enables us to fully understand the behavior of an individual.
- This method does not require any apparatus or laboratory, is inexpensive and easy.
Demerits
- This method is not applicable for children, animals or mentally retarded people as they lack introspection.
- It is purely a private affair and cannot be verified by other observers.
- In many cases the patients may not have the insight to know their condition or language to describe it accurately.
- Introspection involves attention to a mental process. When we attend to the mental process we withdraw attention from the object and no sooner we do so the mental process vanishes making introspection impossible.
- It is logically defective because one and the same person is the experimenter and observer. It is not possible for the same individual to act as an experimenter as well as an observer.
Difficulties in introspection can be overcome by habit and discipline of mind. It requires the power of abstraction and mental alertness.
2. Observational Method
Observation is the objective method of studying the behavior of individuals. It is defined as the systematic observation of an individual's behavior under natural or controlled condition, analyzed and interpreted by the observer.
It is essentially a way of perceiving the behavior as it is. In this method the observer observes and collects the data, analyzed and interpreted according to the perception of the observer. This method becomes more objective when it is done in a systematic way with a predetermined criterion.
Steps in Observation Method
Steps involved in observation method are presented in Figure 1.6.
- Noting of behavior: It deals with recording the information/behavior according to the perception of the observer.
- Interpretation and analysis of behavior: Recorded information is analyzed objectively and scientifically to interpret the behavior patterns.
- Generalization: Based on analysis and interpretation it is possible to make certain generalizations.
For example, a researcher wants to observe the activities of nurses in an intensive care unit. He can use either direct or indirect observation technique using observational checklist to assess the activities of nurses. In another example, chronic ward nurse wants to use observational method to observe the behavioral problems of severely mentally ill individuals. The nurse can use direct observational checklist to assess the behavioral problems.
Merits
- Economical, natural and flexible
- Data can be analyzed, measured, classified and interpreted
- The results can be verified and relied
- Can be used on animals, children, mentally ill and unconscious patients
- Observation method is quite suitable for observing developmental characteristics like children's habits and interests.
Demerits
- Chances of subjective reporting and prejudices of observer creeping in are many.
- Requires more time, energy and money.
- It lacks repeatability as each natural situation may occur only once.
- Not being able to establish a proper causeand-effect relationship.
- Problems of the past cannot be studied.
Difficulties in observation method are overcome by cultivating an impartial attitude of mind by constructive imagination and cautious observation.
3. Experimental Method
Experimental method is considered as the most scientific and objective method of studying behavior. The word experiment comes from a Latin word meaning ‘to try’, ‘put to test’. Therefore, in experimentation we try or put to test the material or phenomenon, the characteristics of consequences of which we wish to ascertain. The use of this method has raised psychology to the status of an experimental science like physics, chemistry and physiology.
Experimental method studies the cause and effect relationship between the variables of human behavior such as effect of anxiety on intake of alcohol. To study the cause and effect relationship, psychologists use objective observations under controlled conditions to observe actions or behaviors of individuals. From these observations certain conclusions are drawn and theories or principles established.
Essential Features of Experimental Method
- Requires two persons, the experimenter and the subject (the person whose behavior is being observed).
- Experiments are conducted on living organisms.
- All experiments are conducted under controlled conditions.
Steps in Experimentation
- Stating the problem: The first step in an experiment is stating the problem. For example, to study the effects of deep breathing exercise on reducing anxiety among students.
- Formulating the hypothesis: Hypothesis is a tentative answer to the problem which will be put to test. In the above example the hypothesis can be—‘Students who will undergo deep breathing exercise will have less anxiety compared to students who have not undergone deep breathing exercises’.
- Identifying study subjects: Subjects are selected based on the problem. In the above example, students form the study subjects. After finalizing the subjects, the 11researcher identifies the dependent and independent variables. The independent variable stands for the cause and the dependent variable is characterized as the effect of the cause. In the above example ‘anxiety’ is the dependent variable while deep breathing is the independent variable.
- Allotting subjects to experimental (treatment) and control groups: Generally, the subjects in the experiment are divided among two groups, one control and the other experimental. In this step, the researcher allots students to experimental and control group. Experimental group students will undergo deep breathing exercise program while the control group students will not receive any intervention.
- Measuring the dependent variable: In a controlled environment the variables are observed and measured objectively. In the above example, anxiety of students among both the groups is measured. While experimenting, it is important that only the specified independent variables be allowed to change. Factors other than the independent variable must be held constant.
- Comparing the results of two groups: The dependent variables of experiment and control group subjects are compared statistically. For example, experimental and control group students’ anxiety scores can be compared. Based on the results the hypothesis may be proved or disproved. The various steps involved in experimental method are depicted in Flowchart 1.3.
Merits
- Scientific method
- Establishes cause and effect relationship
- Maximum control of phenomena
- Repetition is possible
Demerits
- All problems in psychology cannot be studied by this method as some of them may not be subject to experimentation.
- Experimental method is a costly and time consuming method. Moreover, handling of this method demands specialized knowledge and skill. In the absence of such expertise this method is not functional.
- Experimental method fails to study behavior in naturalistic conditions.
In spite of various limitations it is a fact that the results obtained by experimental method are reliable, verifiable, definite, precise and capable of quantitative treatment compared to those obtained by other methods.
4. Clinical or Case History Method
This method is used by clinical psychologists, psychiatrists, psychiatric social workers in child guidance clinics or mental hygiene clinics and allied institutions. It aims at studying the cause and basis of people's anxieties, fears and personal maladjustments. A great deal of relevant data is collected using case histories, interviews, home visits and psychological tests to draw valid inferences about the nature of individual's difficulties and problems, the probable origin and course of development. This may suggest some course of action to be pursued in helping the individual.
In this technique, information is collected from the memory of the individual, his parents, family members, friends, teachers and all other available records and reports. Information thus collected includes past history of the disease, treatment already taken, changes if any like improvement, present condition, probable causes, signs and symptoms, etc.
Merits
- Case histories will give the clinician an insight into the causes of the problem and suggest possible solutions.
- Case studies can be productive sources of ideas for further investigation by other methods.
Demerits
The case history method depends largely on memory of incidents which may have been observed inaccurately or over interpreted.
5. Survey Method
All problems in psychology cannot be studied by experimental and other methods. Some problems like study of opinions, attitudes, healthcare needs, etc., need to be studied by means of survey method. This is commonly employed in social psychology.
Survey method involves collection or gathering of information from a large number of people using questionnaires, inventories, checklists, rating scales and interviews.
Merits
A large amount of data can be collected in a short period of time.
Demerits
Behavior is not observed directly.
6. Genetic or Developmental Method
Psychologists study not only the behavior of an individual at a particular time but also his development from birth to death, the influence of heredity and environment in the development of the person and conditions favorable and unfavorable for normal and abnormal behavior. For example, to understand the learning behavior of an adult, the study will have to begin from his childhood. This can be done in two ways:
- Cross-sectional study wherein children of different age groups will be studied simultaneously.
- Longitudinal study wherein the same child will be studied during various stages of his life.
Merits
This is a more useful method to understand the behavior from point of view of hereditary and environmental influences.
Demerits
This method requires more time and energy.
RELATIONSHIP OF PSYCHOLOGY WITH OTHER SUBJECTS
Psychology is a science of behavior which studies the factors determining human behavior extensively. It is linked to many other disciplines so as to understand the comprehensive nature of human behavior. The relationship of psychology with other subjects is described below:13
In the Field of Education
Theories of learning, motivation and personality, etc., have been responsible for shaping and designing the educational system according to the needs and requirements of the students. Application of psychology in the field of education has helped the learners to learn, teachers to teach, administrators to administer and educational planners to plan effectively and efficiently.
In the Field of Medicine
A doctor, nurse or any person who attends to the patient needs to know the science of behavior for achieving good results. Psychology has contributed valuable therapeutic measures like behavior therapy, play therapy, group therapy, psychoanalysis, etc., for the diagnosis and cure of patients suffering from psychosomatic as well as mental diseases.
In the Field of Business and Industry
It has highlighted the importance of knowledge of consumer's psychology and harmonious interpersonal relationship in the field of commerce and industry.
In the Field of Criminology
It has helped in detection of crimes and in dealing with criminals.
In the Field of Politics
It has aided leaders and politicians in acquiring leadership qualities for leading the masses.
In the Field of Guidance and Counseling
It has provided valuable help in relation to guidance and counseling in educational, personal as well as vocational areas.
In the Field of Military Science
Psychology helps in the selection, training, promotion and classification of defence personnel. In fighting the enemy, the morale of the defence personnel and of citizens must at all costs be high which can only be achieved by providing suggestions, insight and confidence.
In the Field of Human Relationship and Self-development
Finally, it has helped human beings to learn the art of understanding their own behavior, seeking adjustment with their self and others and enhancing as well as actualizing their potentialities to the utmost possible (Figure 1.7).
SIGNIFICANCE OF PSYCHOLOGY IN NURSING
While psychology and its applications have become more relevant and respected than any period in the past, they have become an imminent part of every profession including nursing today. This is because of increasing emphasis being laid out on the interplay of body, mind and spirit in the health status of every individual.
The success in life of many people depends on how they get along with others, influence others and react to others. The ability to understand ourselves and others comes from a wise study of psychology. The learning of psychology helps a nurse in the following ways (Figure 1.8):
Understand Her Own Self
The knowledge of psychology allows the nurse to get an insight into her own motives, desires, emotions, feelings, attitudes, personality characteristics and ambitions. She realizes that her personality is highly individualistic and complex, and is able to solve her own problems while becoming capable of arriving at major decisions in life. This knowledge also helps her to realize own strengths and weaknesses. By knowing these aspects she can overcome weaknesses that affect her work, develop good personality characteristics, abilities to carry on her responsibilities and perform duties effectively and efficiently. This permits her to direct her own life more productively and relate more easily with others enabling greater control over situations while attaining self-discipline.14
Understand Patients
Nurses are professionals meant for providing care to patients. The patient may be male or female, young or old suffering from an acute or a chronic disease and may have come to the hospital with physical or psychological problems. They may also have tensions, worries, pains and many doubts about their illness. The knowledge of psychology will help the nurse to understand the needs and problems of patients and attend to them. She can better understand motives, attitudes, perceptions and personality characteristics of patients. This will help the patient attain quick relief and cure which is the basic motto of a nurse.
Recognize Abnormal Behavior
Psychology is relevant not only in the field of physical health care but also in the field of mental health. Presently more and more people are suffering from mental illnesses. While many of them may be minor in nature some are diagnosed as severe. The knowledge of psychology will help nurses to understand abnormal behaviors and management of mental illnesses. Nurses working in mental hospitals undoubtedly require an adequate knowledge of normal and abnormal psychology.
The knowledge of psychology helps the nurses to recognize mental illnesses at general hospitals and community health centers while providing appropriate guidance to deal with stress, anxiety and other life related problems.
Understand Other People
The student nurse has to study, work and live with other nurses, doctors, patients and their family members. With scientific knowledge on human nature she will understand them better and be more successful in interpersonal relationships. She will learn why others differ from her in their likes and dislikes, interests and abilities and in reactions to others. She will realize how differences in behavior are to a certain extent a result of differences in customs and beliefs or cultural patterns of the groups to which she belongs or the way she has been brought up during her early years.
Provide Quality Care to Patients
A nurse with good knowledge of human psychology can understand the feelings of her patients, their fears and anxieties, what they would like to know and why they behave the way they do.
It will help the nurse to anticipate and meet the requirements of patients and their relatives enabling them to adjust to the unavoidable circumstances in the best possible way. A good understanding by the nurse can lend the patients much necessary support.15
Help Patients Adjust to the Situation
Illness and physical handicaps often bring about the need for major adjustments. Many diseases such as heart disease and cancer, etc., require special coping skills and health care. A nurse trained in psychology can be an effective health educator and help in these kind of adjustments.
Help the Student Nurse to Appreciate the Necessity for Changing the Environment or Surroundings
Good nursing care depends upon the ability of a nurse to understand the situations properly and seek the co-operation of other people concerned. The change in environment is sometimes necessary for better adjustment and happiness. For example, a boy who is completely denied the affectionate care of his parents may do better if he is given the care of foster parents.
Help for Effective Studying
A nurse has to learn many new concepts during her training. She has to obtain the correct knowledge of various facts, disease conditions and their treatment. The study of psychology of learning will help the nurse acquire knowledge in an effective way.
Readjustment
Every profession and career requires readjustment. A nurse needs to make the following adjustments for achieving success in her career:
- Overcoming homesickness and self-reliance are necessary if she has to live hassle free in a hostel or a hospital.
- Getting used to sick persons who are helpless and desperate and even those who may ventilate their anger by making the nurse a target of their abuses and curses.
- Try to study and work together.
Knowledge of psychology can be helpful in such efforts as an insight into their emotions will resolve lot of disputes and dilemmas. The wellbeing of a patient is the prime responsibility of a nurse. She must not only treat him physically but also instill confidence in his capacity to improve and recover fully. For this, knowledge of human psychology is essential. The physical and mental wellbeing of a patient mainly depends on the nurse. She has to deal with different people having different problems both physical and mental. To serve them satisfactorily, knowledge of psychology is very essential.
APPLIED PSYCHOLOGY TO SOLVE EVERYDAY ISSUES
Applied psychology is the application of psychological principles and methods to resolve problems of human experience which may be related to health, family, workplace, etc. It is that field of psychology which validates psychological theories and focuses on putting practical research into action to achieve the desired results. The relevance of applied psychology in various walks of life is presented in Table 1.2.
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Review Questions
Long Essays
- Define psychology. Explain methods of observation and case study.
- Define psychology and explain its nature and scope with special reference to nursing.
- Critically examine observation method and experimental method.
- Define psychology. What are the different methods used in the study of psychology? Critically evaluate them.
Short Essays
- Explain any two branches of psychology.
- Explain nature of psychology.
- Describe merits and demerits of experimental method.
- Explain case study method.
- Explain the relevance of psychology to nursing.
- Explain experimental method in psychology.
- Bring out the similarities and differences between introspection and observation.
- What is the general importance of psychology? Why should a student nurse study psychology?
- Scope of psychology.
- Define introspection method—list the advantages and disadvantages.
Short Notes
- Write any two definitions of psychology
- Child psychology
- Methods of psychology
- Define any two branches of psychology
- Case history method
- List the branches of psychology
- Behavior
- Interview method
- Experimental method
- Introspection
- Observation method
Multiple Choice Questions
1. Psychology is defined as the scientific study of:
- Mental disorders
- Mental processes
- Human relationships
- Human and animal behavior
2. Which of the following deals with the study of how a person's actions, feelings or thoughts are influenced by others?
- Social psychology
- Clinical psychology
- Educational psychology
- Health psychology
3. What is general psychology?
- That which deals with fundamental rules and principles of psychology
- That which deals with general behavior of people
- That which deals with general activities of an organism
- That which deals with normal behavior of a person
4. Behavior includes which of the following ‘activities’?
- Motor
- Cognitive
- Affective
- All of the above
5. Who is the Father of Psychology?
- Sigmund Freud
- William James
- Ivan Pavlov
- Wilhelm Wundt
6. Understanding subject psychology is important for a nurse because:
- It helps the nurse to understand herself
- It helps the nurse to improve situations by solving problems
- All of the above
7. Which of the following is a scientific method of psychology?
- Introspection method
- Observation method
- Experimental method
- Interview method
8. What is introspection?
- Self-motivation
- Self-observation
- Self-interest
- Self-learning
9. First step of the scientific method involves:
- Replication of procedures
- Formulating an explanation
- Carrying out research
- Identifying questions of interest
10. The purpose of control group in an experiment is to:
- Give a comparison that allows the independent variable to be judged
- Prevent the researcher from cheating
- Accommodate the extra participants
- Assist in the design of research project
11. Scientists who are most likely to study the relationship between stress levels and an individual's likelihood of contracting a disease are psychologists.
- Counseling
- Health
- Cognitive
- Developmental
12. Mental experiences operate on different levels of awareness. The level that best portrays one's attitudes, feelings and desires is the:
- Conscious
- Unconscious
- Preconscious
- Foreconscious
13. Wundt described psychology as the study of conscious experience, a perspective he called _______.
14. Early psychologists’ studied the mind by asking people to describe what they were experiencing when exposed to various stimuli. This procedure is known as _____.
15. The statement, ‘In order to study human behavior, we must consider the whole of perception rather than its component parts’ might be made by a person subscribing to the perspective_____.
16. Which perspective suggests that abnormal behavior is largely the result of unconscious forces?
17. ‘Psychologists should worry only about behavior, i.e. directly observable.’ This statement would most likely be made by a person using which psychological perspective?
18. The group in an experiment that receives no treatment is called the group_________.
19. ______ psychology describes the relationship of physical environment with behavior.
20. _____ psychology explains physiological basis of behavior.
ANSWER KEY
1. d | 2. a | 3. a | 4. d | 5. d | 6. d |
7. c | 8. b | 9. d | 10. a | 11. b | 12. b |
13. Structuralism | 14. Introspection | 15. Gestalt | 16. Psychodynamic | 17. Behavioral | 18. Control |
19. Geo | 20. Physiological |