1.3 Contemporary Psychology

Lesson 1 1.3 Contemporary Psychology

 Essential Question 

How has the study of psychology evolved in the late 20th and early 21st centuries? 

 Introduction

During the 20th century, many new psychological theories emerged.  

Biopsychology explores how our biology influences our behavior.  In particular, biological psychologists want to understand how the structure and function of the nervous system is related to behavior.

Evolutionary psychology attempts to predict the outcome of a behavior in a particular situation. These predictions are based on evolutionary and genetic theory to make observations, conduct experiments, and determine whether the results match the theory.

 Objectives

Upon completion of the section, you will be able to:

1. Appreciate the diversity of interests and foci within psychology.
2. Describe basic interests and applications in each of the described areas of psychology.
3. Demonstrate familiarity with some of the major concepts or important figures in each of the described areas of psychology.
4. Examine educational requirements for careers in academic settings.
5. Understand the demands of a career in an academic setting.
6. Research career options outside of academic settings.

 Readings

Openstax Psychology

Chapter 1

• 1.4 Contemporary Psychology Links to an external site.
• 1.5 Careers in Psychology Links to an external site.

 Key points

20th-century theories and fields of study in Psychology include:

 Try it out!

Taking a career interest survey is one way to find out if a career in Psychology might be right for you.  Try out this career tool provided by Minnesota State: https://goo.gl/FqWMNX Links to an external site. 

 Critical Thinking

Is there a dark side to psychological research? Psychologist Stanley Milgram conducted one of the most infamous social psychology experiments to test obedience, which later came to be known as the Milgram Experiment.  While it proved to be one of the most groundbreaking studies on social influence and conformity, it also raised some serious ethical concerns about the nature of psychological experiments. Do you think Milgram went too far with his experiment?