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Kindle Notes & Highlights
Psychology is the scientific study of the mind and behaviour of humans and animals.
Experiments are conducted to try to find the CAUSES of EFFECTS, in all scientific subjects.
One very important aspect of this process is that a Theory can only be DISPROVED, it cannot be PROVED…
NOTHING CAN BE PROVED. This is simply because NO amount of evidence is sufficient – there’s always the possibility of new, conflicting, evidence.
Before Descartes it was mainly believed that the Mind and Body are distinct (Platonic Dualism), with the Mind influencing the Body BUT NOT the other way round.
Learning is a relatively permanent change in behaviour due to experience.
“For the universe will change if you bring up your children … in behaviouristic freedom… Will not these children in turn, with their better ways of living and thinking, replace us as society and in turn bring up their children in a still more scientific way, until the world finally becomes a place fit for human habitation?”
Psychologically “healthy” people show 1. An objective perception of reality 2. Acceptance of their own natures 3. A commitment and dedication to some type of work 4. Naturalness, simplicity in behaviour, and spontaneity 5. Independence; a need for autonomy and privacy 6. Intense mystical / peak experiences 7. Empathy with, and affection for, all humanity – including strong social interests 8. Resistance to conformity 9. Democratic characteristics 10. Keenness to be creative
To Rogers (1961), the psychologically healthy person has: 1. An openness to all experience 2. An ability to live fully in every moment 3. The will to follow their own instincts, rather than the will of others 4. Freedom in thought and action, e.g. spontaneity, flexibility 5. Much creativity
Rogers particularly emphasized the role of the Self Concept, which consists of three parts – Ideal Self, Self Image and Self Esteem.
Summary: Male hormones are CONSTANT and SIMPLE (like a glass of spirits!) Female hormones are CYCLIC and COMPLEX (like a cocktail!)
True though!
The reasons for animal research: (a) There are sufficient similarities to make comparisons with humans. (b) Similar human research would not be practical or ethical. This can create “The Animal Research Paradox”: if animals are similar enough to compare, then they may be similar enough to suffer as well!
