Psychology's Diverse Disciplines
Psychology extends beyond therapy. It encompasses various areas including cognitive, forensic, health, educational, and environmental psychology, each focused on understanding different aspects of human behavior and mental processes.
The Power of Placebos
Placebo effects highlight belief's impact on health. Inert treatments can cause real improvements, demonstrating our mind's influence over our body. This phenomenon is a key consideration in medical trials and treatment efficacy.
Cognitive Dissonance Theory
Introduced by Leon Festinger, this theory explains the discomfort we feel when holding conflicting beliefs or values. To ease tension, we often change attitudes or behaviors, highlighting our drive for internal consistency.
Bystander Effect Paradox
Contrary to intuition, a person is less likely to receive help in an emergency situation when more people are present. This phenomenon, known as 'bystander effect', is attributed to diffusion of responsibility and social influence.
Mirror Neurons' Mysteries
Mirror neurons fire both when performing an action and when observing someone else do the same. They may underlie empathy and learning by imitation, suggesting a biological basis for social connections.
Dreams and Subconscious
Freud's iceberg model proposes that dreams are a gateway to the unconscious mind where repressed desires and deep-seated fears reside. Modern neuroscience, however, looks at dreams as a way to process emotions and consolidate memories.
Psychology's Replication Crisis
Psychology faces a replication crisis. Many well-known studies have failed replication attempts, prompting introspection within the field regarding research practices and the reliability of psychological science findings.
What encompasses psychology's disciplines?
Therapy and counseling only.
Cognitive, health, environmental psychology.
Biological processes exclusively.
Company
