Welcome to the Science of Psychology: An Appreciative View

Laura A. King, Ph.D.

University of Missouri, Columbia

© 2008 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

Everybody knows…

Psychology is about what’s wrong with people.

© 2008 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

What is Psychology? Main Entry:

psy·chol·o·gy Pronunciation:

\-jē\ Function:

noun Inflected Form(s):

plural psy·chol·o·gies Etymology:

New Latin psychologia, from psych- + -logia -logy Date:

1653

1: the science of mind and behavior; 2 a: the mental or behavioral characteristics of an

individual or group b: the study of mind and behavior in relation to a particular field of knowledge or activity

© 2008 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

So, what happened?

© 2008 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

Sigmund Freud

“I have found little that is ‘good’ about human beings on the whole. In my experience most of them are trash.”

© 2008 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

Yes, psychology is the science of…

Psychological disorders and therapies. BUT, psychology is about even more than

that….

© 2008 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

But even more…Psychology is about…

YOU. Introductory Psychology is an opportunity

to learn about all of human behavior. And a great chance to learn about YOUR

HEALTH AND WELLNESS. Every area of psychology has something to offer in terms of making your life the best it can be.

© 2008 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

Taking an appreciative view…

Means understanding the whole of psychology.

And understanding the whole person—including strengths and weaknesses.

© 2008 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

Psychology is the science of

Achievement. Falling in love. Feeling sad, happy, and curious. Seeing, hearing, and feeling. Living everyday to its fullest.

© 2008 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

So…

THANKS! ENJOY! AND GOOD LUCK!