PSYCH 111General Psychology

Reading Assignment

Introduction to Psychology : Read chapter 1.

Now that you have finished reading the chapter, try to determine which theoretical approach is most appealing to you. Which one seems most in line with your own beliefs? You might consider the following questions as well as the results of the above survey.

1. What does a psychologist from this school identify as the primary source or motivator of human thought, feeling, and behavior?
2. What does a psychologist from this school believe is the root cause of psychological distress and behavioral disorders?
3. Does a psychologist from this school believe it is possible to alleviate distress and improve behavior? What steps or strategies would he or she propose to help a person with psychological difficulty?

Most of these answers are not yet available to you, but the questions are worth considering as you pursue the course.

Write a half-page response paper considering which historical approach to psychology you are inclined to believe is most useful in examining psychological issues. Integrate your thoughts and feelings about this choice as well as the results of the questionnaire, noting/explaining consistencies and inconsistencies. I realize that you have very limited information about each approach from which to make a judgment. Nevertheless, it can be helpful as you study general psychology to consider your initial biases and watch the extent to which they do or do not change over the term.