How Do Psychologists Study the Mind?

Psychology is the science of the mind and behaviour. The human mind is perhaps the most complex and unique field of study, and has been a puzzle to humankind for hundreds of years. The human mind is the source of all thought, behaviour, emotions, interactions, and it determines how we conduct ourselves in society.

The mind is highly complex and enigmatic. Many wonder how psychologists can study such an abstract and extremely sophisticated thing. Even if scientists look inside the brain, as in an autopsy or during a surgical operation, all they see is gray matter (the brain). Thoughts, cognition, emotions, memories, dreams, perceptions, etc. cannot be seen physically, like a skin rash or heart defect.

Experts say that the approach to psychology is not that different to other sciences. As in other sciences, experiments are devised to confirm or disprove theories or expectations. For a psychologist, human behaviour is used as evidence - or at least an indication - of how the mind functions. We are unable to observe the mind directly; however, virtually all our actions, feelings and thoughts are influenced by the functioning of our minds. That is why human behaviour is used as raw data for testing psychological theories on how the mind functions.
   German psychologist Wilhelm Wundt opened the first experimental psychology labs in the late 1800s. Since that time we have learned an enormous amount about the relationship between brain, mind, memory and behaviour.

3. Ответьте на вопросы, основываясь на содержании прочитанного текста.

• What determines our behaviour?
• Can scientists see human mind?
• What do psychologists use to test their theories?
• Who opened the first psychology laboratory?

4. Ответьте на вопросы по теме урока, выразив собственное мнение.

• Why is it difficult to study human mind?
• Can you describe any psychological experiment?

 

 

Текст 3. Ключевые слова (Key words)

1. career 2. treat 3. intelligence 4. observation 5. experimentation 6. analysis 7. invent 8. practitioner 9. reduce stress 10. disaster 11. victim 12. bystander 13. recover 14. flexibility 15. schedule 16. skill 17. interpret data 18. experience 19. care for 20. mental disorder	карьера лечить интеллект, ум наблюдение эксперимент анализ изобретать практик уменьшать стресс катастрофа, несчастье жертва свидетель, очевидец восстанавливаться, приходить в себя, выздоравливать гибкость, приспособляемость расписание, план навык, умение интерпретировать данные опыт (жизненный) заботиться о психическое нарушение, психическое расстройство

2. Прочитайте и переведите текст, используя словарь.

Careers in Psychology

There are many careers in psychology. Psychology includes both research, through which we learn fundamental things about human and animal behaviour, and practice, through which that knowledge is applied in helping people to solve problems. Psychology is an extremely varied field. Psychologists conduct research, serve as consultants, diagnose and treat people, and teach future psychologists and other types of students. They test intelligence and personality.

As scientists, psychologists use scientific methods of observation, experimentation and analysis. But psychologists also need to be creative in the way they apply scientific findings.

Psychologists are frequently innovators, inventing new approaches to people and societies. They develop theories and test them in their research. As they collect new information, these findings can be used by practitioners in their work with clients and patients.

As practitioners psychologists work in laboratories, hospitals, courtrooms, schools and universities, prisons and corporate offices. They work with business executives, performers, and athletes to reduce stress and improve performance. They advise lawyers on jury selection and cooperate with educators on school reform. Immediately following a disaster, such as a plane crush or bombing, psychologists help victims and bystanders recover from the shock of the event.

Involved in all aspects of our world, psychologists must keep up with what is happening around us. When you are a psychologist, your education never ends.

Most psychologists say they love their work. They say that they have a variety of daily tasks and the flexibility of their schedules.

The study of psychology is a good preparation for many other professions. Many employers are interested in the skills of collecting, analyzing and interpreting data, and their experience with statistics and experimental design.

Psychology is a very diverse field with hundreds of career paths. We all know about caring for people with mental and emotional disorders. Some other jobs like helping with the design of computer systems are less well-known. What all psychologists have in common is an interest in the minds of both humans and animals.

3. Ответьте на вопросы, основываясь на содержании прочитанного текста.

• What does the field of psychology include?
• What innovations do psychologists make?
• Where do psychologists work?
• Who do psychologists work with?
• Do most psychologists like their work?
• What skills are many employers interested in?
• What do all psychologists have in common?