Last Minute Lecture

The Story of Psychology — Origins, Core Concepts, and Research Methods Explained | Psychology Chapter 1 Summary Welcome to this detailed summary of Chapter 1 from Psychology (13th Edition) by David G. Myers and C. Nathan DeWall. This foundational chapter takes us through the fascinating history of psychology as a scientific discipline, its core concepts, and the essential research methods psychologists use to study the mind and behavior. Be sure to watch the full YouTube video summary for an engaging podcast-style breakdown of these topics. Origins and Evolution of Psychology Psychology began as a branch of philosophy and biology, evolving into an independent scientific field focused on understanding behavior and mental processes. Chapter 1 outlines major milestones—from early philosophical inquiries to the rise of experimental psychology in the late 19th century. It highlights how psychology emerged to study the complexities of the mind using empirical and systematic meth...

Research Methods in Child Psychology — Chapter 3 Summary from Mash & Wolfe How do psychologists uncover the causes of mental health issues in children? In Chapter 3 of Child Psychopathology by Eric J. Mash and David A. Wolfe, we explore the research methods that help distinguish science from pseudoscience, design effective studies, and ensure ethical treatment of child participants. Science vs. Pseudoscience: Knowing the Difference The chapter opens with a critical distinction: real science relies on empirical data, peer review, and reproducibility, whereas pseudoscience depends on anecdotal evidence and untested theories. One striking example is Facilitated Communication (FC) , a debunked technique once thought to help nonverbal children communicate but ultimately shown to lack scientific validity. The Research Process in Psychology Scientific research follows a multistage process: Forming a hypothesis : A testable prediction about a psychological relationship or ...