5 Things to Know Before Taking Psychology Courses

Summary

This video offers essential insights for anyone considering taking a psychology class. It explains that the course will provide a general overview of various subfields like forensic, child, and military psychology. The video also highlights key points, such as the risk of self-diagnosing after learning about mental disorders, the importance of understanding psychology as a science, and the fact that therapy techniques aren’t taught in introductory courses. It advises against analyzing others and emphasizes the value of seeking professional help. Ultimately, it encourages viewers to approach psychology with curiosity and caution.

Takeaways

• 😀 Psychology classes are typically general and provide an overview of various subfields like forensic, child, military, and media psychology.
• 😀 Taking a psychology course may lead you to self-diagnose or diagnose others, but it's important to avoid doing so without professional consultation.
• 😀 A psychology course does not teach therapy techniques, but it helps you understand disorders and influences, and it encourages seeking professional help when needed.
• 😀 Psychology classes will not turn you into a mind reader or allow you to analyze people; consent and ethical considerations are important.
• 😀 Psychology is a science that relies on research and experimentation, and it’s crucial to back up knowledge with proper citations and credible studies.
• 😀 Most psychology research comes from correlational studies, exploring the relationship between two variables.
• 😀 Introductory psychology courses focus on evaluating the quality of studies and experiments in the field.
• 😀 Psychology is not just about theory; it also teaches the importance of applying research findings responsibly in real-world situations.
• 😀 If you're unsure about diagnosing yourself or others, always seek professional help as psychology students are not yet qualified professionals.
• 😀 The decision to study psychology should come from a genuine interest, as it provides a fascinating insight into human behavior and mental health.
• 😀 The speaker shares their personal experience, noting they are starting a Bachelor's degree in psychology, encouraging viewers to explore the field.

Q & A

What should I know before signing up for a psychology class?

Before signing up for a psychology class, it's important to know that you will likely be taught a general overview of various subfields of psychology. Psychology often explores the relationship between brain functions, behavior, and environment.

What are some of the subfields of psychology mentioned in the video?

The subfields of psychology mentioned in the video include forensic psychology, child psychology, developmental psychology, media psychology, and military psychology.

What does a general psychology class typically cover?

A general psychology class typically covers a broad range of subfields, offering a basic introduction to topics such as mental health, behavior, and brain functions, but it doesn't delve into any one area deeply.

Can studying psychology lead to self-diagnosis?

Yes, learning about different disorders in psychology might make you want to self-diagnose or diagnose others, but it's important to avoid doing this. If you suspect any disorder, it's always better to seek professional help.

Why is it dangerous to self-diagnose after studying psychology?

Self-diagnosis is dangerous because, even though you may recognize symptoms of certain disorders, you are not a professional and could misinterpret symptoms or overlook important factors. Professional evaluation is essential for accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Do psychology classes teach therapy techniques?

No, psychology classes, particularly introductory ones, do not teach therapy techniques. They focus on understanding disorders and their influences but do not provide the skills or training necessary to diagnose or treat mental health issues.

Can a psychology student act as a therapist?

No, a psychology student cannot act as a therapist after just one course. Therapy requires specialized training and experience, and students must further their education and training beyond an introductory class.

Is it ethical to analyze people based on psychology knowledge?

No, it is unethical to analyze people without their consent. A basic psychology course does not equip you to read people's minds or diagnose their mental health issues for your own satisfaction.

How does psychology relate to science?

Psychology is considered a science because it relies on research and experiments. Like other scientific fields, psychology uses data and evidence to understand behavior and mental processes, and it emphasizes the importance of citing sources and backing up knowledge with research.

What kind of research is most common in psychology?

The most common type of research in psychology is correlational research, which examines the relationship between two variables. This kind of research is crucial in understanding patterns and connections within human behavior and mental health.