Basic Definitions of Psychology, Sociology

and Anthropology

Anthropology

Anthropology: The basic study of all human life and culture. Anthropologists examine such aspects of culture as traditions, inventions, and conventions. Some of the questions anthropologists ask include: 1. When, where, and how did humans evolve?2. How do people adapt?3. How have societies developed and changed?

Psychology

Athletic Performance as Dictated by State of Mind  Scenario #1: Before taking the field for the season opener, Jeff is relaxed and focused. Jeff sits in his

locker room laughing and joking with his teammates while all the while understanding what he needs to do when he takes the field.

Jeff’s opening game could only be described as a success. Jeff scored two goals and set up another. Jeff’s touch on the ball was as good as it has ever been. Jeff leaves the stadium proud of his accomplishment.

Scenario #2: Before taking the field for the championship game Jeff is anxious and excited. Jeff feels as though he is ready to plow over the competition. Jeff’s teammates scream and yell as they leave the locker room en route to the field.

Jeff’s team looses the final game by a score of 3-1. Jeff was responsible for the first goal against as he gave the ball away while trying to carry it out of his own end just 2 minutes into the first half. Jeff leaves the stadium upset with his performance.

The Zone of Optimal Functioning: The idea behind the theory of the zone of optimal functioning revolves around analyzing an athlete’s state of mind before a competition. An athlete is required to retrospectively look at their anxiety level pre-competition in order to understand their optimal prestart anxiety level. When an athlete is successful in a game the athlete should try to mimic his prestart state of mind in future competition.

_____*_____________________________________________________________________ 1 2 3 4 5 

-optimal zone = 1.7

The Zone

Psychology: The scientific study of behaviour and the mind. -3 Elements of Psychology Include:1. Scientific Method (observation, experimentation,

etc.)2. Study of Behaviour (increase of heart rate, mob

mentality, etc.)3. Study of the Mind (both conscious and unconscious

states)

Sociology

Sociology: The study of human social relations or group life. Sociology examines the way that social structures and institutions influence society. Examples of what sociologists examine include:1. constructs such as class and power structures2. social problems such as crime and abuse.

Please read supplied article: Questions to ponder1. What methods does the author of the article use in arguing his case?2. From this article what is the author’s response to the argument that blame

should be placed upon the pregnant mother?

Please select one of the names listed below and conduct research on their professional work and accomplishments. Once you have completed your reseach: find, create, modify, etc. an object that best represents one aspect of your particular person and bring it to class tomorrow. Along with your object, you must prepare a brief 30 second oral presentation explaining why it is representative of the person you have selected. Be prepared to present your object and its reasoning at the beginning of class tomorrow.

Betty Friedman Margaret MeadCarl Jung Bronislaw MalinowskiKarl Marx Ivan PavlovMonica Boyd George H MeadJohn B Watson Charles Levi-StraussSigmund Freud Marvin Harris

Homework>>Due Tomorrow!