Developmental psychology.pdf

Background and Methods
At mealtime these two men shared a table with a third companion, Leon, who
graciously greeted all employees of the institution as they passed through the dining
hall. At thirty-five years of age, he was the youngest of the trio, yet he conducted
himself with the greatest dignity. He spoke clearly and often eloquently, usually gazing
straight ahead. When walking, he carried himself erectly with his hands in front of
him, palms up, one atop the other. Typically dressed in a white coat and white trousers,
he was an imposing figure.
These men ate at the same table, held side-by-side jobs in the laundry, used
the same recreation area, and slept in adjacent beds. And they did so for purposes of
research in psychology.
The field of psychology is concerned with the behavior of organisms; it is defined
as the scientific study of human and animal behavior and experience. The aim is
to gain an increased understanding of why organisms respond as they do. The men in
this research were asked to live together to discover what would happen in the confrontation,
for they all had one characteristic in common. Each of them, just beginning
a life with the others on a ward in a mental hospital, was convinced that he was Jesus
Christ.
There were two broad aims in making such arrangements for these men, the
first of which was theoretical in nature and based in social psychology. It was to gain
a better understanding of human beliefs. How do beliefs arise? What function do false
beliefs serve? Under what circumstances can false beliefs be changed?
The second aim, implicit in this research and more practical in nature, concerned
abnormal psychology. Perhaps this confrontation would alleviate the men's disturbed
adjustment. Maybe they would abandon their delusions when confronted with
the ultimate contradiction—another person claiming their identity. If so, this technique
of confrontation would have application for psychotherapy. If not, could other
procedures be used to modify their beliefs?
"I'm God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost!" exclaimed Joseph in their earliest
days together. "I know what I am and I'm going to be what I am!"
"Well, I didn't know that!" said Clyde, referring to the resurrection. "See now,
he is a rerise from the cemetery, and I didn't know that."
Later Clyde announced, "You're going to listen to the truth. I'm the Jesus and
you're going to follow. I am the boss and you better believe it. You serve me first!"
To an outsider, Leon explained: "Sir, I sincerely acknowledge that they are
hollowed-out instrumental gods. That's my sincere belief, sir." But when asked about
his own identity, he said resolutely: "Yes, sir, I am the reincarnation of Jesus Christ
of Nazareth, the first human spirit" (Rokeach, 1981).
This problem of false beliefs serves to introduce the reader to modern psychology,
specifically to the topics in this first chapter. But you should not decide on this
basis that false beliefs or life in a mental hospital are the chief topics in modern psychology.
Rather, the story of the three Christs provides a framework and source of
continuity for this discussion, just as other narratives provide coherence for later chapters.
This chapter begins with a discussion of the nature of science, for the scientific
process forms the basis of modern psychology. An understanding of psychology today
requires an understanding of scientific inquiry. Afterward, we turn to the emergence
of psychology in the late nineteenth century, noting that this field developed in a research
setting, quite apart from psychiatric disorders. Then we consider various perspectives
in modern psychology, for all psychological questions can be viewed from
several perspectives. Finally, we look at the ethical issues in psychological research and
practice. Through these topics, and the story of the three Christs, we expect that our
readers can gain a basic understanding of psychology in our times.