3.6. Специальность "Социальная работа"

Тексты для чтения

Texts for Reading

Text 1. Bases of psychology

1. Psychology is the scientific study of mental processes and behaviour. Psychologists observe and record how people and other animals relate to one another and to the environment. They look for patterns¹ that will help them understand and predict behaviour, and they use scientific methods to test their ideas. Through such studies, psychologists have learned much that can help people fulfil their potential as human beings and increase understanding between individuals, groups, nations, and cultures.

2. Psychology is a broad field that explores a variety of questions about thoughts, feelings, and actions. Psychologists ask such questions as: "How do we see, hear, smell, taste, and feel? What enables us to learn, think, and remember, and why do we forget? What activities distinguish human beings from other animals? What abilities are we born with, and which must we learn? How much does the mind affect the body, and how does the body affect the mind? For example, can we change our heart rate² or temperature just by thinking about doing so? What can our dreams tell us about our needs, wishes, and desires? Why do we like the people we like? Why are some people bashful³ and others not shy⁴ at all? What causes violence? What is mental⁵ illness, and how can it be cured?"

3. The research findings of psychologists have greatly increased our understanding of why people behave as they do. For example, psychologists have discovered much about how personality develops and how to promote healthy development They have some knowledge of how to help people change bad habits and how to help students learn. They understand some of the conditions that can make workers more productive. A great deal remains to be discovered. Nevertheless, insights⁶ provided by psychology can help people function⁷ better as individuals, friends, family members, and workers.

4. Psychology is closely related to the natural science of biology. Like many biologists, psychologists study the abilities, needs, and activities of human beings and other animals. But psychologists focus on the workings of the nervous⁸ system, especially the brain⁹.

5. Psychology is also related to the social sciences of anthropology and sociology, which deal with people in society. Like anthropologists and sociologists, psychologists investigate the attitudes and relationships of human beings in social settings¹⁰. These three academic disciplines often study the same kinds of problems from different perspectives. However, psychologists concentrate on individual behaviour. They are especially interested in the beliefs and feelings that influence a person's actions.

6. In addition, psychology is similar to a medical field called psychiatry. Most psychologists have a degree in psychology and may or may not specialise in the treatment¹¹ of mental disorders. Psychiatrists, on the other hand, usually have a medical degree and devote themselves to treating mental disorders.

Notes: 1) модель, образец; 2) темп, частота; 3) робкий; 4) застенчивый; 5) умственный; 6) проницательность, понимание; 7) функционировать; 8) нервный; 9) мозг; 10) окружение, обстановка; 11) лечение.

COMPREHENSION CHECK

Ex. 1. Read the text. Provide each paragraph with an appropriate heading (choose among the proposed variants below):

1. Questions asked by psychologists.

2. The scientific study of mental processes and behaviour.

3. Psychology and social sciences.

4. Psychology and psychiatry.

5. The research findings of psychologists.

6. Psychology and biology.

Ex. 2. Translate paragraph 3 in writing.

Ex. 3. Read the text again and choose the correct alternative for each of the following questions:

1. What does psychology study?

   1. thoughts and feelings;

   2. heart and temperature;

   3. mental processes and behaviour.

2. What science explores a variety of questions about thoughts, feelings, and actions?

   1. psychiatry;

   2. psychology;

   3. biology.

3. Who has some knowledge of how to help people change bad habits and how to help students learn?

   1. psychologists;

   2. therapeutists;

   3. teachers.

4. What do psychologists focus on?

   1. on the working of the nervous system, especially the brain;

   2. on the activities of animals;

   3. on the abilities of children.

5. What social sciences is psychology related to?

   1. to history;

   2. to anthropology and sociology;

   3. to medicine.

6. How do psychiatrists differ from psychologists?

   1. psychiatrists usually have a medical degree;

   2. psychiatrists have a degree in psychology;

   3. psychiatrists deal with people in society.