PYC1501/1502 – Basic Psychology | Assignment 1
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH AFRICA
Department of Psychology
PYC1501/1502: BASIC PSYCHOLOGY
ASSIGNMENT 01
Student Name: [Your Full Name]
Student Number: [12345678]
Module Code: PYC1501 / PYC1502
Assignment Number: 01
Unique Number: [Refer to myUnisa]
Due Date: [Insert Due Date]
Semester: Semester
SECTION A: SHORT-ANSWER QUESTIONS
Answer ALL questions in this section. Each question carries the indicated marks. Responses
should be concise, clear, and demonstrate knowledge of psychological concepts as covered
in the prescribed textbook.
Question 1 – The Nature and Scope of Psychology (10 marks)
1.1 Define psychology and briefly explain its main goals as a scientific discipline. (4
marks)
Psychology is the scientific study of behaviour and mental processes. It is a broad discipline
that seeks to understand how people think, feel, and act, both individually and in social
contexts. As a science, psychology pursues four main goals:
Page 1 of 11 | University of South Africa (UNISA)
, PYC1501/1502 – Basic Psychology | Assignment 1
• Description: Accurately observing and recording behaviour and mental processes,
for example documenting the symptoms of anxiety disorders.
• Explanation: Identifying the causes of behaviour, such as determining why some
individuals develop phobias after traumatic experiences.
• Prediction: Forecasting how individuals are likely to behave in specific situations
based on prior observations and research findings.
• Control/Change: Applying psychological knowledge to modify or improve behaviour,
for instance using cognitive-behavioural therapy to treat depression.
These goals distinguish psychology from everyday speculation by grounding understanding
in systematic observation and empirical evidence.
1.2 Distinguish between a psychologist and a psychiatrist. (3 marks)
A psychologist is a professional who has completed an undergraduate degree followed by
postgraduate training (typically a Master's or Doctoral degree) in psychology. Psychologists
study behaviour and mental processes and may provide therapy, conduct research, or
perform psychological assessments. In most countries, psychologists are not licensed to
prescribe medication.
A psychiatrist, by contrast, is a medical doctor who has specialised in psychiatry after
completing a general medical degree. Because of their medical training, psychiatrists are
qualified to diagnose mental disorders and prescribe psychotropic medications such as
antidepressants or antipsychotics. Both professionals may provide psychotherapy, but
psychiatrists are more likely to treat severe or biologically-based mental illnesses requiring
pharmacological intervention.
1.3 Identify THREE major perspectives in psychology and briefly describe each. (3
marks)
• Biological perspective: Focuses on the role of the brain, genetics, neurotransmitters,
and the nervous system in shaping behaviour. For example, it examines how
serotonin imbalances contribute to depression.
Page 2 of 11 | University of South Africa (UNISA)
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH AFRICA
Department of Psychology
PYC1501/1502: BASIC PSYCHOLOGY
ASSIGNMENT 01
Student Name: [Your Full Name]
Student Number: [12345678]
Module Code: PYC1501 / PYC1502
Assignment Number: 01
Unique Number: [Refer to myUnisa]
Due Date: [Insert Due Date]
Semester: Semester
SECTION A: SHORT-ANSWER QUESTIONS
Answer ALL questions in this section. Each question carries the indicated marks. Responses
should be concise, clear, and demonstrate knowledge of psychological concepts as covered
in the prescribed textbook.
Question 1 – The Nature and Scope of Psychology (10 marks)
1.1 Define psychology and briefly explain its main goals as a scientific discipline. (4
marks)
Psychology is the scientific study of behaviour and mental processes. It is a broad discipline
that seeks to understand how people think, feel, and act, both individually and in social
contexts. As a science, psychology pursues four main goals:
Page 1 of 11 | University of South Africa (UNISA)
, PYC1501/1502 – Basic Psychology | Assignment 1
• Description: Accurately observing and recording behaviour and mental processes,
for example documenting the symptoms of anxiety disorders.
• Explanation: Identifying the causes of behaviour, such as determining why some
individuals develop phobias after traumatic experiences.
• Prediction: Forecasting how individuals are likely to behave in specific situations
based on prior observations and research findings.
• Control/Change: Applying psychological knowledge to modify or improve behaviour,
for instance using cognitive-behavioural therapy to treat depression.
These goals distinguish psychology from everyday speculation by grounding understanding
in systematic observation and empirical evidence.
1.2 Distinguish between a psychologist and a psychiatrist. (3 marks)
A psychologist is a professional who has completed an undergraduate degree followed by
postgraduate training (typically a Master's or Doctoral degree) in psychology. Psychologists
study behaviour and mental processes and may provide therapy, conduct research, or
perform psychological assessments. In most countries, psychologists are not licensed to
prescribe medication.
A psychiatrist, by contrast, is a medical doctor who has specialised in psychiatry after
completing a general medical degree. Because of their medical training, psychiatrists are
qualified to diagnose mental disorders and prescribe psychotropic medications such as
antidepressants or antipsychotics. Both professionals may provide psychotherapy, but
psychiatrists are more likely to treat severe or biologically-based mental illnesses requiring
pharmacological intervention.
1.3 Identify THREE major perspectives in psychology and briefly describe each. (3
marks)
• Biological perspective: Focuses on the role of the brain, genetics, neurotransmitters,
and the nervous system in shaping behaviour. For example, it examines how
serotonin imbalances contribute to depression.
Page 2 of 11 | University of South Africa (UNISA)
