1. What is Psychology?
Psychology is a scientific discipline that studies mental processes, experiences, and behavior across various contexts. It has evolved from its philosophical roots and encompasses numerous branches, each focusing on different aspects of human functioning. The interdisciplinary nature of psychology allows it to collaborate with fields such as biology, sociology, and computer science, addressing significant societal issues and contributing to personal understanding.
Enroll to start learning
You've not yet enrolled in this course. Please enroll for free to listen to audio lessons, classroom podcasts and take practice test.
Sections
Navigate through the learning materials and practice exercises.
What we have learnt
- Psychology integrates science and experience, focusing on understanding behavior and mental processes.
- The discipline has evolved through various schools of thought, including structuralism, functionalism, and behaviorism, each contributing uniquely to psychological knowledge.
- Application of psychology spans many fields and professions, highlighting its relevance in everyday life and societal challenges.
Key Concepts
- -- Behavior
- The actions or reactions of an individual in response to external or internal stimuli.
- -- Cognitive Psychology
- The branch of psychology that studies mental processes including how people think, learn, remember, and perceive.
- -- Biological Psychology
- The study of the relationship between behavior and the biological processes underlying it, including genetic and physiological factors.
- -- Developmental Psychology
- The field that examines psychological growth and changes across a person's lifespan.
- -- Social Psychology
- The study of how individuals influence and are influenced by their social environment.
- -- Psychoanalysis
- A psychological framework founded by Freud, focusing on unconscious motives and conflicts as the primary drivers of behavior.
- -- Health Psychology
- The study of how psychological factors affect health and illness.
Additional Learning Materials
Supplementary resources to enhance your learning experience.