What is Psychology?

Mr. KochPsychology

Forest Lake High School

PSYCHOLOGY is…

Greek word “psyche” = mind or soul“logos” = study of

The science that deals with the behavior & thinking of organisms.

• Science – branch of study based on systematically conducted research

• Behavior – activities by people or animals that can be observed directly or measured by special techniques

• Thinking – unobservable activity by which a person recognizes past experiences through the use of symbols or concepts

• Organism – any living person or animal

The science that deals with the behavior & thinking of organisms.

Psychologists focus on common & unusual activities

Roots or origin

Cure/Explanation

Psychologists draw upon findings of other sciences:

Physics Chemistry Biology PsychologyInstrumentsEquipment

How body’s chemistry relates to mood, performance & personality disturbance

Sense organsNervous systemGlandsBrain

Focus is on BEHAVIOR

“Hard Sciences”

“Soft Sciences”

Anthropology:“culture”

Sociology: “groups”

Social Psychology:

How people are affected by their surroundings

How individuals behave in groups within a particular culture

Effects of a group on an individual and how individuals think about other people