Introduction to Psychology: Roots, Methods, and Perspectives

Psychology’s Roots, Critical Thinking, and Self-Improvement Tools

What is Psychology?

Psychology is the scientific study of behavior and mental processes. It seeks to answer questions about what people do and why they do it, using systematic, data-based approaches.

• Behavior: Observable actions of humans and animals (external).

• Mental Processes: Internal, subjective experiences such as thoughts, feelings, and motives.

• Psychologists are interested in the underlying physiology that drives behavior and mental processes.

• Psychology studies both people and animals.

• Key qualities of psychologists: curiosity, skepticism, and humility.

Scope of Psychology

Psychologists study virtually everything related to thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, whether healthy or disordered.

• Examples of research questions:

  • Does cell phone use increase accident rates?

  • What is the best way to motivate someone?

  • How accurate is eyewitness testimony?

  • How does the environment impact behavior?

  • How do psychological factors affect physical and mental health?

History of Psychology

Development as a Scientific Field

Interest in the mind is ancient, but psychology as an independent scientific discipline is relatively new, dating back to the 1870s with Wilhelm Wundt.

• Psychology became a formal field of scientific study about 150 years ago.

• Early pioneers include Wilhelm Wundt and others who established the first psychology laboratories.

Psychology Today

Science and Profession

Modern psychology is both a science and a profession.

• As a science: Answers basic questions about thinking, feeling, and behaving.

• As a profession: Applies psychological knowledge to real-world situations and people.

• Many psychologists work in both research and applied settings.

Career Pathways and Work Settings

Psychologists work in a variety of settings:

• About half work in clinical/service settings.

• About one-third work in academic settings (universities).

• The remainder work in industry, schools, and miscellaneous settings.

Major Sub-disciplines

• Cognitive Psychology

• Learning

• Social Psychology

• Health Psychology

• Developmental Psychology

• Forensic Psychology

• Perception

• Positive Psychology

• Experimental Psychology

• Personality Psychology

• Industrial/Organizational Psychology

• School Psychology

• Community Psychology

• Sports Psychology

• Educational Psychology

• Clinical/Counseling/Rehabilitation Psychology

• Neuroscience (Biopsychology)

• Neuropsychology

*Additional info: These sub-disciplines reflect the broad range of topics and applications within psychology, from basic research to applied practice.*