Psychology is an academic, and applied discipline that involves the scientific study of human or animal mental functions

and behaviors. In this field, a professional practitioner or researcher is called a psychologist. Psychologists are classified
as social or behavioral scientists. Psychologists attempt to understand the role of mental functions in individual and
social behavior, while also exploring underlying physiological and neurological processes.

Branches of Psychology

1. Abnormal Psychology

Abnormal psychology is the area that looks at psychopathology and abnormal behavior. The term covers a broad range of
disorders, from depression to obsession-compulsion to sexual deviation and many more. Counselors, clinical
psychologists and psychotherapists often work directly in this field.

2. Behavioral Psychology
Behavioral psychology, also known as behaviorism, is a theory of learning based upon the idea that all behaviors are acquired through
conditioning. While this branch of psychology dominated the field during the first part of the twentieth century, it became less
prominent during the 1950s. However, behavioral techniques remain a mainstay in therapy, education and many other areas.

3. Biopsychology
The branch of psychology focused on the study of how the brain influences behavior is often known as biopsychology, although it has
also been called physiological psychology, behavioral neuroscience and psychobiology.

4. Cognitive Psychology
Cognitive psychology is the branch of psychology that focuses on internal states, such as motivation, problem solving, decision-
making, thinking and attention. This area of psychology has continued to grow since it emerged in the 1960s.

5. Comparative Psychology
Comparative psychology is the branch of psychology concerned with the study of animal behavior. The study of animal behavior can
lead to a deeper and broader understanding of human psychology.

6. Developmental Psychology
This branch of psychology looks at development throughout the lifespan, from childhood to adulthood. The scientific study of human
development seeks to understand and explain how and why people change throughout life. This includes all aspects of human growth,
including physical, emotional, intellectual, social, perceptual and personality development. Topics studied in this field include
everything from prenatal development to Alzheimer's disease.

7. Educational Psychology
Educational psychology is the branch of psychology concerned with schools, teaching psychology, educational issues and student
concerns. Educational psychologists often study how students learn or work directly with students, parents, teachers and
administrators to improve student outcomes.

8. Experimental Psychology
Experimental psychology is the branch of psychology that utilizes scientific methods to research the brain and behavior. Many of
these techniques are also used by other areas in psychology to conduct research on everything from childhood development to social
issues.

9. Forensic Psychology
Forensic psychology is a specialty area that deals with issues related to psychology and the law. Forensic psychologists perform a
wide variety of duties, including providing testimony in court cases, assessing children in suspected child abuse cases, preparing
children to give testimony and evaluating the mental competence of criminal suspects.
10. Personality Psychology
This branch of psychology is focused on the patterns of thoughts, feelings, and behavior that make a person unique. Some of the best-
known theories in psychology have arisen from this field, including Freud's psychoanalytic theory of personality and Erikson's theory
of psychosocial development.

11. Social Psychology

Social psychology seeks to explain and understand social behavior and looks at diverse topics including group behavior, social
interactions, leadership, nonverbal communication and social influences on decision-making.