The word psychology is the combination of two terms- study (ology)
and soul (psyche), or mind. The derivation of the word from Latin gives it this clear and obvious meaning: the study of the soul or mind. Scientifically, psychology is defined as the systematic study of behavior and mental processes. While the study of humans is the primary focus of much of the field of psychology, this definition does not limit psychology to the study of humans.
Psychologys systematic approach means that psychological study
typically proceeds according to the rules of science. Science also requires maintaining rigor in the precision of measurements and in taking effective control of variables. Psychologists make substantial use of the scientific method, but valuable information can come from other methods of evaluation such as the case study method, which is an intensive study of individuals.
Behavior
Behavior is directly observable and includes things such as talking,
laughing, and eating. But some things of interest to psychologists cannot be directly observed: thinking, dreaming, and physiological events such as heart rate. Physiological events can be studied using medical instruments, while thinking and dreaming can be studied through self-reports. In psychology, behaviors and mental processes are fundamentally interwoven. In order to understand behavior, we must know something about additional mental processes-the emotion or emotions that underlie the behavior.
Prepared by:
Abao, Marcial M.
BSCE-II Understanding Human Behavior
Fil:150:R6962u Page 1-2
Date Published: 2009
Psychology
The word psychology is the combination of two terms- study (ology)
and soul (psyche), or mind. The derivation of the word from Latin gives it this clear and obvious meaning: the study of the soul or mind. Scientifically, psychology is defined as the systematic study of behavior and mental processes. While the study of humans is the primary focus of much of the field of psychology, this definition does not limit psychology to the study of humans.
Psychologys systematic approach means that psychological study
typically proceeds according to the rules of science. Science also requires maintaining rigor in the precision of measurements and in taking effective control of variables. Psychologists make substantial use of the scientific method, but valuable information can come from other methods of evaluation such as the case study method, which is an intensive study of individuals.
Behavior
Behavior is directly observable and includes things such as talking,
laughing, and eating. But some things of interest to psychologists cannot be directly observed: thinking, dreaming, and physiological events such as heart rate. Physiological events can be studied using medical instruments, while thinking and dreaming can be studied through self-reports. In psychology, behaviors and mental processes are fundamentally interwoven. In order to understand behavior, we must know something about additional mental processes-the emotion or emotions that underlie the behavior.
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