It applies a scientific viewpoint to study how we think, feel, and behave.

The word "psychology" has Greek origins.

It comes from psyche (meaning "breath, spirit, soul") and logia (meaning "the study of something").

Its origins were tied to philosophy and theology.

In the 16th century, the term first appeared in Latin, focusing on the soul's nature and relationship to God.

A psychologist studies and applies knowledge.

They help people understand, explain, and change their behavior based on scientific study.

Raw data is the foundation of psychological research.

This refers to the original, unprocessed information collected during research before it's analyzed (using statistics or coding methods).

Early thinkers like Plato and Aristotle explored the mind, emotion, perception, and the relationship between mind and body.

The birth of experimental psychology was in 1879.

Wilhelm Wundt established the first dedicated laboratory in Leipzig, Germany, marking its start as an independent scientific discipline.

Wundt's work led to Structuralism.

This school of thought, continued by his student Edward B. Titchener, tried to break down mental processes into their basic elements.

Functionalism focused on adaptation.

Associated with William James, this school focused on how mental processes help organisms adapt to their environment.

The shift was set by empiricism and physiology.

Advances in science and philosophy (like Descartes' mind-body dualism) set the stage for psychology to become more empirical (based on experience/observation).

Key figure Sigmund Freud emphasized unconscious motives, childhood experiences, and internal conflicts as influences on behavior.

Behaviorism focuses only on observable actions.

Key figures John B. Watson and B.F. Skinner insisted psychology should study measurable behavior, viewing learning as conditioning.

The Cognitive Revolution shifted the focus back inside.

Starting mid-20th century, it emphasized scientifically studying internal mental processes (thinking, memory, decision-making), often comparing the mind to a computer.

Humanistic psychology focuses on potential and growth.

Key figures Carl Rogers and Abraham Maslow focused on self-actualization and free will, believing people are inherently good and capable of reaching their potential.

Modern psychology is interdisciplinary and empirical.

It integrates behavior, mind, brain, and experience, drawing on fields like neuroscience, biology, and computational modeling.

They work as researchers and faculty at universities, as practitioners in hospitals, schools, and clinics, and as consultants to corporations.

Their work involves research, practice, and teaching.

They engage across a wide range of topics related to how people think, feel, and behave.

Psychologists work with various populations.

Their work can involve individuals, groups, families, and even larger organizations in government and industry.

Some psychologists research animals.

Some focus their research on animals rather than people to study certain aspects of behavior.

They apply knowledge to help people.

Their core function is to use their scientific knowledge to help people understand, explain, and change behavior.

This involves 6 to 10 years of university study on how people think, feel, and behave.

Psychiatrists are medical doctors (MDs).

They have gone to medical school and then specialized in mental health and mental disorders.

Psychologists practice in clinical, counseling, or educational fields.

Those with doctoral degrees in these fields can typically use the title 'Dr.' and are licensed to practice.

Psychiatrists can prescribe medication.

They often use medication to help their clients manage mental disorders (like schizophrenia or severe depression).

Both professionals often use psychotherapy.

While psychiatrists focus on medical management, they, like psychologists, also employ psychotherapy (talk therapy) to treat patients.