8/11/2019 Definitions of Psychology

1/3

1) Definitions of Psychology

is an academic andapplied discipline that involves thescientific study ofmental

functions andbehaviors.Psychology has the immediate goal of understanding

individuals and groups by both establishing general principles and researching

specific cases,and by many accounts it ultimately aims to benefit society

The science that deals with mental processes and behavior.

The emotional and behavioral characteristics of an individual, group, or activity.

PhilosophyThe branch of metaphysics that studies the soul, the mind, and therelationship of life and mind to the functions of the body.

is the study of the mind and behavior. The discipline embraces all aspects of the

human experiencefrom the functions of the brain to the actions of nations,

from child development to care for the aged.

2)

Objectives of Psychology define and critique the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, empirical

findings, and historical trends in psychology, as well as discuss how these are

applied to solve individual and societal problems.

describe and explain the major psychological methods of inquiry and statistical

analysis that allow for the accumulation of knowledge in the discipline.

recognize and describe the ways in which diversity influences psychological

processes.

3)

Values and Application of psychology Personal Values provide an internal reference for what is good, beneficial, important,

useful, beautiful, desirable, constructive, etc. Values generate behavior and help solve

common human problems for survival by comparative rankings of value; the results

of which provide answers to questions of why people do what they do and in what

order they choose to do them.

Cultures have values that are largely shared by their members. The values of a society

can often be identified by noting which people receive honor or respect.

4)

Areas of specialization

Psychologists specialize in a wide variety of different areas within the field and are

found in a host of careers. The areas of specialization include:

Behavioral and Cellular Neuroscience

Clinical Psychology

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Applied_sciencehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scientific_studyhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mental_functionshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mental_functionshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Behaviorhttp://psychology.tamu.edu/html/behavioral-and-cellular-neuroscience.htmlhttp://psychology.tamu.edu/html/clinical-psychology.htmlhttp://psychology.tamu.edu/html/clinical-psychology.htmlhttp://psychology.tamu.edu/html/behavioral-and-cellular-neuroscience.htmlhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Behaviorhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mental_functionshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mental_functionshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scientific_studyhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Applied_science

8/11/2019 Definitions of Psychology

2/3

Cognitive Psychology

Developmental Psychology

Industrial/Organizational Psychology

Social Psychology

5) Modern approaches of psychology

Biological approach- Examines how our genes, hormones, & nervous system interact with our

environment.

Cognitive approach- Focuses on how we process, store,& use information

Behavioral approach- Analysis of how learning occurs based upon reward & punishment

Psychoanalytic approach- Based on the belief that childhood experiences greatly influence the

development of later personality traits & psychological problems. From Sigmund Freud's work.

Humanistic approach- emphasizes individual freedom in directing a one's future. Developed in

part as a result of Abraham Maslow's dissatisfaction with psychoanalysis & behaviorism

Cross-cultural approach- Studies the influence of cultural & ethnic similarities & differences.

Evolutionary approach- Studies how evolutionary ideas, such as adaptation & natural selection,

explain behaviors & mental processes.

http://psychology.tamu.edu/html/cognitive-psychology.htmlhttp://psychology.tamu.edu/html/developmental-psychology.htmlhttp://psychology.tamu.edu/html/industrial-and-organizational-psychology.htmlhttp://psychology.tamu.edu/html/social-psychology.htmlhttp://psychology.tamu.edu/html/social-psychology.htmlhttp://psychology.tamu.edu/html/industrial-and-organizational-psychology.htmlhttp://psychology.tamu.edu/html/developmental-psychology.htmlhttp://psychology.tamu.edu/html/cognitive-psychology.html

8/11/2019 Definitions of Psychology

3/3

CENTRAL COLLEGES OF THE PHILIPPINES

# 52 Aurora Blvd. Quezon City

Assignment #1

in

Psychology

Submitted by:

Kim Brian T. Carbo

Mr. Ferdinand O. Parentela

Instructor