Module 1.1: What is Psychology?
Psychology is the scientific study of behavior, cognition, and emotion.
The word "psychology" is derived from the Greek words psyche (soul or mind) and logia (the study of).
Psyche + logia = psychology (the scientific study of the mind or soul)
The American Psychological Association defines psychology as "the study of the mind and behavior. The discipline embraces all aspects of the human experience — from the functions of the brain to the actions of nations, from child development to care for the aged. In every conceivable setting from scientific research centers to mental healthcare services, 'the understanding of behavior' is the enterprise of psychologists" (American Psychological Association, 2015).
Empirical methods include the processes of collecting and organizing data and drawing conclusions about those data. The empirical methods used by scientists have developed over many years and provide a basis for collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data within a common framework in which information can be shared. We can label the scientific method
Psychology in Everyday Life: How to Effectively Learn and Remember
One way that the findings of psychological research may be particularly helpful to you is in terms of improving your learning and study skills. Psychological research has provided a substantial amount of knowledge about the principles of learning and memory. This information can help you do better in this and other courses, and can also help you better learn new concepts and techniques in other areas of your life.
In summary, everyone can learn to learn better. Learning is an important skill, and following the previously mentioned guidelines will likely help you learn better.
Check Your Knowledge
This is a practice exercise to reinforce what you have learned in the lesson and to prepare you for your test.
Read the questions below and select the most appropriate response from those provided.
Dr. Martin studies a problem……and what type of research is being conducted?
The study on how to…..based on what type of research?
Psychologists who work with …….is conducting what type of research?