What Is Psychology All About?

Psychology is the scientific study of behavior and mental processes. This means psychologists are interested in understanding how people think, feel, and act—whether it’s why we get nervous before a test or how we form friendships.

Major Approaches

There are several key perspectives in psychology:

• Biological: Looks at how the brain and body influence behavior.
• Behavioral: Focuses on observable actions and how they're learned.
• Cognitive: Examines thought processes like memory and problem-solving.
• Humanistic: Emphasizes personal growth and self-fulfillment.
• Psychodynamic: Explores unconscious drives and childhood experiences.
• Sociocultural: Considers how society and culture shape our behavior.

Psychology as a Science

Psychologists use the scientific method to ask questions and find answers. This involves forming hypotheses, collecting data, and analyzing results.

Real-World Relevance

Understanding these foundations helps us make sense of everything from advertising to teamwork and can even help us develop better study habits!