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Definition: General psychology is the scientific study of behaviour and mental processes, focusing on understanding, explaining, predicting, and controlling human behaviour.
Origins: Formal psychology emerged in 1879 in Germany with Wilhelm Wundt, who established the first organized psychology laboratory.
Scope: It covers a broad range of topics, including human behaviour, mental processes, and individual differences. Also explores the various theories, principles, and models that attempt to explain the functioning of the human mind.
Methodology: It employs the scientific method, relying on observation, experimentation, and systematic data analysis, and the use of empirical evidence, to study human behaviour.

Definition Continued: Psychology is the scientific study of behaviour, thought, and experience. The term “psyche” comes from Greek words meaning mind or soul.
Behaviour: Any action performed by a living organism in response to environmental stimuli, encompassing cognitive, emotional, and physical aspects.
Importance of Psychology: Provides insights into human nature, aids in problem-solving, and improves personal and societal well-being.
Historical Context: Psychology evolved from philosophy; with early approaches influenced by introspection and observation, and later through more scientific research methods.
Wilhelm Wundt's Significance: Wundt is considered the father of experimental psychology, due to his establishment of the first psychology laboratory in 1879.
Core Principles of Psychology: Understand human behaviour through observation, testing and gathering data, as well as experimentation

Structuralism: Focused on analyzing the basic elements of conscious experience using introspection. Key figure: Wilhelm Wundt.
Functionalism: Emphasized the purpose and function of mental processes in adapting to the environment. Key figure: William James.
Behaviourism: Concentrated on observable behaviour, rejecting speculation about mental processes. Key figures: Pavlov, Watson, Skinner.
Gestalt Psychology: Emphasized the importance of whole patterns and wholes rather than isolated parts in studying consciousness. Key figures: Wertheimer, Köhler, Koffka.
Psychoanalysis: Traced behaviours to unconscious drives and early childhood experiences. Key figure: Sigmund Freud.
Humanistic Psychology: Emphasized free will, self-actualization, and personal growth. Key figures: Maslow, Rogers.
Cognitive Psychology: Focused on mental processes like memory, language, and problem-solving. Key figures: Piaget, Chomsky.
Biological Psychology: Examines the biological bases of behaviour and mental processes, emphasizing the role of genetics, the brain, and the nervous system.
Sociocultural Psychology: Explores the influence of social and cultural factors on behaviour and mental processes.

General Psychology: Aims to uncover the fundamental understandings and principles that can describe and explain behaviors of the public.
Differential Psychology: Investigates individual or group differences in aspects like, intelligence, personality, and abilities to address the diversity of human behaviors.
Developmental Psychology: Studies the changes in behaviour and mental processes from infancy through old age.
Social Psychology: Investigates how individuals and groups influence each other and interact.
Abnormal Psychology: Studies mental disorders, or unusual behaviors, and seeks to understand their causes, symptoms, and treatments.
Clinical Psychology: Aims to diagnose and treat mental health conditions.
Educational Psychology: Focuses on learning and teaching in educational settings.
Industrial/Organizational Psychology: Applies psychological principles to the workplace, with emphasis on increasing productivity and improving employee well-being.
Environmental Psychology: Explores how the physical environment affects behavior and mental processes.
Comparative Psychology: Compares animal behaviour to human behaviour.
Forensic Psychology: Applies psychology to legal issues and criminal behaviours.
Health Psychology: Focuses on the relationship between psychological factors and physical health.

Definition: The internal processes that initiate, sustain, and direct behaviour towards a goal.
Motivation Processes: Driven by internal needs and desires, external incentives, and a combination of both (intrinsic/extrinsic rewards)
Motivational Theories: Various theories explaining motivation factors, such as Maslow's hierarchy of needs, incentive theory, and self-determination theory.
Motivational Concepts: Including drive, needs, incentives, and goals.

Definition: Emotions are complex psychological states involving thoughts, feelings, behaviours, and physiological reactions to stimuli and events.
Expression and Recognition: Emotions are revealed through facial expressions, body language, and verbal communication.
Specific Emotions: Studying various emotions like fear, anxiety, and depression.

Sensation: The initial detection and encoding of sensory information from the environment.
Perception: The organization and interpretation of sensory information.

Definition: The enduring patterns of thought, feeling, and behaviour that characterize individuals.
Influential Theories: Exploring different perspectives on personality, such as trait theories of personality.
Assessment: Various approaches used to measure and assess personality.

Memory: The process of encoding, storing, and retrieving information.
Forgetting: The process of losing stored information.
Types of Memory: Exploring different types of memory storage.
Factors Affecting Memory: Discuss the variables that impact the memory-retention process.

Research Methods: Explores different approaches used to conduct research in the field of psychology
Ethical considerations: Emphasizes the need for ethical conduct in psychological research and practice.