Introduction to Psychology

Definition and Scope of Psychology

• Psychology is the subject matter that deals with individual and social behavior.
• The academic scope of psychology is broad and extends to various areas.

Biological Psychologists

• Biological psychologists seek to understand the physiological and biological basis of behavior.

Professional Practitioners and Researchers

• Professional practitioners or researchers involved in psychology aim to understand and explain individual and social behavior.

Focus of Psychologists

• Some psychologists attempt to understand why people think, feel, and behave in certain ways in individual and social behavior.
• Psychologists extend their interests to various areas, including cognitive processes, emotions, and social interactions.

Etymology of Psychology

• The word 'psychology' derives from the Greek words 'psyche' meaning mind or soul, and 'logia' meaning study or science.
• The Latin form 'psychiologia' was first used by Rudolf Göckel in 1590.

Historical Perspectives

• William James defined psychology as "the science of mental life, both of its phenomena and their conditions" in 1890.
• John Watson contested William James's definition, asserting that psychology is a natural science focused on the prediction and control of behavior.

Folk Psychology

• Folk psychology refers to the everyday, common-sense understanding of people's mental states and behavior.

Historical References

• Steven Blankaart first referenced the word psychology in English in 1614.
• William James is commonly associated with functionalism, a school of thought in psychology.