Overview of Psychology

Psychology is the scientific study of mind and behavior.
It encompasses various subfields including cognitive, developmental, social, clinical, and biological psychology.

Behavior: Observable actions of individuals.
Mental Processes: Internal, subjective experiences such as thoughts, feelings, and perceptions.
Mind-Body Connection: Examines how psychological factors affect physical health and vice versa.

Biological Psychology: Focuses on the physiological basis of behavior and mental processes.
Cognitive Psychology: Studies mental processes such as perception, memory, and problem-solving.
Behavioral Psychology: Emphasizes the role of environmental influences on behavior.
Humanistic Psychology: Highlights personal growth and self-actualization.
Psychoanalytic Theory: Founded by Freud, emphasizes unconscious processes and childhood experiences.

Sigmund Freud: Developed psychoanalysis, focusing on unconscious mind.
B.F. Skinner: Known for work in behaviorism and operant conditioning.
Carl Rogers: Pioneer of humanistic psychology; emphasized therapy and unconditional positive regard.
Jean Piaget: Renowned for theories on cognitive development in children.

Clinical Psychology: Assessment and treatment of mental disorders.
Educational Psychology: Focus on learning processes and educational interventions.
Industrial-Organizational Psychology: Study of behavior in workplace settings.
Forensic Psychology: Application of psychology in legal contexts.

Nature vs. Nurture: Ongoing debate regarding the influence of genetics (nature) and environment (nurture) on behavior.
Cognitive Dissonance: Psychological discomfort arising from conflicting beliefs or behaviors.
Attachment Theory: Explores the bonds formed in early childhood and their impact on relationships.

Positive Psychology: Focuses on strengths and well-being rather than pathology.
Neuroscience: Study of the brain's impact on behavior and mental processes.
Cultural Psychology: Examines how culture influences psychological processes.

Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs: Motivational theory proposing that humans have a series of needs ranging from basic (physiological) to advanced (self-actualization).
Erikson’s Stages of Psychosocial Development: Outlines eight stages through which a healthily developing human should pass from infancy to late adulthood.

DSM-5: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, used for classifying mental health conditions.
Psychometric Tests: Assessments that measure psychological constructs such as intelligence and personality.

Psychology is a diverse field with applications across various domains of life.
It combines scientific research, theory, and practice to understand and improve human behavior and mental processes.

Scientific study of the mind and behavior.
Encompasses cognitive, developmental, social, clinical, and biological subfields.

Behavior: Observable actions of individuals.
Mental Processes: Internal experiences including thoughts, feelings, and perceptions.
Mind-Body Connection: Investigates the impact of psychological factors on physical health and vice versa.

Biological Psychology: Examines the physiological underpinnings of behavior and mental processes.
Cognitive Psychology: Focuses on mental activities such as perception, memory, and decision-making.
Behavioral Psychology: Studies how environmental variables influence behavior.
Humanistic Psychology: Concentrates on personal growth and the journey towards self-actualization.
Psychoanalytic Theory: Founded by Freud, emphasizes unconscious motivations and early childhood experiences.

Sigmund Freud: Introduced psychoanalysis, emphasizing the unconscious mind.
B.F. Skinner: Conducted foundational work in behaviorism and operant conditioning.
Carl Rogers: A leading figure in humanistic psychology, he emphasized unconditional positive regard in therapy.
Jean Piaget: Noted for his theories on cognitive development stages in children.

Experiments: Controlled studies to establish cause-and-effect relations.
Surveys: Instrument for collecting data from large demographic groups.
Observational Studies: Detailed examination of behavior in natural contexts.
Case Studies: Intensive exploration of a single individual or group.

Clinical Psychology: Involves assessing and treating mental health disorders.
Educational Psychology: Studies learning processes and educational strategies.
Industrial-Organizational Psychology: Analyzes workplace behavior and environment.
Forensic Psychology: Merges psychological principles with legal issues.

Nature vs. Nurture: Explores the role of genetics and environment in shaping behavior.
Cognitive Dissonance: A state of mental discomfort from conflicting beliefs or behaviors.
Attachment Theory: Investigates the significance of early childhood bonds on future relationships.

Positive Psychology: Centers on human strengths and overall well-being rather than illness.
Neuroscience: Studies the brain's connection to behavior and mental activities.
Cultural Psychology: Investigates how culture shapes psychological processes.

Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs: Illustrates a progression of human needs from basic to self-actualization.
Erikson’s Stages of Psychosocial Development: Describes eight developmental stages from infancy to late adulthood.

DSM-5: A standardized manual for diagnosing mental disorders.
Psychometric Tests: Evaluations that measure psychological dimensions such as intelligence and personality traits.

Psychology is a multifaceted field with extensive real-life applications.
Integrates research, theory, and practical approaches to enhance understanding of human behavior and mental processes.