The Science of Psychology

Psychology is a science. Those wishing to study psychology should expect to not learn only about people but to learn of scientific concepts such as statistics and research methods.

Psychology is the scientific Study of behaviour and mental processes. The main topics of interest to psychologists are:

• ·         Nervous System
• ·         Sensation
• ·         Perception
• ·         Learning
• ·         Memory
• ·         Intelligence
• ·         Language
• ·         Thought
• ·         Growth
• ·         Development
• ·         Personality
• ·         Stress
• ·         Health
• ·         Psychological Disorders
• ·         How to treat Psychological disorders
• ·         Sexual Behaviour
• ·         Behaviour of people in Social settings.

The question that really needs to be asked is: “What is it that psychologists do exactly?”

To determine future career plans or to involve a psychologist in ones life, it is important to know what psychologists do and how they help.

Psychologists do a variety of the following:

• ·         Research
• ·         Practice
• ·         Teaching

Those who research engage in one of two types of research. Pure or applied.

Pure research is basic research which has no immediate application to personal or social problems that may exist, and is research for the sake of research.

Applied research is more specific research and it is research to find solutions to specific personal or social problems

Those psychologists who practice psychology do so by applying their knowledge of psychology to help individuals change their behaviour.

Psychologists who teach do just that. They may teach in colleges, universities or guest at seminars and conferences.

So there are many things that a psychologist can do. They don’t have to stick to one area; they could have their fingers in all areas.