What Is Psychology?

Summary: 

• What is psychology?
• Explore the study of psychology
• A brief history of psychology
• Major in psychology
• Find a career in psychology
• Discover emerging trends in psychology

The Study of Psychology

The word psyche derives from the Ancient Greek word for "soul" or "life breath." But what is psychology? The study of psychology is a scientific discipline dedicated to understanding the mind, mental processes, and behavior. It spans a wide range of topics, including understanding thoughts, feelings, and social interactions.

Let's explore the study of psychology, unpack its history, and consider what a career in psychology might look like.

So, what is the study of psychology? It is the scientific study of human thoughts and behaviors. A psychologist aims to describe, predict, and even change behavior and mental processes using scientific research methods and empirical evidence. They could study a range of topics, including attention and memory, motivation, personality, social behavior, and mental health disorders.

Some core areas within psychology include:

• Clinical psychology: assessing and treating behavioral problems in hospitals and clinics
• Cognitive psychology: understanding mental processes like attention and memory
• Developmental psychology: examining how people change throughout their lifespan
• Social psychology: studying how people think about and relate to one another
• Neuroscience: investigating how the structure of the brain influences thoughts and emotions

Ultimately, psychology is a tool to better understand human behavior. Psychologists peel back the curtain by understanding motivations for actions. In turn, this helps plan interventions, improve relationships and communication, and guide personal growth. One commonly imagines psychology in healthcare or perhaps educational settings. But it's also foundational in business, criminal justice, and even sports.

A Brief History of Psychology

To truly answer the question, what is psychology, we must look to its origins. The Ancient Greek philosophers like Plato and Aristotle were among the first to unpack questions about memory and motivation. Centuries later, in the 1600s-1700s, during the Enlightenment, John Locke and René Descartes asked questions about the relationship between the mind and the body, further laying the foundation for the mind science.

In 1879, Wilhelm Wundt founded the first lab for experimental psychology, transitioning the field from a philosophical approach to a legitimate science. He and his students used introspection to investigate processes like sensation and perception. Then, Sigmund Freud introduced psychoanalysis, exploring the unconscious mind and the use of talk therapy. Meanwhile, John B. Watson and B.F. Skinner introduced behaviorism, the idea that psychology should focus on observable behavior and learning rather than inner mental states.

In response to behaviorism, the 1950s brought about the "cognitive revolution," which focused on mental processes and problem-solving. In 1967, Ulric Neisser introduced the term cognitive psychology. Humanistic psychologists like Carl Rogers and Abraham Maslow emphasized ideas of personal growth and subjective experience. They dramatically influenced ideas about therapy and well-being.

Today, psychology spans biological, cognitive, social, and cultural perspectives on mental processes. Scientific advancements have accelerated growth in neuroscience, brain imaging, and cognitive-behavioral therapy.

Majoring in Psychology

So what might one learn from majoring in psychology?

A bachelor's in psychology curriculum includes a general survey of all the different branches of psychology. Depending on the degree, a student might specialize in a subfield like social, developmental, or clinical psychology. 

They'll also explore various research methods in psychology, learning how to gather findings from both quantitative and qualitative research.

Students consider ethics in psychological research and the importance of empirical evidence in the field. Ultimately, an undergraduate degree in psychology will teach students how to use critical thinking, research, data analysis, and basic experimental reasoning in the field. Lastly, they'll learn to apply psychological principles to practical problems.

The structure of psychology coursework combines lectures, seminars, labs, and sometimes hands-on internships or capstones.

Special courses in psychology might focus on applying psychological principles in education, organizational behavior in the workplace, and the impact of psychology on mental health and therapy.

To work as a practicing psychologist, a student will typically need a Ph.D., Psy.D., or a specialist degree. Some careers require students to pass licensure exams and meet supervised experience requirements.

Find a Career in Psychology

The study of psychology seeks to answer ambitious questions. But you're likely wondering: What can you do with a psychology degree?

The opportunities span a variety of roles and industries. With a background in psychology, someone can work in clinical, school, academic, or research settings.

With a bachelor's degree or master's degree in psychology, here are just some career opportunities that lie ahead:

• Social services: case manager, rehabilitation specialist, crisis worker
• Education: guidance counselor, academic advisor
• Business: human resources specialist, market research analyst
• Community and nonprofits: outreach worker, program coordinator, advocacy or support roles

With a doctorate degree in psychology, one could pursue the following roles:

• Clinical psychologist: diagnoses and treats disorders in hospitals, clinics, or private settings
• Counseling psychologist: uses talk therapy to help people with mild to moderate mental health concerns
• Neuropsychologist: treats people with neurological conditions that affect cognition and behavior, like dementia or brain injuries
• Research and academic psychologist: teaches and conducts research at a college or university

These are just some of the routes someone could take with a psychology education. An aspiring psychology student could stop at a bachelor's degree to immediately enter the workforce, or they could go all the way to a doctorate and practice psychology more formally.

Emerging Trends in Psychology

The field of psychology is accelerating as emerging trends are shaping applications. Trauma-informed care and the integration of neuroscience have advanced our understanding of the brain. Another trend is appreciating the impact of mental health disparities and global mental health. This includes understanding how cultural or social inequities influence mental health.

Tech advancements are making psychology more accessible. The rise of telehealth means that more patients are accessing mental health therapy from their own homes. Psychologists are also taking on emerging roles in UX and product design, workplace well-being, and the application of behavioral psychology in non-traditional settings.

These innovations allow practitioners to support patients in exciting new ways, improving cultural awareness, accessibility, and holistic wellness across more areas.