General Psychology

DR.RITU SHARMA

DATE 5.1. 2010

Big Questions of Psychology

Who am I ?
Why do I behave the way I do ?
Who are these other people ?
Why do others behave the way they do?
 The Scope of Psychology

Psychology can be defined as the scientific study of

behavior and mental processes.

Includes the application of

the science to human problems
 Psychology is Empirical
Knowledge acquired through observation

Psychologists must be skeptical

and think critically
What is the evidence?
How was it collected?

Psych conclusions based on research

NOT tradition or common sense
 Psychology Today
5

We define psychology today as the scientific study of

behavior (what we do) and mental processes (inner
thoughts and feelings).
What do we hope to gain from studying
psychology?
Gain insight into the mind
Understanding of people
Understanding yourself
Where do your interests lie ?
Thank You