DEFINTION OF PSYCHOLOGY

Psychology is defined as the scientific study of human behavior. It aims to understand

why people behave as they do. To understand a person means to examine his or her
physical basis of psychological phenomena, psychological experiences and functions,
as well as cultural influences.
BRANCHES OF PSYCHOLOGY
Psychology may be classified as a pure science or an applied science. Branches of
psychology that fall under pure science are those that deal mostly with principles and
theories of behavior, while using psychology principles in daily life or devoted to
practical ends belong to applied psychology.
General psychology explains the underlying principles of human behavior. This
includes the study of how and why people behave as they do, in relation to the
structural and functional mechanism of the human body.
Comparative psychology is the study of behavior and mental processes of the
different species. Activities of both human beings and animals are compared and
differentiated, particularly in relation to genetic and evolutionary theory. This is also
known as animal psychology.
Developmental or genetic psychology is the study of human behavior in all aspects
of growth development. The entire life of an individual (from prenatal, neonatal, infancy,
childhood, adolescence, to senescence) are scientifically presented, together with its
physical, mental, emotional, social and moral development during the period.
Child psychology is the study of human behavior from prenatal until early
adolescence stages. This science deals with growth and maturation, the effects of
environmental influences on individual patterns of development and the psychological
and social interactions between the child and the society wherein they are born and
reared.

Adolescence psychology is the study of behavior from puberty to later life. It

involves the physical and mental maturation of individuals, as well as their attainment of
emotional and social maturity.
Senescence psychology is the study of human behavior in old age.
Abnormal psychology is the study of the etiology or cause of personality defects or
behavior which deviates from the average reaction.
Experimental psychology deals with the investigation of different types of behavior
through observation and experiment in psychological laboratories. The aim of
experimental psychology is to understand the fundamental causes of behavior.
Differential psychology is the study of differences and similarities between
individuals, social groups and races.
Dynamic psychology is a scientific interpretation of mental phenomena emphasizing
internal drives and motives as the cause of behavior. In contemporary psychology, this
is also referred to as personality psychology, which is largely concerned with
understanding the non deviant individual case.
Physiological psychology is the study of the functions of different organs of the
body, especially the nervous system, and their bearing on behavior and mental
processes.
Educational psychology is concerned with the psychological aspects of teaching
and of formal learning processes in schools. Laws of learning which are useful in
making instruction effective are put to use.
Applied psychology is used in medicine, industry and in many other fields.
Psychology, as applied in medicine is called psychiatry. It is concerned with the
treatment of mental diseases.
Legal psychology is the application of the principles of human behavior in law or any
legal proceedings. Psychology principles are used by lawyers in their professional

practice, as when they analyze testimony and evidence, examine witnesses, and
assess delinquents and criminals.
Clinical psychology pertains to the diagnosis and evaluation of a person in relation
to events surrounding him or her. Three kinds of specialists practice clinical psychology:
psychiatrists, psychoanalysts, and clinical psychologists.
Business psychology deals with consumer behavior where psychological methods
are used to gain more clients and impress prospective buyers.
Industrial and engineering psychology is a branch of applied psychology which
investigates problems and situations in business firms and industries. It is concerned
with improving workers efficiency and the promotion of their welfare. It also deals with
equipment design and the tasks of individuals who operate them.
Vocational guidance it is used in the scientific selection of a suitable employment or
vocation. Particularly, it aims to help students choose their future occupations or
careers.
Mental hygiene is the science of preventing mental illness and preserving mental
health through the use of psychology, psychiatry and education. It also focuses on
promoting public awareness.
Social psychology is the study of peoples behavior in relation to their families,
groups and communities.