BSPSY 1 INTRODUCTION TO

PSYCHOLOGY
BRANCHES OF PSYCHOLOGY
GENERAL PSYCHOLOGY-is the foundation of studying science of psychology that deals with
basic principles, problems and methods of human development, emotions, motivation,
learning, memory, senses, thinking, perception, processing, and intelligence.

COMPARATIVE PSYCHOLOGY- the study of similarities and differences in behavioral

organization among living beings, from bacteria to plants to humans.

GENETIC PSYCHOLOGY- also known as behavioral biology, is a field of study exploring how
genes influence personality. Genetic psychologists typically conduct research on how specific
genes influence human behavior and personality.

CHILD PSYCHOLOGY-is one of the many branches of psychology. This particular branch focuses
on the mind and behavior of children from prenatal development through adolescence. 1 Child
psychology deals not only with how children grow physically, but with their mental, emotional,
and social development as well.

ADOLESCENT PSYCHOLOGY-is the field of psychology that focuses on the issues that are unique
to adolescents. Research areas of interest in this field include adolescent development (both
physical and cognitive changes), puberty, gender and sexual development, and the emotions of
adolescents.

CONSUMER PSYCHOLOGY -refers to the processes used by clients and customers to select,
purchase, use and discard products and services. In the business world, consumer psychology
research helps firms improve their products, services and marketing strategies in order to
bolster sales.

ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY- is the branch of psychology that studies unusual patterns of

behavior, emotion and thought, which could possibly be understood as a mental disorder.

DYNAMIC PSYCHOLOGY-a psychological approach or system affirming that human acts are
understandable and predictable only through an analysis of the previous experiences and
motivational states of the organism rather than through a simple description of the objective
stimuli temporally preceding human acts — compare psychoanalysis.
BUSINESS PSYCHOLOGY -is the study and practice of improving working life. It combines an
understanding of the science of human behaviour with experience of the world of work to
attain effective and sustainable performance for both individuals and organisations.

SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY -is the study of how individual or group behavior is influenced by the
presence and behavior of others.

COGNITIVE PSYCHOLOGY -involves the study of internal mental processes—all of the things
that go on inside your brain, including perception, thinking, memory, attention, language,
problem-solving, and learning.

CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY -is the psychological specialty that provides continuing and
comprehensive mental and behavioral health care for individuals and families; consultation to
agencies and communities; training, education and supervision; and research-based practice.

COUNSELING PSYCHOLOGY- is a psychological specialty that encompasses research and applied

work in several broad domains: counseling process and outcome; supervision and training;
career development and counseling; and prevention and health.

EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY- involves the study of how people learn, including teaching
methods, instructional processes, and individual differences in learning. ... The field of
educational psychology incorporates a number of other disciplines, including developmental
psychology, behavioral psychology, and cognitive psychology.

EXPERIMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY- is concerned with testing theories of human thoughts, feelings,

actions, and beyond – any aspect of being human that involves the mind. This is a broad
category that features many branches within it (e.g. behavioral psychology, cognitive
psychology).

INDUSTRIAL-ORGANIZATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY- is the branch of psychology that applies

psychological theories and principles to organizations. Often referred to as I-O psychology, this
field focuses on increasing workplace productivity and related issues such as the physical and
mental well-being of employees.

COMMUNITY PSYCHOLOGY- studies the individuals' contexts within communities and the
wider society, and the relationships of the individual to communities and society.

FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGY -is a field that combines the practice of psychology and the law. Those
who work in this field utilize psychological expertise as it applies to the justice system.