Psychology: Psychology is the scientific study of mental processes and

behaviour.

Mental processes: Refers to an individuals thoughts and feelings that are personal and
cannot be directly observed, covert.

• Cognitive: Refers to the mental process such as perception, memory, problem-solving,

language use, thinking, and creativity.
• Conative: Refers to the mental process that has to do with what drives an individual to
act and strive.
• Affective: Refers to the mental process with regard to sentiment or feelings.
Behaviour: Refers to direct observable action made by a living person.

• Overt: Obviously manifested action, activities and behaviour.

• Covert: Hidden or those actions, activities and behaviour not visible to the naked
eye. Leads to overt actions.
• Rational: Exercised with sanity or reason.
• Irrational: Committed for no apparent reason or explanation.
• Voluntary: Done with full will and control.
• Involuntary: Processes within our body that go even while we asleep or awake
without our control.
 Different theoretical approaches
1. Evolutionary: How evolution has shaped the mind and behaviour. Human brain
comprises many functional mechanisms, called psychological adaptations or evolved
cognitive mechanisms designed by the process of natural selection.
2. Psychodynamic: Our behaviour and feelings as adults are rooted in our childhood
experiences. Our behaviour and feelings are powerfully affected by the meaning of
events to the unconscious mind.
3. Behavioural: Human behaviour is learned, thus all behaviour can be unlearned and new
behaviours learned in its place.
4. Cognitivism: The mind actively processes information from our senses (touch, taste
etc.). Humans can be seen as data processing systems.
5. Humanistic: Focus is on the growth potential of healthy individuals. It is believed that
people strive to become self-actualized.
6. Sociocultural: A major influence on people’s behaviour, thought processes and
emotions are other people and the society they have created.
7. Biological: Brain physiology can affect behaviour. Behaviour can be inherited (as it is
determined by genetic information)
 Applications of Psychology

1. Psychology and education: Academics, Developmental, Behavioural

problems, Career.
2. Psychology and law: Criminal psychology and Forensic psychology
3. Psychology and health: Clinical psychology and Counselling psychology
4. Psychology and work: Motivation, Power, Politics, Leadership, Job
Satisfaction, Commitment, Stress etc.
5. Psychology and sports: Competition, Team work, Stress, etc.
6. Psychology and media: Positive and Negative effects, Persuasion, etc.
7. Psychology and military: Stress, Depression, Anxiety, etc.
8. Psychology and society: Cooperation, Compliance, Prosocial behaviour,
Crowd behaviour, etc.