What is Psychology? Psychology is the scientific study of human behavior and mental processes (& animals) 1.Based on scientific method; collect & analyze data; can be repeated 2.An activity that can be observed, recorded, &/or measured 3.Cognitive activities; thoughts, emotions, dreams, beliefs; can’t be measured accurately (ex. PSIs)

Goals – Describe – Explain – Predict – Use knowledge to promote human welfare Many misconceptions Not just common sense Psychologists work in many fields Psychiatrists have MD degree Basic Research vs. Applied Psychology

Fields Clinical (almost 50%) Counseling Educational School Developmental Experimental Community Health Psychologists as People

Applied Psychology applies the methods & knowledge of the discipline to investigate & solve practical, everyday human problems Industrial/Organizational – at work, personnel selection, work motivation, work stress, fitness & wellness programs, job sharing Human Factors – machines & appliances, preventing injuries, easier to use, ex. dashboard in a car Environmental – how natural & constructed environments affect people; noise, space, fences, density & crowding

Forensic – legal system, witnesses, jury research, profiles Sports – improving performance, relaxation, visualization, concentration, achieve peak performance Consumer – marketing, influencing consumer behavior, colors, patterns, testing, observing

Question Where do you see psychology???