1. 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)

2. 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

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

4. 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

5. 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

6. Question Where do you see psychology???