WHAT IS PSYCHOLOGY?
DEFINITIONS
Psychology: the scientific study of
behavior and cognitive activities
Behavior: any action that other people
can observe or measure

Walking, Eating, Sleeping, Blood Pressure
Cognitive Activities: private,
unobservable mental processes

Dreams, Perceptions, Memories, Thoughts
5 Goals of Psychology
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Observe
Describe
Explain
Predict
Control
Armchair Psychology
Someone who does not have a degree
in psychology, yet they offer advice to
others