Chapter 1 The word Psychology comes from the root words psyche and ology. The prefix “psyche” derives from mythology of Psyche, consequently translating to “soul” in Greek. The –ology meaning the scientific study of, together creating the meaning “to study the soul”. Specifically, Psychology is the scientific study of how people think, believe, and feel. Psychologists study everything about the human experience from the basic workings of the human brain to consciousness, memory, language, reasoning, to personality and mental health. Dating back to the 19th century, the development of Psychology derives from pioneer psychologists Wilhelm Wundt and William James. - Wundt, a scientist emphasized structuralism, which focused on understanding the structure, and characteristics of the mind. - James drew from the functionality of cognitive processes, establishing functionalism, which emphasized how mental activities contributed to basic environmental survival. Consequently, new psychologists emerged from these initial findings to establish a foundation of the study of psychology. This included Sigmund Freud's psychoanalytic theory, the sensory perception in Gestalt's theory, studies of behaviorism from the works of Pavlov, Watson, and Skinner, and the humanistic branch of psychology from the works of Maslow and Rogers. As a result of previous studies, the APA (American Psychological Association) was formed encompassing the furthering study and beneficial advancement of psychological research. From this, various sections of Psychology are branched out forming different studies as well as organizations or schools of Psychological studies. - Biopsychology and Evolutionary Psychology – Biopsychology primarily focuses on the bodily functions regarding the nervous, sensory, and motor systems and any possible psychological disorders that may relate to them. - Cognitive Psychology – Branch of psychology that focuses on cognition and thoughts. - Developmental Psychology – Developmental psychology studies the physical and mental attributes of aging and maturation. This can include how cognitive, social and psychological skills are acquired throughout growth. - Personality Psychology – Focuses on behaviors and thought patterns that are unique to each individual. Studies in this field include conscious and unconscious thinking and personality traits. - Social Psychology – How individuals interact and relate with others and how such interactions can affect behavior. - Social Psychology – How individuals interact and relate with others and how such interactions can affect behavior. - Health Psychology – Branch that focuses on how individual health is directly related or affected by biological, psychological, and sociocultural influences. - Sports and Exercise Psychology – Focus on psychological aspects regarding sports and physical performance. Study includes motivation, performance related anxiety, and general mental well being. - Clinical Psychology – Focuses on diagnosis and treatment of psychological disorders and problematic patterns of behavior. Study involves clinical therapy and counseling. - Forensic Psychology – Branch of psychology dealing with justice system. Tasks of Forensic Psychologists include assessment of individuals' mental competency to stand in trial, sentencing and treatment suggestions, and advisement regarding eyewitness testimonies. This field of psychology requires a strong understanding of the legal system. Occupations in Psychology can range from research and clinical therapy to corporate and marketing. Jobs regarding medical or academic branches of psychology generally require higher forms of education within the field.
