To answer the question, What is Psychology? we first know that The word “psychology” is derived from two Greek words, psyche (soul) and logos (study). So psychology means a “study about the soul”. But although the literal meaning of the word “logos” is “talk” it is commonly used to mean “science”. Hence psychology means the science of the soul.
Psychology is the scientific study of the mind and behavior. It encompasses a wide range of topics including how the brain works, how we think and feel, how we develop and change over time, and how we interact with others. Psychologists use various research methods to understand and explain human behavior, emotions, and thoughts. Through their work, they aim to help individuals improve their mental health, relationships, and overall well-being.
But why do we prefer to call psychology a science and not a talk?
The reason is that a talk is usually messy, vague, and fragmentary. For example, your talk with a friend on a subject might have been quite clear and consistent, yet it could not possibly be as systematic and exhaustive as the science of that subject can be.
- Psychology is an academic and applied discipline that deals with the study of human behavior and mental processes.
- It explains the subconscious neurological basis of behavior.
- It is the study of the mind, thoughts, and actions of individuals.
- It does not necessarily refer to the brain or nervous system and can be purely framed in terms of phenomenological or information-processing theories of mind.
An understanding of brain function is being included in psychological theory and practices, particularly in artificial intelligence neuropsychological and cognitive neuroscience psychology attempts to explain consciousness behavior and social interaction.