What is Psychology?
psychology is the scientific study of mind and behavior
why is psychology scientific?
because it is based on empiricism
the notion that all knowledge can be acquired through observation, not on reasoning, tradition or common sense
psychology is the scientific study of mind and behavior
mind
the contents of subjective experience
sensations, thoughts, emotions
behavior
observable actions
though and feelings
activities of cells
Roots of Modern Psychology
in the late 1800s, both physiologists and philosophers were investigating the mind
philosophy - "why"
physiology - "how"
philosophy - ideas about the acquisition of knowledge
physiology - progress in understanding the nervous system, senses, etc.
both came together to create the idea of applying the methods of science to the study of humans