If you want to start studying this social science, it can be helpful to start with the basics.
Psychologists explore both typical and atypical behavior to understand the human experience fully.
At a Glance
Psychology plays an important role in helping people live better lives.
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By learning about thebasics of behavior and the human mind, people can better understand themselves and others.
Psychology has not always existed as it has today.
For instance, it’s become “common sense” that smoking cigarettes is dangerous.
However, people continue to smoke anyway.
Psychology relieson scientific methodsto investigate questions and arrive at conclusions.
Using empirical methods, researchers are able to discover relationships between different variables.
Each perspective helps contribute a new level of understanding to a topic.
One researcher might take a biological perspective and look at the role of genetics and the brain.
Another might take a behavioral perspective and look at how bullying behaviors are reinforced by the environment.
Another might take a social perspective and analyze the impact of group pressure.
No single perspective is the only way of looking at or thinking about a problem.
Psychology Has Subfields
In addition to many different perspectives, there are manybranches of psychology.
Psychologists often opt to specialize in a particular area.
While therapy is certainly a big part of psychology, it is not the only thing that psychologists do.
In fact, many psychologists don’t work in the field of mental health at all.
Psychology encompasses other areas including teaching, research, and consulting.
The principles of psychology can be seen all around you in everyday situations.
Psychology can also play a role in improving your health and well-being.
Suppose you are concerned about an elderly parent or grandparent.
If you are thinking about majoring in psychology, there are many career paths to choose from.
Some psychologists accomplish this by contributing to our basic understanding of how people think, feel, and behave.
Others work in applied options to solve real-world problems that have an impact on everyday life.
And finally, many psychologists devote their lives to helping people who are struggling with psychological issues.
Takeaways
Psychology is a rich and fascinating subject that has practical applications in many areas of life.
Psychology has a powerful impact on the world today.
Our daily lives are deeply impacted by the interaction of biology, relationships, and mental processes.
Psychologists are skilled at understanding the role these factors play in influencing health,happiness, and overall well-being.
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