Answer 3 Questions - Psychology
1)What is Psychology?
2)What are its goals?
3)How will the study of Psychology benefit you?
Q.1. In accordance with the argument of Ciccarelli and White, Psychology can be defined as the study of the mind and character and the relationship that exists between them. In addition, it tries to bring about a connection that exists between the mental, physiological and behavioral characteristics of humans. It also tries to explain about the unconscious mind and how it eventually influences the behavior of humans.
According to David , “psychology is the science of human and animal behavior and experience”. He perceives psychology as ‘a science’ because it depends on the scientific methods in developing various explanations and justifications to psychological facts. In addition, he argues that scientific methods act like a reference material for qualifying psychological findings. He also says that some people define psychology as an ‘art’ which is mainly the application part where by, psychologists use their skills and experience in solving mental or emotional problems.
Q.2.The main goal in studying psychology is to be able to investigate and understand the human nature. Some of the important aims of studying psychology in understanding the human nature include: Determining the fundamental principles of behavior, investigating the nature of the human memory, understanding the difference that that exists between perception of space and reality, and understanding causes and effects of sensation (James, 1-383).
In addition, other human factors which are also explored include: The ability to pay attention, learn, memorize, understand and being able to remember; physiological functioning of the brain; the mental connection between the mind and the brain, and factors that promote or hinder interpersonal relationships. In addition, psychology aims at being able to use scientific methods to investigate, analyze, interpret, draw conclusions and be able to find solutions to human problems especially mental illnesses like schizophrenia. This is achieved by psychologists who are trained to offer advice to the mentally ill.
Q.3.The study of psychology may help me in various ways. First, in understanding the human nature and behavior, I might be able to measure, conceptualize, understand and predict the future reactions of people I interact with and be able to control how they behave. Secondly, understanding psychology may equip me with cognitive skills of understanding and explaining various occurrences or issues in terms of personality, the social environment, the past experiences, the physiological setup, blood chemistry or biological malfunctions. In addition, these cognitive skills may help me in dealing with some mental diseases like schizophrenia (David, 28).
Bibliography
Ciccarelli, S.K., and White, J. N. Psychology. 2nd ed. New Jersey: Pearson Prentice Hall, 2009.
David, Myers. Psychology: Exploring Behavior. 7th ed. Michigan: Worth Publishers, 2008.
Retrieved from < http://dakota.fmpdata.net/PsychAI/PrintFiles/Chptr_01.pdf>
James, Williams. The Principles of Psychology. Vol. 2. New York. Cosimo, Inc., 2007. 2 Vols.
