T he definition of psychology has changed as the focus of psychology has changed. At various times in history, psychology has been defined as the study of the psyche or the mind, of the spirit, of consciousness, and more recently as the study of, or the science of, behavior. Perhaps, then, we can arrive at an acceptable definition of modern psychology by observing the activities of contemporary psychologists: ■ Some seek the biological correlates of mental events such as sensation, perception, or ideation. ■ Some concentrate on understanding the principles that govern learning and memory. ■ Some seek to understand humans by studying nonhuman animals. ■ Some study unconscious motivation. ■ Some seek to improve industrial-organizational productivity, educational practices, or child-rearing practices by utilizing psychological principles. ■ Some attempt to explain human behavior in terms of evolutionary theory. ■ Some attempt to account for individual differences among people in such area
Like this book? You can publish your book online for free in a few
minutes!