Psychology is the study of human behavior and mental processes. It covers a wide range of topics, from child development to neuroscience. Psychology is a science, which means that it relies on empirical evidence (observations) to form its theories and conclusions.
Psychologists use the scientific method to study behavior and mental processes. This involves making observations, forming hypotheses, conducting experiments, and analyzing data. Theories in psychology are constantly evolving as new research is conducted.
Psychology can be divided into different branches, each with its own focus. Some of the major branches are clinical psychology, cognitive psychology, developmental psychology, forensic psychology, health psychology, industrial/organizational psychology, sport psychology and social psychology.
Clinical psychologists help people with psychological problems such as depression or anxiety disorders. They may work in hospitals or private practices. Cognitive psychologists study how people process information. They are interested in topics such as memory, decision-making and language acquisition. Developmental psychologists study how people change over the course of their lives – from infancy through adulthood. Forensic psychologists apply psychological principles to legal cases – for example, they may assess whether a defendant is competent to stand trial or assist in jury selection procedures. Health psychologists promote healthier lifestyles and help people manage chronic diseases such as heart disease or diabetes. Industrial/organizational psychologists use psychological principles to improve workplace productivity and satisfaction levels. Sport psychologists help athletes improve their performance by teaching them how to better deal with competitive pressure and nerves. Social psychologists study how people interact with others – for example, they may examine why some people conform while others do not..