Understanding Human Behavior

Fil:150:R6962u Page 1-2

Date Published: 2009

Psychology

The word psychology is the combination of two terms- study (ology)

and soul (psyche), or mind. The derivation of the word from Latin gives it
this clear and obvious meaning: the study of the soul or mind. Scientifically,
psychology is defined as the systematic study of behavior and mental
processes. While the study of humans is the primary focus of much of the
field of psychology, this definition does not limit psychology to the study of
humans.

Psychologys systematic approach means that psychological study

typically proceeds according to the rules of science. Science also requires
maintaining rigor in the precision of measurements and in taking effective
control of variables. Psychologists make substantial use of the scientific
method, but valuable information can come from other methods of
evaluation such as the case study method, which is an intensive study of
individuals.

Behavior

Behavior is directly observable and includes things such as talking,

laughing, and eating. But some things of interest to psychologists cannot be
directly observed: thinking, dreaming, and physiological events such as
heart rate. Physiological events can be studied using medical instruments,
while thinking and dreaming can be studied through self-reports. In
psychology, behaviors and mental processes are fundamentally interwoven.
In order to understand behavior, we must know something about additional
mental processes-the emotion or emotions that underlie the behavior.

Prepared by:

Abao, Marcial M.

BSCE-II
 Understanding Human Behavior

Fil:150:R6962u Page 1-2

Date Published: 2009

Psychology

The word psychology is the combination of two terms- study (ology)

and soul (psyche), or mind. The derivation of the word from Latin gives it
this clear and obvious meaning: the study of the soul or mind. Scientifically,
psychology is defined as the systematic study of behavior and mental
processes. While the study of humans is the primary focus of much of the
field of psychology, this definition does not limit psychology to the study of
humans.

Psychologys systematic approach means that psychological study

typically proceeds according to the rules of science. Science also requires
maintaining rigor in the precision of measurements and in taking effective
control of variables. Psychologists make substantial use of the scientific
method, but valuable information can come from other methods of
evaluation such as the case study method, which is an intensive study of
individuals.

Behavior

Behavior is directly observable and includes things such as talking,

laughing, and eating. But some things of interest to psychologists cannot be
directly observed: thinking, dreaming, and physiological events such as
heart rate. Physiological events can be studied using medical instruments,
while thinking and dreaming can be studied through self-reports. In
psychology, behaviors and mental processes are fundamentally interwoven.
In order to understand behavior, we must know something about additional
mental processes-the emotion or emotions that underlie the behavior.