Psychology

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Psychology (Greek: Ψυχολογία, lit. "study of the mind", from ψυχή psukhē "breath, spirit, soul"; and -λογία, -logia "study of") is an academic and applied discipline involving the systematic, and often scientific, study of human/animal mental functions and behavior. Occasionally, in addition or opposition to employing the scientific method, it also relies on symbolic interpretation and critical analysis, although it often does so less prominently than other social sciences such as sociology. Psychologists study such phenomena as perception, cognition, attention, emotion, motivation, personality, behavior and interpersonal relationships. Some, especially depth psychologists, also study the unconscious mind.

Psychological knowledge is applied to various spheres of human activity, including issues related to everyday life—such as family, education and employment—and to the treatment of mental health problems. Psychologists attempt to understand the role of mental functions in individual and social behavior, while also exploring the underlying physiological and neurological processes. Psychology includes many sub-fields of study and applications concerned with such areas as human development, sports, health, industry, media and law. Psychology incorporates research from the natural sciences, social sciences and humanities. A professional theorist or practitioner of psychology is called a psychologist.

For more information about Psychology, read the full article at Wikipedia.
This text uses material from Wikipedia and is available under the GNU Free Documentation License.

News tagged with psychological science

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Could acetaminophen ease psychological pain?

Medicine & Health / Psychology & Psychiatry

Dec 22, 2009 | 3.8 / 5 (5) | 1

Headaches and heartaches. Broken bones and broken spirits. Hurting bodies and hurt feelings. We often use the same words to describe physical and mental pain. Over-the-counter pain relieving drugs have long been used to alleviate ...

Dyslexia defined: New study 'uncouples' reading and IQ over time

Medicine & Health / Psychology & Psychiatry

Dec 17, 2009 | 4.4 / 5 (5) | 1

Contrary to popular belief, some very smart, accomplished people cannot read well. This unexpected difficulty in reading in relation to intelligence, education and professional status is called dyslexia, and ...

Learning styles debunked

Medicine & Health / Psychology & Psychiatry

Dec 16, 2009 | 4.3 / 5 (15) | 4

Are you a verbal learner or a visual learner? Chances are, you've pegged yourself or your children as either one or the other and rely on study techniques that suit your individual learning needs. And you're not alone— for ...

Michelangelos make smart lovers: New study shows that partners sculpt each other to achieve their ideal selves

Medicine & Health / Psychology & Psychiatry

Dec 16, 2009 | 4 / 5 (10) | 0

Is that really Bob? You've seen him hundreds of mornings for the last 10 years at local coffee shops. Since he started dating Sara, he looks you in the eye -- and smiles. Sara takes every opportunity to let coffee shop cronies ...

eBay Mind Games

Medicine & Health / Psychology & Psychiatry

Dec 11, 2009 | 3.3 / 5 (4) | 3

Psychologists have long known that when two people haggle over a price, it pays for the seller to start high.

Money changes what we think is fair, research finds

Medicine & Health / Psychology & Psychiatry

Dec 09, 2009 | 4 / 5 (1) | 1

Thinking of rewarding your sales department for a job well done? You might not want to make cash part of the pay-off.

Craving a Cigarette? Pitt Study Suggests Craving Hinders Comprehension Without Your Realizing It

Medicine & Health / Psychology & Psychiatry

Dec 07, 2009 | 5 / 5 (1) | 0

(PhysOrg.com) -- A new University of Pittsburgh study reveals that craving a cigarette while performing a cognitive task not only increases the chances of a person's mind wandering, but also makes that person less likely ...

Psychologists suggest parents should wait to teach toddlers self-control

Medicine & Health / Psychology & Psychiatry

Dec 01, 2009 | 5 / 5 (3) | 4

Toddlers are distractible. Their minds flit constantly here and there, and they have a terrible time concentrating on even the most stimulating project. They might be fascinated by a colorful new toy, but only until the next ...

Racing, shooting and zapping your way to better visual skills

Medicine & Health / Psychology & Psychiatry

Dec 17, 2009 | 4.7 / 5 (3) | 0

Do your kids want a Wii, a PlayStation or an Xbox 360 this year? This holiday gift season is packed with popular gaming systems and adrenaline-pumping, sharpshooting games. What's a parent to do? Is there any redeeming value ...

Parents gone wild? Study suggests link between working memory and reactive parenting

Medicine & Health / Psychology & Psychiatry

Dec 03, 2009 | 4 / 5 (2) | 1

We've all been in situations before where we get so frustrated or angry about something, we will lash out at someone without thinking. This lashing out — reactive negativity — happens when we can't control our emotions. Luckily, ...