What is Psychology?

Definition: Behaviour refers to any response or activity of an organism, which can be measured and observed. It includes reactions to internal or external stimuli.

Types of Behaviour:

• Overt Behaviour: These are outward, visible actions that can be seen by others.
  Examples: Walking, laughing, blinking, fighting, talking.
• Covert Behaviour: These are internal, hidden mental processes that cannot be seen directly but can be inferred.
  Examples: Thinking, memorizing, feeling happy, solving a math problem in the head.

Scientific Psychology	Popular Notions (Common Sense)
Based on empirical evidence, systematic observation, and experiments.	Based on “common sense”, hearsay, folklore, or hindsight.
It tests theories. Example: Research shows that “Out of sight” does NOT mean “Out of mind” (Attachment theory).	It relies on contradictory proverbs. Example: “Birds of a feather flock together” vs. “Opposites attract.”
It looks for cause-and-effect relationships (e.g., Dweck’s study on mindset).	It explains events only after they happen (Hindsight Bias).

Psychology began as a branch of philosophy but evolved into a science in 1879.

• Structuralism (1879): Wilhelm Wundt established the first lab in Leipzig. He used Introspection to study the structure of the mind (consciousness).
• Functionalism (Late 19th C): William James focused on what the mind does (functions) and how behaviour helps us adapt to the environment.
• Gestalt Psychology (Early 20th C): Focused on perception, arguing “The whole is greater than the sum of its parts.”
• Behaviourism (1910s): John Watson rejected the mind/consciousness and focused only on observable behaviour (stimulus-response).
• Psychoanalysis: Sigmund Freud emphasized the Unconscious Mind and early childhood experiences.
• Humanistic Perspective: Carl Rogers/Maslow focused on free will and self-actualization.
• Cognitive Perspective (Modern): Focuses on mental processes like thinking, memory, and problem-solving (computer metaphor).

Psychology is interdisciplinary. Collaboration is vital for solving complex issues.

Problem 1: Health and Medical Care

• Collaboration: Psychologists + Doctors
• Role: While doctors treat the physical body, health psychologists help patients adhere to medication, manage pain, handle stress, and change lifestyles (e.g., quitting smoking).

Problem 2: Crime and Justice

• Collaboration: Psychologists + Lawyers/Police (Forensic Psychology)
• Role: They help in understanding the reliability of eyewitness testimony, interviewing children/victims, and assessing if a criminal is mentally fit for trial.

• Personal Life: Understanding oneself, managing emotions, and improving memory (mnemonics).
• Relationships: Understanding non-verbal communication and resolving conflicts effectively.
• Workplace: Enhancing motivation, leadership skills, and team cooperation.
• Parenting/Teaching: Using positive reinforcement to shape children’s behavior instead of punishment.

Environmental Psychology studies the interaction between people and their physical surroundings.

• Nudging: Designing disposal bins that are attractive or fun to use to reduce littering.
• Attitude Change: Creating campaigns that link environmental care to personal health or social status to motivate recycling.
• Urban Design: Designing spaces that encourage walking over driving to reduce carbon footprints.

Suitable Branch: Forensic Psychology or Criminal Psychology.
Concerns of Psychologists in this field:

• Criminal Profiling: Analyzing crime scene evidence to deduce the personality of the offender.
• Rehabilitation: Helping prisoners reform and reintegrate into society to prevent re-offending (recidivism).
• Victim Support: Helping victims cope with trauma.

(a) Psychologist vs. Psychiatrist

Psychologist	Psychiatrist
Has a PhD or PsyD degree.	Has a medical degree (MBBS + MD).
Treats patients using therapy and behavioral intervention.	Treats patients primarily using medicines (drugs) and electroconvulsive therapy.
Cannot prescribe medicine.	Can prescribe medicine.

(b) Counsellor vs. Clinical Psychologist

Counsellor	Clinical Psychologist
Deals with mild, everyday adjustment problems (career, marriage, school issues).	Deals with severe psychological disorders (schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, severe depression).
Focuses on guidance and personal growth.	Focuses on diagnosis, treatment, and therapy of pathology.

(Guidance for Student Activity)
Potential Categories: School Counsellor, HR Manager (Organizational Psych), or Clinical Psychologist at a local hospital.
Tip: When asking “What motivated you?”, look for stories about wanting to help people or curiosity about the human mind.

(Suggestions)

• Film: Taare Zameen Par (Dyslexia/Educational Psychology), A Beautiful Mind (Schizophrenia), Inside Out (Emotions/Memory).
• Books: The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat by Oliver Sacks (Neuropsychology), Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman (Cognitive).