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Psychology
- the study of mind and behavior
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Psychological Science is based on empirical/measurable data.
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Scientific understanding of the mind is limited as thoughts are neither matter nor energy, things that science can measure.
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Empirical Method for Knowledge Acquisition
- based on observation and experimentation rather than logical and sound arguments.
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Psychology became widely accepted not until the late 1800s as a scientific discipline.
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Psychology is either biological and a social science.
Reasons for Taking Psychology
- Desire to learn more about themselves and why they act the way they do.
- A requirement for a program of study (eg. nursing).
- Has keen interest in the area.
- Psychology is one of the most popular majors in United States.
- 6% of bachelor degrees in United States are in psychology.
Why Psychology
- Hones critical thinking skills.
- It evaluates and assesses the reliability of information and its usefulness.
- Develops communication skills.
- Allows one to understand:
- interactions with their biology and environment,
- determining who they are and how they behave
- the basic principles that guide thought and behavior.
- recognition of diversity within individuals and across cultures.