PSYC 2310 Chapter 1: Psych Chapter 1 Notes.docx
28 Feb 2012
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Document Summary
Psychology is the scientific study of behaviour and the factors that influence it. The term behaviour is used very broadly as it refers to both to actions we can directly observe and mental processes such as thoughts, feelings, images and physiological reactions. To determine the cause of these forms of behaviour biological, individual and environmental factors are taken into account. Psychology explores the nature and causes of our feelings, motives behind our actions and thoughts. Basic research: research designed to obtain knowledge for its own sake. Applied research: research involving the application of scientific knowledge to solve practical problems. The goals of basic research is describe how people behave and identify the factors that influence or cause a certain type of behaviour. Applied research uses principles discovered through basic research to solve practical problems. Examples of how they are used together: eagles and rattlers.
