PS102 Chapter 1: branches of psychology
Document Summary
Psychology must be as diverse as the humans whose behaviour it attempts to explain. Brain-imaging studies have been used to test behavioural principles. Identify which areas of brain are activated when a behaviour if performed or when an outcome is better/worse than expected. Three current branches are: academic psychology, clinical and counselling psychology. Psychologists from all three branches share interest in mental processes and behaviour. The amount of emphasis they each place on the psychology of individuals. And the application of psychological knowledge to groups of people. Wilhelm wundt founded psychology as a discipline distinct from philosophy in 1879. Goal was to examine pure academic knowledge and human nature. Did not focus on how psychology can be applied or used outside laboratory. Branch involves research and instruction on a wide variety of psychological topics. Academic psychologists typically work at colleges and universities. A developmental psychologist may teach courses on child development while also researching how children think and behave.
