Definitions
Psychology is the scientific study of how people behave, think and feel:
o Behaviour (cognition, social influence)
o Thinking (mental processes)
o Feeling (emotions)
Social Psychology is the “scientific investigations of how the thoughts,
feelings and behaviours of individuals are influenced by the actual,
imagines or implied presence of others.
o Sociology (group) <-> Social Psychology <-> Psychology (individual)
Social Psychologists are interested in the variables that affect the
individual behaviours within a society.
Clinical Psychology is the assessment and treatment of mental illness,
abnormal behaviour, and psychiatric problems.
Counselling Psychology is centred on treating patients experiencing
mental distress and a wide variety of psychological symptoms.
Health Psychology focuses on improving health across a wide variety of
domains.
Biopsychology focuses on how the brain, neurons, and nervous system
influence thoughts, feelings, and behaviours.
Development Psychology shows how people change and grow
throughout the entire lifespan.
Forensic Psychology is defined as the intersection of psychology and the
law. Psychologists lend their psychological expertise to provide
testimony, analysis or recommendations in legal or criminal cases.
Sports Psychology is the study of how psychology influences sports,
athletic performance, exercise and physical activity.
Industrial / Organizational Psychology works to improve productivity
and efficiency in the workplace while also maximizing the well-being of
employees.
Psychology and Sociology - 2
Concepts
Social Psychology has 5 major theoretical perspectives
Behaviourism perspective: It is possible to control and shape behaviour
by controlling rewards and reinforcements.