What is Psychology
Psychology has become a separate and well organized field of knowledge in all fields of social life. Previously to study human behavior and mind there was a separate study subject, which was known as the mental philosophy. So we can say that today’s psychology is the offspring of philosophy.
Literal Meaning of Psychology
The word psychology has been derived from the two Latin words: Psyche and logo.
Logo. Logo stands for a rational discourse or a study of something.
Psyche. The answer to this question evolved through different stages of intellectual, social, and material progress. The word Psyche used to be defined: The study of human soul, the study of human mind, the study of human consciousness, the study of human behavior respectively.
Psychology in Modern Context
In the modern context the word study has been replaced by the word science which focuses on behavior. Now in the modern context psychology is considered the science of behavior( be that of humans or animals).
Definitions of Psychology
The word psychology has been defined by various prominent psychologists. A couple of definitions are as follows
According to Walter Bowres Pillsbury, “Psychology may be most satisfactory defined as the science of human behavior.”
According to N.M Munn, “Psychology today concerns itself with the scientific investigation of behavior.”
What is Behavior
“Any manifestation of life is activity, says Wood worth (1948), and behavior is a collection of the following activities:
- Conative (Motor)activities like walking, swimming, playing, etc.
- Cognitive (Mental)activities like thinking, reasoning, imaging, etc
- Affective (feelings)activities like happy, sad, angry, etc.
Is Psychology a Science
While answering this question it can be proved that psychology is systematic in findings and application. Psychology is a science because:
- It believes in cause and effect relationship,
- It search for truth and fact about behavior and describes the causes governing them ,
- It believes in systematic inquiry and rational approach,
- It has pure and applied aspects too.
What is Educational Psychology
Educational psychology is an applied branch of psychology in educational setting. In other words, it implies the application of the principles and practices of psychology to the various dimensions of education.
Definition of Educational Psychology
The following definitions of well known psychologists will clarify the relation between education and psychology.
- ”Educational psychology is that branch of psychology which deals with teaching and learning and also covers the entire range and behavior of the personality as related to education.” Skinner
- “While general psychology is pure science, educational psychology is its application in the field of education with the aim of socializing an individual and modifying his behavior.” Anderson
- “Educational psychology is the systematic study of the educational growth and development of a child.” Stephen
- “Educational psychology is the science of education.” E.A. Peel
- “Educational psychology is the study of those facts and principles of psychology which helps to explains and improves the process of education.” Walter B. Kolesink