I figured I would start at the beginning of the list of interests in my first post, which happened to start with Psychology. Psychology is, in short, a scientific study of behavior and mental processes, and how surroundings, genetics, or other possible things could affect the behavior and mental processes of a human. I am currently enrolled in Ms. Atton's Psychology class and I find it incredibly interesting, if I do say so myself. Although the class is primarily studying, note taking, and memorization, the topic is so fascinating for me that it isn't all that bad. So far in that class we have covered the methods of research used in psychology and the basic subfields. I'll give a brief description of each subfield and an example if I think it will help you understand it. However, first let's begin with the 5 goals of psychology: observe, define (or describe, in some cases), explain, predict, and control. The goals usually occur in that order. Alright! On to the studies.
BIOLOGICAL PSYCHOLOGY
Biological Psychology is the study of how the brain and other organs are affected by behavior. If you have heard of Phantom Limbs (when a limb gets amputated, but people claim to still be able to feel or move it) that is an example of Biological Psychology. This often also includes situations like Déjà vu, and also includes movement and speech cases, like Parkinson's disease or Broca's Aphasia.
DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY
This Psychology studies the changes in behavior and mental processes from birth to old age. It includes the development of memory and mental abilities. For example, if you slap a child every time they ask to go to McDonald's, they will eventually be too afraid to ask to go, and will cease asking all together. That would be a type of Developmental Psychological study. This also includes cases of divorced parents and how that would affect a child.
COGNITIVE PSYCHOLOGY
Your cognitive abilities allow you to receive outside information, understand it, and then act on it. This form of Psychology studies your mental abilities such as perception, learning and memory, thinking, and intelligence. Optical illusions are a study of someone's cognitive abilities. They are used for the perception area of this subfield.
PERSONALITY PSYCHOLOGY
Personality Psychology studies similarities and differences among people and based on that, then compares their reliability, sociability, prejudices, and can even look at what makes someone a pessimist, or believe in aliens. If all children who had divorced parents between the ages of five and ten had learning disorders or pessimistic personalities, that would be a study in Personality Psychology.
CLINICAL, COUNSELING, COMMUNITY, and HEALTH PSYCHOLOGY
Clinical and Counseling Psychologies are very similar but also different at the same time. Counseling Psychologists normally have a private practice and often take less severe cases than Clinical Psychologists, who often work in hospitals or with people who have extreme cases like suicidal tendencies or need rehabilitation. Community Psychologists reach out to people who need help, but don't seek it. They often reach out to the homeless and attempt to prevent disorders within that community. Health Psychologists study how someone's health affects their behavior, for example, how one person copes with cancer compared to another person.
EDUCATIONAL and SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGY
Educational Psychology develops theories about teaching and learning. The psychologists look for ways to improve respect, learning, and reduce prejudices. School Psychologists work with IQ testing, children with learning disabilities, and work to improve achievement.
SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY
This Psychology studies how people think of themselves and others and how it affects their behavior and mental processes. This often includes peer pressure or prejudices, and this form of Psychology has been used to prevent AIDS and promote seat belts.
OTHER FIELDS
Other fields of Psychology that I didn't have much research on include the following: Sports, Forensic, Environmental, Military, Consumer, and Neuro psychology.
So that's a basic outline of the first six weeks of Psychology class! The one I find most interesting is School Psychology, probably because that's where I am in my life right now- the school years. Alright, thanks for reading! Until next time!
