What is Psychology?

Psychology is the scientific study of the mind and how it dictates and influences our behaviour, from communication and memory to thought and emotion.

Psychologists are actively involved in studying and understanding mental processes, brain functions, and behavior. The field of psychology is considered a "Hub Science" with strong connections to the medical sciences, social sciences, and education (Boyack, Klavans, & Borner, 2005).

Psychology is both a science and a profession, devoted to understanding how people think, feel, behave and learn.

Psychology as a science

As a science, psychology is the study of the human mind and its wide-ranging functions and influences. Psychological research advances our understanding of human emotion, personality, intelligence, memory, perception, cognition, attention, and motivation, as well as the biological processes that drive these human functions and behaviours.

In essence, psychology studies individuals and groups to better understand how people, communities and societies function and ways to help them thrive.

Psychology as a profession

The goal of psychology is not just to study human thinking and behaviour, but to put that knowledge into practice, to help people, communities, and society in general to solve day-to-day problems and improve quality of life.

Psychology is therefore also a profession, devoted to helping people and the community find solutions to real life problems such as improving mental health and wellbeing, learning, performance, relationships, and societal cohesiveness.