Psychology is a fascinating field that explores human thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. The word "Psychology" comes from two Greek words: ‘Psyche’ meaning breath, soul, or spirit, and ‘Logos’ meaning knowledge, study, or research. 

Since ancient times, people have been curious about themselves. The famous Greek saying “Know Thyself” reflects this deep-rooted curiosity. Because of this natural curiosity, the beginning of psychology as a field of study cannot be traced to a specific time.

Generated by Grok.ai
Throughout history, humans have sought to understand the workings of the mind and the nature of consciousness. Ancient philosophers such as Plato and Aristotle debated ideas about thought, perception, and the soul. However, since these ideas could not be tested using systematic methods, they remained largely theoretical. The study of psychology as we know it today began when researchers started applying scientific methods to explore behavior and mental processes.


What is Psychology Today?

Today, psychology is defined as "the scientific study of behavior and mental processes of all organisms," including both humans and animals. Unlike early philosophical approaches, modern psychology relies on empirical evidence and systematic observations to understand how individuals think, feel, and behave.

The phrase "behavior and mental processes" refers to many things. It includes:

  • Actions people take (behavior)
  • Thoughts, feelings, and memories
  • How people perceive the world
  • How they reason and make decisions
  • Biological activities that help the body function

Generated by Grok.ai
This broad definition highlights that psychology is not just about what people do but also about how they experience the world internally. It covers areas such as motivation, learning, memory, personality, social interactions, and mental health.

Psychology as a Science

One of the most important parts of this definition is "scientific study." This means psychologists do not just rely on guesses, intuition, or speculation. Instead, they use systematic methods to observe and measure behavior and mental processes to reach meaningful and significant conclusions. Psychological concepts must be defined in a way that allows them to be measured and studied scientifically. The use of scientific methods helps psychologists find answers that are far more reliable and legitimate than those based on mere speculation.


Why Study Animals in Psychology?

Although psychologists primarily focus on human behavior and mental processes, they also study animals. This is because studying non-human species provides important clues about human behavior. Many psychologists research animal behavior to understand general principles that apply to all organisms. However, despite their studies on animals, psychologists always return to the everyday problems faced by human beings.

Generated by Grok.ai
Animal research has played a crucial role in many psychological discoveries. For instance, Ivan Pavlov’s experiments on dogs helped develop the concept of classical conditioning, which explains how associations between stimuli influence behavior. Similarly, B.F. Skinner’s studies on rats and pigeons led to the development of operant conditioning, a theory that describes how behavior is shaped by rewards and punishments.

By studying animal behavior, psychologists can uncover fundamental learning mechanisms, social behaviors, and biological processes that also apply to humans. Ethical considerations are always taken into account when conducting research with animals, ensuring that studies are conducted humanely and with scientific purpose.