Psychology Unit 1 – Topic 1:
Introduction to Psychology
Course: PSY 101
University: University of Nairobi
Definition of Psychology
Psychology is the scientific study of behavior and mental processes. It involves
understanding how people think, feel, and act — both individually and in groups.
Example: Psychologists study how stress affects decision-making or how children
develop language skills.
Goals of Psychology
Psychology has four main goals:
1. Describe behavior
- Observe and record behavior as it occurs.
Example: A psychologist may document symptoms of depression in patients.
2. Explain behavior
- Understand and find reasons why a behavior occurs.
Example: Explaining that anxiety may be caused by trauma or brain chemistry.
3. Predict behavior
- Anticipate how people might behave in certain situations.
Example: Predicting that students who don’t sleep well may perform poorly in exams.
4. Control or Modify behavior
- Apply psychological knowledge to change undesirable behavior.
Example: Using therapy to help someone overcome phobias.
Branches of Psychology
Psychology has many specialized areas. Key branches include:
1. Clinical Psychology
- Deals with mental health disorders (e.g., depression, anxiety).
Example: Therapists treating patients in hospitals or clinics.
Introduction to Psychology
Course: PSY 101
University: University of Nairobi
Definition of Psychology
Psychology is the scientific study of behavior and mental processes. It involves
understanding how people think, feel, and act — both individually and in groups.
Example: Psychologists study how stress affects decision-making or how children
develop language skills.
Goals of Psychology
Psychology has four main goals:
1. Describe behavior
- Observe and record behavior as it occurs.
Example: A psychologist may document symptoms of depression in patients.
2. Explain behavior
- Understand and find reasons why a behavior occurs.
Example: Explaining that anxiety may be caused by trauma or brain chemistry.
3. Predict behavior
- Anticipate how people might behave in certain situations.
Example: Predicting that students who don’t sleep well may perform poorly in exams.
4. Control or Modify behavior
- Apply psychological knowledge to change undesirable behavior.
Example: Using therapy to help someone overcome phobias.
Branches of Psychology
Psychology has many specialized areas. Key branches include:
1. Clinical Psychology
- Deals with mental health disorders (e.g., depression, anxiety).
Example: Therapists treating patients in hospitals or clinics.
