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Why Study Psychology?

© Isaac Ferguson

Psychology is a very exciting field of study, one that attempts to discover how the mind works. Be forewarned, however, that this is still a young science, one that is apt to cause more questions than it can provide answers for. Nevertheless, psychology remains a ready source of explanations on how people process information and why they act a certain way under given circumstances. Psychology pushes us towards greater self-knowledge by making us more aware of our actions and personalities.

The first though most people think of when they hear the word psychology is something along the lines of "shrink." The reality is that very few psychologists are clinicians, counselors, or psychiatrists. The American Psychological Association recognizes over 50 subdivisions to psychology. There are psychobiologists, child psychologists, industrial, cognitive, and social psychologists-and that's just the tip of a very large iceberg! The next time you meet a psychologist, don't assume that he or she can solve your problem. Chances are, it is completely out of their range of expertise! Also, don't think that he or she is trying to "figure you out" or judge you in any way. That is not the point of psychology.

Psychologists study things you've probably never even considered. They investigate the different types of disgusts, which visual cues activate what brain areas, why categories of objects have archetypal examples, etc.

Psychologists also focus on things that have probably happened to you or someone you know. Ever had a word "right on the tip of your mouth"? Does your cat come running every time it hears the can opener? Do some songs make you happy, others sad? Has a smell ever suddenly reminded you of an event or place in your past? Have you ever had a bad day and then taken it out on your unsuspecting dog? Psychologists study these and other common phenomena.

Psychology also plays an important part in marketing. The fact that more cereal commercials are shown at night than during the rest of the day is no accident. Sugary foods are often found on low shelves in the supermarket, and there's a good reason for it. If you have a guess as to why either of these things are true, write your thoughts in the Foundations of Psychology discussion.

If your brain feels particularly tickled by all the possibilities that psychology offers, feel free to drop me a line at PsychZeke@suite101.com.