What Is the Scope of Psychology?

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Psychology is a broad discipline that covers matters of the mind and human behavior. Psychologists investigate an individual’s thoughts, emotions, decisions, perceptions and sensations in an effort to explain these matters by determining a cause.

Psychology is a scientific study that relies on empiricism, the use of experimentation, evidence and observations to draw conclusions. It is not based on common sense, reasoning or logic alone. There are two general grouping of psychologists: research psychologists and applied psychologists. Research psychologists experiment and gather observations to improve understanding of nature of the mind and behavior. Applied psychologists take these observations and leave the lab to deal with everyday problems.