The document defines psychology as the scientific study of behavior and mental processes, originating from the Greek words for 'soul' and 'study'. It outlines the evolution of definitions from studying the soul to consciousness and finally to behavior, emphasizing the scientific methods used in psychological research. It also discusses limitations in earlier definitions, such as the inability to encompass subconscious activities and the subjectivity of introspection.

1. INTRODUCTION TO
PSYCHOLOGY
Nisar VP
Assistant prof
Dept of psychology
MES KVM College valanchery

2. What is psychology ?

3. • The word Psychology has its origin from
two Greek words ‘Psyche’ and ‘Logos’,
‘psyche’ means ‘soul’ and ‘logos’ means
‘study’. Thus literally, Psychology means
‘the study of soul’ or ‘science of soul’.

4. Defnition
• The first definition of the Psychology was the
study of the soul:
The earliest attempts at defining Psychology owe
their origin to the most mysterious and
philosophical concept, namely that of soul. What
is soul? How can it be studied? The inability to
find clear answers to such questions led some
ancient Greek philosophers to define psychology
as the study of the mind.

5. • In terms of the study of the mind
Although the word mind was less mysterious
and vague than soul, yet it also faced the
same questions, namely what is mind? How
can it be studied, etc. This definition was also
rejected

6. • In terms of the study of consciousness
The description and explanation of the states of
consciousness is the task of Psychology which
is usually done by the instrument
introspection—process of looking within

7. This definition was also rejected on the
grounds that
• (i) It could not include the study of the
consciousness of animals.
• (ii) It would not include subconscious and
unconscious activities of mind.
• (iii) The introspection method for the study
proved that it is most subjective and
unscientific method

8. • In terms of the study of behaviour
The most modern and widely accepted
definition of psychology even today, is the
study of behaviour, both humans and animals

9. • Psychology is the scientific study of behaviour
and mental processes.
• Scientific -
• Behaviour - includes all of our outward or overt
actions and reactions, such as verbal and facial
expressions and movements.
• Mental processes - refer to all the internal and
covert activity of our mind such as thinking,
feeling and remembering. It is a scientific study
because to study behaviour and mental
processes, the psychologists use the scientific
methods for understanding more precisely and
accurately.

10. Doubt clearance session

11. References
• Introduction to Psychology - Clifford
Morgan , Richard King , John Weisz , John
Schopler
• Introduction to Psychology - Robert A. Baron
• General psychology – S.K . Mangal
• Psychology Doors and Corridors - CU

12. Thank you