Definitions of Psychology - Ψ

Definitions of Psychology - Ψ

Here are definitions of "psychology" from the previously cited sources, along with their citations:

APA Dictionary of Psychology

  • Definition: Psychology is the scientific study of behavior and mental processes. According to the APA Dictionary of Psychology, it encompasses various subfields and applications, ranging from biological bases of behavior to social dynamics, and from cognitive processes to clinical applications (American Psychological Association, n.d.).
  • In-text citation: (American Psychological Association, n.d.)
  • Reference list entry: American Psychological Association. (n.d.). Psychology. In APA dictionary of psychology. Retrieved from https://dictionary.apa.org/psychology

Cambridge Dictionary of Psychology

  • Definition: Psychology is the scientific study of the mind and behavior. According to the Cambridge Dictionary of Psychology, it involves understanding mental functions, emotional processes, and social interactions, employing both theoretical and applied approaches to understand how people perceive, think, feel, and act (Colman, 2006).
  • In-text citation: (Colman, 2006)
  • Reference list entry: Colman, A. M. (2006). A dictionary of psychology. Cambridge University Press.

International Dictionary of Psychoanalysis

  • Definition: Psychology, in the context of psychoanalysis, refers to the study of the mind and behavior with an emphasis on unconscious processes and the influence of early experiences on behavior. According to the International Dictionary of Psychoanalysis, it encompasses the theoretical frameworks and therapeutic practices developed by Freud and his followers (de Mijolla, 2005).
  • In-text citation: (de Mijolla, 2005)
  • Reference list entry: de Mijolla, A. (Ed.). (2005). International dictionary of psychoanalysis. Gale.

Dictionary of Psychoanalysis by Sigmund Freud

  • Definition: Psychology, according to Sigmund Freud, is the scientific study of the mind and its functions, particularly focusing on unconscious processes and the dynamics of human behavior. Freud's work in psychoanalysis laid the foundation for understanding how unconscious motivations and conflicts shape behavior (Freud, 1950).
  • In-text citation: (Freud, 1950)
  • Reference list entry: Freud, S. (1950). Dictionary of psychoanalysis. Philosophical Library.

Carl Jung Lexicon

  • Definition: Psychology, in the context of Carl Jung's analytical psychology, is the study of the psyche, encompassing both conscious and unconscious processes. Jung's approach emphasizes the role of archetypes, the collective unconscious, and the process of individuation in understanding human behavior and mental phenomena (Sharp, 1991).
  • In-text citation: (Sharp, 1991)
  • Reference list entry: Sharp, D. (1991). Psychology. In Jung lexicon: A primer of terms & concepts. Inner City Books.

A Historical Dictionary of Psychiatry

  • Definition: Psychology is the scientific study of mental functions and behaviors, including the diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders. According to the Historical Dictionary of Psychiatry, psychology has evolved from philosophical inquiries into the mind to a distinct scientific discipline that employs various methods to explore mental phenomena and behavior (Shorter, 2005).
  • In-text citation: (Shorter, 2005)
  • Reference list entry: Shorter, E. (2005). A historical dictionary of psychiatry. Oxford University Press.

MacMillan Dictionary of Psychology

  • Definition: Psychology is the scientific study of behavior and mental processes. The MacMillan Dictionary of Psychology defines it as a discipline that encompasses a wide range of topics, from basic brain functions to complex social interactions, using empirical methods to investigate mental activities and behaviors (Sutherland, 1995).
  • In-text citation: (Sutherland, 1995)
  • Reference list entry: Sutherland, S. (1995). The MacMillan dictionary of psychology (4th ed.). MacMillan Press.

Black's Law Dictionary

  • Definition: Psychology, within legal contexts, refers to the study of the mind and behavior, particularly as it relates to understanding criminal behavior, witness credibility, and other legal issues. According to Black's Law Dictionary, psychology is often employed in forensic settings to assess and interpret human behavior in legal cases (Garner, 2014).
  • In-text citation: (Garner, 2014)
  • Reference list entry: Garner, B. A. (Ed.). (2014). Black's law dictionary (10th ed.). Thomson Reuters.

APA Concise Dictionary of Psychology

  • Definition: Psychology refers to the scientific study of behavior and mental processes, including perception, cognition, emotion, and social interactions. According to the APA Concise Dictionary of Psychology, it encompasses both research and applied fields, aiming to understand, predict, and influence behavior and mental states (American Psychological Association, 2009).
  • In-text citation: (American Psychological Association, 2009)
  • Reference list entry: American Psychological Association. (2009). Psychology. In APA concise dictionary of psychology. American Psychological Association.

William James

  • Definition: Psychology, according to William James, is the scientific study of mental life, encompassing a broad range of topics including consciousness, emotions, and habits. James emphasized the importance of understanding the functions of mental processes and their role in adapting to the environment (James, 1890).
  • In-text citation: (James, 1890)
  • Reference list entry: James, W. (1890). The principles of psychology (Vol. 1). Henry Holt and Company.

Paul Bloom

  • Definition: Psychology, as defined by Paul Bloom, is the scientific study of the mind and behavior, exploring how people perceive, think, feel, and act. Bloom's work highlights the evolutionary and biological bases of behavior and mental processes, emphasizing the role of innate mechanisms and environmental influences (Bloom, 2009).
  • In-text citation: (Bloom, 2009)
  • Reference list entry: Bloom, P. (2009). How pleasure works: The new science of why we like what we like. W. W. Norton & Company.