What is Psychology?

Psychology, literally meaning "the science of the soul," is a branch of science that examines the human mind, emotions, and behaviors based on cause-and-effect relationships. In psychology, every behavior occurs for a reason, so every reaction caused by emotions falls within the scope of psychology.

Psychology, which also includes natural sciences, is also a social science. The study of psychology involves the examination of observable behaviors of organisms. In fact, through psychology, it is possible to study the behaviors of not only humans but also animals. Psychology also examines interpersonal communication as well as internal processes.

What are the Branches of Psychology?
Psychology is a concept that is divided into different branches. The branches of psychology can be listed as follows:

Human Psychology
This branch of psychology thoroughly investigates the behaviors, mental processes, and underlying causes of humans in detail. Every individual experiences certain events in their environment and reacts to them. Moreover, there is always a connection between a person's behavior and their mental state. For example, individuals with behavioral disorders receive analysis through the branch of human psychology.

Personality Psychology
In interpersonal interactions, certain situations may arise as a result of this interaction. Individuals may acquire permanent behaviors, thoughts, and feelings after communication and influence with others. This branch of psychology examines all of these and provides analysis.

Social Psychology
Social psychology deals with the impact of interactions with others and social environments on an individual's attitudes, thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Humans are social beings, and much of their development occurs in social-psychological events, attitudes, and behaviors. Therefore, there is a close connection between developmental psychology and social psychology studies.

Developmental Psychology
Developmental Psychology refers to the regular and sequential changes observed with age from conception to death. It has been proven through research findings that development and change continue in every stage of life, even if it undergoes some transformation. For this reason, contemporary developmental psychologists have included not only childhood but also adolescence, youth, adulthood, and old age in their study areas. In this branch, psychologists try to determine the principles involved in the behaviors that occur at different stages of development and how various environmental conditions and heredity affect behaviors.

Psychometrics
Here, analyses are conducted by taking the sum of human intelligence, psychological characteristics, personality, behaviors, and similar factors. Based on these analyses, tests are conducted by experts. Through all of these, positive analyses contribute to the person's understanding.

Application Areas of Psychology
Psychology has its unique application areas. This branch of science, which studies humans and animals, can be applied within the following areas:

Sports Psychology
In this field, behaviors in the sports environment, especially focusing on factors such as concentration and motivation of athletes, are examined.

Environmental Psychology
The dual interactions of individuals with their physical environment and the consequences of these interactions are examined.

Educational Psychology
The goal here is to regulate the relationship between the student and the teacher. Effective teaching techniques are developed for this purpose. Through significant studies, evaluation of students is also ensured.

Traffic Psychology
The aim in this psychology application area is to ensure traffic and road safety. For this purpose, the abilities of drivers and driver candidates are tested, and the attitudes and behaviors of individuals in traffic are examined.

Industrial Psychology
It is necessary to improve the morale and motivation of employees in the workplace. In order to achieve this, industrial and organizational psychology examines the psychological analyses of employees and ensures the implementation of the best methods for them.

Health Psychology
Health psychology practices examine the situation where individuals struggle with illnesses. Through research, observation, and related treatment methods, positive developments in the recovery levels of patients are achieved.

Forensic Psychology
Individuals with expertise in court processes can now participate in some lawsuits. The involvement of individuals in this field in appropriate places is ensured. Forensic psychology helps these individuals throughout these processes.

Psychological Counseling Services
Here, contribution is made to individuals' ability to cope with their own situations. Generally, internal issues of individuals are addressed, and assistance is provided in developing the person's problem-solving skills.