15 Definitions of Psychology from Different Scholars

Psychology is the scientific study of the mind and behavior. There is no single, universally accepted definition of psychology, but here are 15 definitions from different scholars:

Psychology is a multifaceted field that explores the depths of human behavior, thoughts, and emotions. Over the years, various scholars and researchers have offered their own definitions of psychology, reflecting its diverse nature. In this blog, we'll delve into 15 definitions of psychology, along with the names of the authors who contributed to our understanding of this fascinating field.

What is psychology? 15 definitions from different scholars

Psychology is the scientific study of the mind and behavior. It is a broad and complex discipline that encompasses many different subfields, such as human development, cognitive processes, personality, and social behavior.

There is no single, universally accepted definition of psychology. However, here are 15 definitions from different scholars, along with their explanations:

1. "Psychology is the science of mental life. William James (1892)

This definition emphasizes the scientific nature of psychology. James believed that psychology should be studied using the same methods as other sciences, such as biology and physics.

2. "Psychology is the study of behavior. John B. Watson (1913)

This definition focuses on observable behavior rather than internal mental processes. Watson believed that psychology should be a purely objective science and that it should not concern itself with things that cannot be directly observed.

3. "Psychology is the study of the dynamic interaction between the individual and their environment. Kurt Lewin (1935)

This definition emphasizes the importance of the environment in shaping human behavior. Lewin believed that psychology should focus on how individuals and their environments interact with each other.

4. "Psychology is the study of the whole person. Carl Rogers (1951)

This definition rejects the traditional view of psychology as the study of the mind or the body. Rogers believed that psychology should focus on the whole person, including their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

5. "Psychology is the science of behavior and mental processes. American Psychological Association (APA)

This is the definition of psychology used by the APA. It is a broad definition that encompasses both behavior and mental processes.

6. "Psychology is the study of how people think, feel, and behave. David Myers (2017)

This definition is similar to the APA's definition, but it focuses more on the subjective experiences of individuals.

7. "Psychology is the study of the human mind and how it works. Steven Pinker (1997)

This definition emphasizes the cognitive aspects of psychology. Pinker believes that psychology should focus on how the mind processes information and makes decisions.

8. "Psychology is the study of the social and emotional aspects of human behavior. Robert Sternberg (2003)

This definition highlights the importance of social and emotional factors in human behavior. Sternberg believes that psychology should focus on how these factors influence our thoughts, feelings, and actions.

9. "Psychology is the study of the individual in their environment. Anne Anastasi (1988)

This definition emphasizes the interaction between individuals and their environment. Anastasi believes that psychology should focus on how individuals adapt to their environment and how that environment shapes their behavior.

10. "Psychology is the study of human behavior and mental processes from a scientific perspective. Michael W. Eysenck (2004)

This definition emphasizes the scientific nature of psychology. Eysenck believes that psychology should use scientific methods to study human behavior and mental processes.

11. "Psychology is the study of how people think, feel, and behave in relation to one another. John M. Darley (2009)

This definition highlights the importance of social interaction in psychology. Darley believes that psychology should focus on how people's thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are influenced by their interactions with others.

12. "Psychology is the study of the mind and behavior from a biological perspective. David Eagleman (2015)

This definition emphasizes the biological basis of psychology. Eagleman believes that psychology should focus on how the brain and nervous system influence our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

13. "Psychology is the study of the human experience. James M. Jones (2019)

This definition is broad and encompassing. Jones believes that psychology should study all aspects of the human experience, from the physical to the emotional to the spiritual.

14. "Psychology is the science of helping people. Martin Seligman (2002)

This definition focuses on the practical application of psychology. Seligman believes that psychology should be used to help people solve their problems and improve their lives.

15. "Psychology is the study of the human condition. Paul Bloom (2018)

This definition is the most comprehensive of all. Bloom believes that psychology should study everything that makes us human.

Conclusion

Psychology is a dynamic field with various perspectives and definitions. These 15 definitions from renowned psychologists provide a glimpse into the breadth and depth of this fascinating discipline. Whether studying behavior, cognition, development, or the unconscious mind, psychology continues to evolve and shape our understanding of the human experience.