Declaration of Independeance

Psychology has many definitions to what it is. One definition is that it's the study of the human mind. But actually Psychology is the scientific study of the behavior of humans and animals. Psychologists use scientific methods in an attempt to understand and predict behavior, to develop procedures for changing behavior, and to evaluate treatment strategies. Research might be conducted n the laboratory where the factors studied can be controlled; or it may take place in a real life setting where more natural behavior is studied. Psychology has a long history to it, and to become a psychologist education can be quite expensive. But in the long run what psychologists are earning these days can be very recompensing.

Psychology has been around since the 1500's. Rudolph Goclenius was a German scholastic philosopher that is credited with inventing the term "psychology". The root of the word psychology (psyche) means "soul" or "spirit." In Greek, psychology was sometimes considered a study of the soul (in a religious sense of this term). Until about the end of the 19th century psychology was regarded as a branch of philosophy.

In 1879 Wilhelm Wundt founded a laboratory at the university in Germany in Leipzig specifically to focus on the study of psychology. William James later published his 1890 book, Principles of Psychology which laid many of the foundations for the sorts of questions that psychologists would focus on for years to come. Other important early contributors to the field include Hermann Ebbinghaus (a pioneer in studies on memory) and the Russian Ian Palov (who discovered the learning process of classical conditioning.)

Humanistic psychology emerged in the 1950's and has continued as a reaction to positivist and scientific approaches to the mind. It stresses a phenomenological view of human experience and seeks to understand human beings and their behavior by conducting qualitative research. The humanistic approach has it's roots in existentialist and phenomenological philosophy and many humanist psychologists completely reject a scientific approach, arguing that trying to turn human experience into measurements strips it of all meaning and relevance to lived existence.

Now that we have learned a little bit about psychology and its history, we need to know what psychology is about and what psychologists actually do. As you know already psychologists study the human mind and human behavior. Research psychologists investigate the physical, cognitive, emotional, or social aspects of human behavior. Psychologists in health service provider fields provide mental health care in hospitals, clinics, schools, or private settings. Psychologists employed in applied settings such as business, industry, government, or nonprofits, provide training, conduct research, design systems, and act as advocates for psychology.

A psychologist's subfield and place of employment determine his or her working conditions. Clinical, school, and counseling psychologists in private practice have their own offices and set their own hours. However, they often offer evening and weekend hours to accommodate their clients. Those employed in hospitals, nursing homes, and other health care facilities may work shifts that include evenings and weekends, while those who work in schools and clinics generally work regular hours. Psychologists employed as faculty by colleges and universities divide their time between teaching and research and also may have administrative responsibilities. Most psychologists in government and industry have structured schedules. Many psychologists are working as part of a team, consulting with other psychologists and professionals. Many experience pressures because of deadlines, tight schedules, and overtime. Their routine may be interrupted frequently. Travel may be required in order to attend conferences or conduct research.

Like other social scientists, psychologists formulate hypotheses and collect data to test their validity. Research methods vary with the topic under study. Psychologists sometimes gather information through controlled laboratory experiments or by administering personality, performance, aptitude, or intelligence tests. Other methods include observation, interviews, questionnaires, clinical studies, and surveys. Psychologists apply their knowledge to a wide range of endeavors, including health and human services, management, education, law, and sports. In addition to working in a variety of settings, psychologists usually specialize in one of a number of different areas.

Getting an education in psychology can be very pricey. Many community colleges give the course but not always can you get a master degree in it without going to University. To get a good education in psychology prices may range depending on the school you would like to specialize in. Schools that specialize in psychology might be more expensive. For example, Pepperdine University charges $87,000 for the full four years for psychology (not including financial aid.) There are other local colleges that give this course without having to pay too much out of your pocket. Getting a regular education in psychology will probably cost you from 25,000-35,000 dollars.

There are many requirements in order for you to enroll in any school of psychology. An expected minimum GPA of 3.0 on scale of 4.0 or the equivalent, for cumulative coursework, Junior/Senior coursework, coursework in psychology, and highest degree attained. Completion the five foundation courses, or their equivalent, with a grade of "C-" or better in abnormal psychology, general psychology, tests and measures or psychological assessment , statistics