The Importance of Understanding and Studying Psychology
What is psychology? Why is it important?
What Is Psychology?
Psychology is the study of people's behavior, performance, and mental operations. It also refers to the application of that knowledge, which can be used to understand events, treat mental health, and improve education, employment, and relationships. The subject lies at the intersection of applied, educational, and theoretical sciences.
There are many sub-categories of psychology, including:
- Sports
- Education
- Business
- Media
- Physical conditions
- Human development
The science overall involves many other areas of study that touch on humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences as well.
But what does psychology mean? Where does it come from? In the video below, Hank Green from Crash Course provides a ten-minute intro to one of the more tricky social sciences and talks about some of the big names in the development of the field.
Here are a few reasons why psychology is important.
It's All About Studying People
In its primary form, psychology studies people—who and what they are. It looks at why they act and think the way they do and how they can improve themselves. Therefore, everything an individual person and a society does is connected to the subject.
Psychology allows people to understand more about how the body and mind work together. This knowledge can help with decision-making and avoiding stressful situations. It can help with time management, setting and achieving goals, and living effectively.
The science not only allows people to be more successful but also impacts their health. It helps many people further understand or even tackle their mental illnesses in order to be able to continue living healthier or more manageable lives. Psychological studies have also aided in drug development and the ability to diagnose various diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
I can personally testify to the importance of the subject. Psychology has helped me as a writer. I have become more determined to do things I will enjoy and write on the topics I like. I understand better who I am and can look at events more positively. Whenever I have a problem, I can handle it better when I apply what I know about psychology, and that trickles all the way down to making choices over the projects I work on and how I will handle my time. Overall, understanding psychology has helped me make better decisions in life.
Through pride we are ever deceiving ourselves. But deep down below the surface of the average conscience a still, small voice says to us, something is out of tune.
— C. G. Jung
What are some ways psychology is applicable to everyday life?
Applying Psychology to Everyday Life
Everyone uses some level of psychology every day, whether they are talking with friends, arguing with a partner, or disciplining their children. That said, most people don’t realize the science behind their decisions. Understanding how your mind works helps in everyday life; it allows you to build strong relationships with the people around you and make the best decisions.
Five ways psychology can be applied to everyday life:
- Building personal relationships: Psychology makes it easier to live with others by understanding why they make the decisions and say the things they do. In turn, it helps you work and accept their behavior/demeanor. Below, University of Texas professor James Pennebaker explains one way that psychology can be used to predict romantic compatibility.
- Improving everyday communication: Psychology can bring about a greater understanding of how humans think and behave. Thinking about why people or subsets of people act the way they do will ultimately help people communicate better. They will more effectively understand what a person means by gestures and actions, reducing the chance you may offend or misinterpret someone.
- Building self-confidence: Higher levels of self-confidence come by understanding yourself and your personality. By speaking with a professional psychologist, they can help you diagnose and discuss reasons why you may act and feel the way you do. You will learn more about your weaknesses and can then focus on dealing with or building on them.
- Enriching careers: Through psychology, you can understand your coworkers more and stand a better chance of building friendships within the workplace. It will help you deal with their actions and will work towards enriching your career.
It's all in the mind.
— George Harrison
Top Reasons to Study Psychology
There are as many reasons why people choose to study psychology. In fact, it has become one of the most popular university programs in the United States. Data USA reported that in 2021 over ten thousand students in just Los Angeles County received degrees in psychology.
Here are four reasons that show the importance of studying psychology.
1. You Learn About Social Experiments Done in the Past
Many scientific studies that have happened throughout history wouldn't be allowed to happen in today's world. Still, it's interesting to read about and learn from them.
One of the most well-known social tests is known as the Stanford prison experiment, which set out to study the psychological effects of the power dynamic between prisoners and guards. Those conducting the study asked for volunteers and then brought them into a simulated prison where they were fingerprinted and read their Miranda rights. It almost goes without saying that the experiment was a psychological nightmare. It became such a famous experiment that it was made into a film, which is disturbing in itself.
Or the experiment of Little Albert, a boy who was taught to fear a little rat. Little Albert ended up being afraid of fluffy white animals for the rest of his life. The video below explains the research in six minutes. Like the prison experiment, it's both fascinating and outrageous.
2. You Learn to Do Research
Studying at a university is important for many reasons. Of course, you will probably make more money in your career when equipped with a degree, but there are many other benefits, like learning how to do research. As a result of conducting and analyzing research in an academic setting, you will have a more critical attitude/mindset where you can look at or hear things people say and question the claim's legitimacy.
When studying psychology, you'll likely have to conduct thorough research on a topic of personal interest. At the University of Minnesota, in order to receive your degree, students must complete a 15–20 page capstone paper that synthesizes their work within the major. Their syllabus notes that for some, it entails working in an active research lab, while others may work in community service or have to design a study of their own.