Final answer:
Psychology is defined as the scientific study of behavior and mental processes, utilizing the scientific method for investigation. It comprises multiple subfields like cognitive and clinical psychology and has broad applications across different careers.
Step-by-step explanation:
Definition of Psychology
Psychology is the scientific study of the behavior of individual humans including their mental processes. It explores various aspects such as thinking, emotion, creativity, and problem-solving, among others. By employing the scientific method, psychologists formulate hypotheses within the context of broader theories and then test these through observation and experimentation.
Subfields of Psychology
Various subfields within psychology, like cognitive psychology which focuses on human thinking, developmental psychology studying human development, and social psychology examining human society, contribute to an understanding of complex mental processes and behaviors. The discipline also extends to applied areas such as clinical psychology, health psychology, and industrial-organizational psychology among others.
Psychology's History and Importance
Emerging as a unique academic discipline in the late 1800s, psychology was initially intertwined with philosophy and biology. It has since evolved to incorporate a focus not only on biological underpinnings but also cognitive and social aspects of behavior. Psychological knowledge aids in understanding oneself and others which is why it's a popular major, and the skills acquired from psychology education are applicable in various careers, from clinical practice to research and beyond.