Final answer:
In psychology, people research and explain behavior with the aim to understand and possibly change it. This is grounded in an empirical approach that combines observation with scientific methods, like case studies, to deduce mental processes. Mirror neurons are an example of how our brains enable us to mimic and understand others.
Step-by-step explanation:
In psychology, and in everyday life, people research and explain, understand, and change behavior. This reflects the broader aim of psychology, which is to gain insight into behavior, as well as the cognitive (mental) and physiological (body) aspects that underlie such behavior. Unlike other non-scientific approaches to understand behavior like intuition or personal anecdote, psychology prides itself on its empirical foundation, demanding evidence and repeated observation.
While behaviors can be seen directly, the mental processes driving them are often hidden. Psychologists may have to creatively deduce why a person behaves in a certain way, especially in cases where the individual cannot or does not want to articulate their reasons. Case studies are one method employed by psychologists to observe individuals and gain insights into their behavior, supplementing what is observed with scientific reasoning and predictions.
Recent research into mirror neurons has shed light on our ability to mimic others, which is crucial for understanding actions and facilitating communication through language. Though the methodology to study mirror neurons in humans is less direct than in non-human primates, neuroimaging suggests the existence of a similar system in humans that underpins our ability to mirror and thus learn from others.