Final answer:
Psychology is the scientific study of the mind and behavior, investigating an array of internal processes and observable actions with a foundation in the scientific method. It spans a range of subfields and employs empirical research to develop and test theories.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding Psychology The word "psychology" stems from the Greek roots "psyche" meaning 'mind' or 'soul', and "logia" meaning 'study of'. Today, psychology is defined as the scientific study of the mind and behavior. It is a discipline that spans multiple levels of explanation, from the neural to the social, and it incorporates various subfields such as cognitive, developmental, and clinical psychology, to name a few. Behavior in psychological terms refers to the actions and responses of an individual or group that can be observed directly, while the mind refers to the internal processes, thoughts, feelings, and motives that underlie these observable behaviors. Psychologists study the mind to understand how these mental processes influence our actions and behaviors in a wide array of contexts. Using the scientific method, psychologists craft hypotheses and develop theories about the mind and behavior that are grounded in empirical research. Theories in psychology aim to describe, explain, predict, and sometimes change behavioral patterns. As the field has evolved, psychology now encompasses the clinical application of these insights to address human problems, be they individual, societal, or organizational.