The lecture “[PSYC200] What Is Psychology?” introduces students to the scientific study of behavior and mental processes. Psychology is defined as the discipline that examines how people think, feel, and act, while using systematic research methods to understand and predict behavior.

The session explores the core goals of psychology: describing behavior, explaining causes, predicting outcomes, and applying knowledge to improve lives. Students are introduced to major branches of psychology, including cognitive psychology, developmental psychology, social psychology, and biological psychology.

The lecture also highlights how psychology evolved from philosophy into a science, emphasizing experimentation, observation, and evidence-based reasoning. It explains the importance of critical thinking and skepticism when evaluating psychological claims.

Learners gain insight into how psychologists design studies, test hypotheses, and interpret findings responsibly. By the end of the lecture, students develop a foundational understanding of psychology as both a scientific field and a practical discipline that influences education, healthcare, business, and everyday