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What is Psychology?
Psychology is the study of the mind and behavior. The discipline embraces all aspects of the human experience – from the functions of the brain to the actions of neurons, from child development to care for the aged. In every conceivable setting from scientific research centers to mental health care services, “the understanding of behavior” is the enterprise of psychologists.
Is Psychology a Science?
Yes. Psychology is sometimes considered a natural science and sometimes a social science. Psychological scientists form hypotheses, collect data, and test hypotheses through experiments, quasi-experiments, and correlational studies. There are many areas of psychology, such as clinical, cognitive, developmental, and affective, that can be studied through a neuroscientific, biological, or behavioral lens. Psychology also includes the scientific study of what therapies work to help those who are experiencing struggles related to thoughts, emotions, memories, learning, and relating to others and how to effectively apply these therapies. If you are interested in neuroscience, emotions, thoughts, memories, learning, social interactions, beliefs, cognitive development, psychological disorders, or therapy, psychology is for you!
Why Study Psychology?
An undergraduate major in psychology offers a student preparation for a wide variety of careers. Many majors find psychology to be an excellent preparation for such service-oriented professions as social work, counseling and guidance, special education, and management. Those who pursue graduate work in one of the many fields of psychology often seek positions in teaching and research or applied human services. In addition, the study of psychology provides a knowledge and an understanding of behavior that has applications in other professions as well, including nursing, medicine, law, teaching, business, and public relations.
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Undergraduate Psychology News and Highlights
Meet new faculty at the College of Arts and Sciences – Stacy Ryan-Pettes
Associate Professor Department of Psychological Sciences Though Stacy Ryan-Pettes always knew she wanted to work to improve the lives and condition of youth navigating the juvenile justice system, it was during her research training that she discovered a passion for implementation science and health equity. A licensed clinical psychologist with a...
Meet new faculty at the College of Arts and Sciences – Rita Obeid
Assistant Professor Department of Psychological Sciences Before arriving in Cleveland, Obeid was a visiting associate professor at Lehman College, where she conducted research on child language development to reduce stigma toward disabilities on a national and international level. Obeid also received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in psychology from the American...
Meet new faculty at the College of Arts and Sciences – R. Elizabeth Capps
Assistant Professor Department of Psychological Sciences R. Elizabeth Capps received her bachelor’s in psychology from Roanoke College in Salem, Virginia, before receiving her masters in psychology from Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina. Capps then received her PhD in clinical psychology, and completed a fellowship at Children’s National Hospital in...
Meet new faculty at the College of Arts and Sciences – Wilson Brown
Assistant Professor of Clinical Psychology Department of Psychological Sciences One of the first to examine the implementation of prolonged exposure (PE) for PTSD in veterans, Wilson J. Brown completed his PhD in clinical psychology and formal trauma specialization at The University of Missouri-St. Louis. He completed his fellowship in clinical psychology...
Why Building Emotional Intelligence in Classrooms Might Be the Key to Better Grades
Parents: R. Elizabeth Capps, assistant professor at the Department of Psychological Sciences, explained how social-emotional learning programs can set the tone for the entire school building and communicate that it’s important to acknowledge every student’s well-being as crucial to learning. "This can build a positive school climate that’s useful...
PTSD depression research study offering therapy
The PTSD Treatment and Research Program at Case Western Reserve University is looking for people ages 18-65 who have experienced a stressful life event and are experiencing symptoms of PTSD or depression. Such stressors might include loss of a job, sexual assault, end of a serious relationship, physical assault, or loss...
Research Study Opportunity: Understanding Parent-Child Connections in Autism
The Neurodevelopment Research Lab at CWRU is inviting caregivers to participate in a research study at CWRU focused on understanding how families of children with autism interact, connect, and support one another. Help us learn what makes families stronger – and how we can better support yours. Participants: Parents &...
PTSD depression research study offering therapy
The PTSD Treatment and Research Program at Case Western Reserve University is looking for people ages 18-65 who have experienced a recent sexual assault and are experiencing symptoms of PTSD or depression. Common symptoms of PTSD and depression include distressing memories, sadness, feeling numb, and sleep problems. The study...