image by opensource.com
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.
image by Tim Sheerman-Chase
Undergraduate Psychology News and Highlights
Arab American Heritage Month: Meet Rita Obeid
April is Arab American Heritage Month, a time to celebrate the rich culture and contributions of the diverse population of Arab Americans in the United States. It’s the third year that the month has been formally recognized by the federal government. To recognize the occasion, The Daily is putting...
Retired professor commits $1.5 million to advance research in child psychology
Growing up as an only child, Sandra Walker Russ made the most of her solitary hours. Through role playing, singing, reading and expressing herself artistically, the unstructured playtime she enjoyed in her early developmental years would later serve as the foundation for a career studying the connection between creative...
Family-based intervention lowers long-term suicide risk in youth
BETHESDA, Md. — Over the last 20 years, suicide rates have increased in the U.S. by 24%, with the largest increases occurring in females ages 10-14 and African American children aged 5-11. These statistics highlight the critical need for better ways to understand and prevent suicide in youth and...
‘Seems like magic’: The healing powers of local superheroes
Fox 8 Cleveland: Elizabeth Short, professor of developmental psychology and the director of the Developmental Master's and Early Intervention Program at the College of Arts and Sciences, explained how healthcare providers can draw inspiration from comic book characters when healing children. “Thinking about something beyond yourself and not focusing...
2022-23 Freedman Faculty Fellows announced
The Freedman Center for Digital Scholarship at Kelvin Smith Library has announced the selection of the 2022-23 Freedman Faculty Fellows. The annual fellowship program supports tenured or tenure-track faculty as well as clinical research faculty and aids these researchers in integrating digital tools and technology into their work across...
American Sign Language Club focuses on advocacy during Deaf Awareness Month
The American Sign Language Club aims to increase advocacy on campus and push for more accessible courses during September for Deaf Awareness Month. Members of the Case Western Reserve University community can follow the organization’s efforts and learn more about the topic on Instagram. Throughout the month, the organization will...
CWRU Psychology Clinic offers services for children, adolescents and adults
The CWRU Psychology Clinic offers evidence-based outpatient individual psychotherapy to children, adolescents, and adults. We provide low-cost therapy to individuals living in and around the Cleveland area, and welcome individuals from diverse racial, ethnic, religious and sexual orientation backgrounds. Please call 216-368-0719 or email psychologyclinic@protonmail.com to speak with the clinic coordinator...
Meet Rebecca Constacia: A fourth-year psychology and premed student from Puerto Rico
Rebecca Constancia was raised on the northern coast of Puerto Rico in the municipality of Toa Baja—a place where she felt a sense of community, no matter where she went. Though she’s hundreds of miles away from the Carribean island, the fourth-year psychology and premed student didn’t have to sacrifice...
Workshop for minoritized students who plan to apply to clinical psychology Ph.D. programs
The Psychological Sciences Diversity Committee is excited to announce the CPAW-UP, a FREE virtual workshop that aims to increase access to resources, training, and experiences to support people interested in pursuing a graduate degree in Psychology. See our flier for more info!