Module 1: Introduction to Psychology

Humans have sought to explain thinking and behavior in informal ways for thousands of years, yet psychology emerged as an empirical, objective field of study only in the last century and a half, beginning with Wilhelm Wundt and others who followed in the late 1800s. Although psychology is primarily a science, the richness and complexity of both human and non-human mental processes and behaviors require a variety of perspectives and approaches, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Despite these limitations, the field of psychology seeks to use objective, empirical methods to better understand thoughts and behaviors, including case studies, naturalistic observation, correlational studies, interviews, and when possible, full experimental designs. Through a variety of perspectives and methods, psychologists can best gain a deeper understanding of how others think and behave—the ultimate goal of psychology.