One of the most common questions asked by students new to the
study of psychology is "What is psychology?" Misconceptions
created by popular media as well as the diverse careers paths of
those holding psychology degrees have contributed this
confusion. Psychology is both an applied and academic field that
studies the human mind and behavior. Research in psychology
seeks to understand and explain how we think, act and feel.
Applications for psychology include mental health treatment,
performance enhancement, self-help, ergonomics and many other
areas affecting health and daily life. Psychology evolved out of
both philosophy and biology. Discussions of these two subjects
date as far back as the early Greek thinkers including Aristotle
and Socrates. The word psychology is derived from the Greek word
psyche, meaning 'soul' or 'mind.' A Separate Science Wundt's
work was focused on describing the structures that compose the
mind. This perspective relied heavily on the analysis of
sensations and feelings through the