The term "natural psychology" is not a recognized field of study in psychology. Psychology is generally categorized into two broad areas: social psychology and biological psychology (sometimes referred to as neuropsychology).
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Social psychology focuses on how individuals' thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are influenced by the presence of others. It explores topics like group dynamics, social influence, attitudes, prejudice, and aggression. Social psychologists use scientific methods to study these phenomena, often conducting experiments and surveys to understand how social factors impact human behavior.
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Biological psychology (or neuropsychology) investigates the biological basis of behavior and mental processes. It examines how the brain, nervous system, hormones, and genetics influence our thoughts, emotions, and actions. This field delves into areas like neuroanatomy, neurotransmitters, brain imaging, and the impact of genetics on behavior.
While both social and biological psychology study human behavior, they approach it from different perspectives. Social psychology emphasizes the social context and how it shapes individuals' experiences, while biological psychology focuses on the biological mechanisms underlying behavior.
Examples:
- Social psychology: A study examining how the presence of an audience influences the performance of athletes on a task.
- Biological psychology: A study investigating how changes in brain activity are associated with different emotional states.
In essence, social psychology examines the "why" of human behavior in a social context, while biological psychology investigates the "how" of behavior in terms of underlying biological processes.
