Psychology Is Ubiqutous

Psychology is Ubiquitous

When I used to hear the word psychology, only one word came to my mind: crazy. My thought did not go beyond that for a long period of time. My ignorance lasted through middle and high school. It also made me dismiss the greater aspect of psychology. I only thought the subject consisted of doctors sitting in fancy offices listening to others issues in life. It was not until I researched the topic that I realized psychology is ubiquitous (everywhere). And by everywhere I mean in the workplace, schools, and even the media. After applying inquiry to the matter I come to realized that the subject attains more value than 'crazy' people and psychologists.

The definition of psychology was not evident to me. Consequently, I took matters into my own hands and searched it. I looked in the American Heritage Dictionary and it defined psychology as : the science that deals with mental processes and behavior. That definition was too vague so I turned to an internet source. It gave multiple definitions from Merriam-Webster dictionary online, but the one that stuck out to me was stating that psychology is the study of mind and behavior in relations to a particular field of knowledge or activity. This source created a better understanding and filled my mind with questions as to where and when psychology was developed and by who and why.

After looking into it, I found Wilhelm Wundt opened the first laboratory. It was established in 1879 at the University of Leipzig in Germany. At first psychology was a branch of philosophy until his establishment. Historians look back to the writings of early Greek philosophers, such as Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle as the first significant work to be related in 'psychology-like' work. These philosophers' pondered queries like what is free will, how does the mind work, and what is the relationship of people to their society. For a long period of time, other philosophers struggled to answer such questions. And in the end psychology grew out of philosophy. Wundt began the experimental process of it all, being given the name father of psychology.

I first heard the about the three Greek philosophers Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle in middle school, yet I did not know they were an attributing factor in psychology from their curiosity as to why we behave the way we do. Now that I had looked into the subject I can finally compare these findings to actions in my life and how psychology fits in every aspect of my life.

It was not until I reached college that I found that I have been fooling myself by not exploring psychology. I gained the knowledge that psychology is in every area of my existence. Some include work, school, my personality, and relationships involving significant others, family, and friends.

I found that psychological tests have been being used since World War I. These tests helped review and distinguish prospective managers. The examinations also assisted corporations minimize mishaps and unfortunate occurrences through behavioral changes. Also they help determine the best applicant for a profession, and even help men deal more successfully and professionally with having a female as a boss. Without the slightest clue, I did not know the questions asked on job applications were psychological tests. I have taken at least twenty in my whole lifetime as working teen. Some questions asked : How often does stress influence the way you perform at work? or You get angry with selections Most Often, Sometimes, Rarely, and Never. I saw no point in these assessments but now I realize it's all in good favor for the company. However psychology not only plays a role in my work life but also in my education.

With my lack of understanding, I was unaware that psychology was not just taught in school but also was used there. All while I was in grade school, I knew little about the guidance counselor who some attained degrees in psychology. Also I was fortunate enough to discover that universities and colleges have guidance counselors just like in grade school. They deal with the same issues with students. As I state before, I assumed psychologists were doctors, and nothing more. I am relieved I found out otherwise. Other than psychology playing a role in my work and school life, it also helped me establish who I am individually through my personality.

I use the term "personality" to identify evident traits of any person. When I thought of how personality was familiar to me, two ways came up. The first example in which is commonly known to me was saying "she is sweet or mean". That example relates to my definition of personality. Another way it was familiar to me was in saying that someone has a lot of "personality". This way is usually used as a way of identifying the amount of social ability and skill one has. I felt I had to more research to see how psychologists defined personality. Regarding my findings I realized psychologists cannot agree on what "personality" is, though many definitions linger. Some state it is the quality or state of being a person; the condition of fact of relating to a particular person; the complex of characteristics that distinguishes an individual or a nation or group; distinction or excellence of personal and social traits. Of these I believe I can compare and relate my personality to other areas of my life such as relationships.

As a human