Here's the one I just presented to my Intro Psych class. It's a bit
idiosyncratic, but (I think) generally correct:
Psychology is the systematic study of the behavior of organisms, and of
phenomena related to behavior.
"Behavior" includes overt actions and covert processes (e.g., cognitive
processes) and states (e.g., emotions).
"Organisms" truly does mean "any living organism." It's not particularly
difficult to find examples of psychologists investigating organisms from
essentially any phylum you want to pick.
"Phenomena related to behavior" includes (e.g.) neurophysiological mechanisms,
hormonal influences, genetics, biomechanics, etc.
"Systematic study" suggests the application of some form of scientific method.
Hope you find this helpful.
Pat Cabe
**************************************************
Patrick Cabe, Ph.D.
Department of Psychology
University of North Carolina at Pembroke
One University Drive
Pembroke, NC 28372-1510
(910) 521-6630
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
