In this post we will discuss about the meaning, nature and scope of psychology. At the end, we give a general definition of psychology which may be use for academic purposes.

The word, ‘Psychology’ is derived from two Greek words, ‘Psyche’ and ‘Logos’ Psyche means ‘sou’ and ‘Logos’ means ‘science’. Thus, psychology was first defined as the ‘science of soul’ According to earlier psychologists, the function of psychology was to study the nature, origin and destiny of the human soul. But soul is something metaphysical. It cannot be seen, observed and touched and we cannot make scientific experiments on soul.

In the eighteenth century, brain research was perceived as the 'Study of Psyche'. William James (1892) characterized brain research as the study of mental cycles. In any case, the word 'mind' is additionally very equivocal as there are disarray in regards to the nature and elements of brain. Current clinicians characterized brain research as the 'Study of Cognizance'. James Contaminate (1884) characterized brain research as the 'Study of the Inward World'. Wilhelm Wundt (1892) characterized brain research as the science which examines the 'inner encounters'. Be that as it may, there are three degrees of awareness – cognizant, subliminal and the oblivious thus this definition isn't clear also. Hence, brain research originally lost its spirit, at that point its psyche and afterward its cognizance.

William McDugall (1905) characterized brain research as the 'Study of Conduct'. Essentially, W.B. Pillsbury (1911) and J.B. Watson (1912) characterized brain research as the study of conduct. Conduct for the most part implies unmistakable exercises which can be noticed and estimated experimentally. Be that as it may, one's conduct is constantly affected by his/her encounters. Along these lines, when we study one's conduct we should likewise consider his encounters. Brain research ought to, in this manner, be characterized as a 'study of conduct and encounters on individuals' (B.F. Skinner). Crow and Crow (1963) characterize, 'Brain research is the investigation of human conduct and human relationship.

An instructor should manage a gathering of understudies in the homeroom with alert, on the grounds that the attributes of every understudy is extraordinary. It is along these lines vital to comprehend the various qualities of understudies at different degrees of development and improvement to make compelling learning and proficient. Instructive brain science can help educators and planned instructors in understanding contrasts in understudy attributes.

Great comprehension of the study hall utilized in the learning interaction causes instructors to convey material to understudies adequately. Environment helpful for learning should be made by the instructor so the learning cycle can be run successfully. An educator should know the right standards in instructing and learning, an alternate methodology in instructing to the learning cycle better. Instructive brain science assumes a part in assisting instructors with establishing socio-passionate environment that is helpful in the homeroom, so the way toward learning in the study hall can be powerful.

Selection of Learning Strategies and Methods:

Teaching methods are based on the characteristics of students' progress. Educational psychology can assist teachers in determining the strategy or method of learning the proper and appropriate, and able to relate to the characteristics and uniqueness of the individual, the type of learning and learning styles and levels of development being experienced by the learner.

A teacher must play different roles in the school, not only in the implementation of learning, but also act as mentors for students. Guidance is the kind of assistance to students to solve problems they encounter. Knowledge of educational psychology allows teachers to provide educational and vocational guidance necessary for students at different ages.