Class 11 Psychology - BIHAR
What is Psychology
The chapter 'What is Psychology' in the Class 11 Bihar School Examination Board (BSEB) syllabus introduces students to the scientific study of human mind and behaviour. It explains psychology's evolution from a philosophical branch to an empirical science, highlighting its various sub-fields like clinical, cognitive, and developmental psychology. Understanding this chapter is crucial for board exams as it builds the foundational framework for all subsequent chapters, carrying significant weightage in both objective and subjective questions.
Start Learning FreeKey Concepts
Definition of Psychology
Psychology is scientifically defined as the study of mental processes, experiences, and behaviours in different contexts.
Evolution of Psychology
Psychology evolved from philosophy, initially studying the soul, then consciousness (Wundt), behaviour (Watson), and finally cognition and mental processes.
Behaviour
Responses or reactions to stimuli that can be observed and measured objectively, ranging from simple reflexes to complex actions.
Mental Processes
Internal experiences like thinking, remembering, perceiving, and feeling that cannot be directly observed but are inferred from behaviour.
Branches of Psychology
Diverse areas of specialization including clinical psychology, cognitive psychology, developmental psychology, organizational psychology, and educational psychology.
Important Formulas
Board Exam Info
In the Bihar Board (BSEB) Class 11 psychology examination, this introductory chapter typically carries around 6 to 8 marks. Questions frequently appear as multiple-choice questions (MCQs), short answer questions defining key terms, and long-answer questions explaining the nature and scope of psychology.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is psychology a science?
Yes, psychology is considered a social and natural science because it uses empirical methods, systematic observation, and experimentation to study behaviour and mental processes.
Mental processes are internal subjective experiences like thinking and reasoning, whereas behaviours are outward, observable actions and reactions to environmental stimuli.
Who is known as the father of modern psychology?
Wilhelm Wundt is recognized as the father of modern psychology because he set up the first experimental psychology laboratory in Leipzig, Germany, in 1879.
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