부산대학교 도서관

The discipline of psychology can be defined by specifying its content. This can be done by listing its various sub-disciplines. Such a listing provides the basis for examining some of the dilemmas associated with choice of content and the depth to which the content is to be taught. Psychology can also be defined as a product of history and a history that has taken place in a certain cultural context. The dominant context has been that of the university which has sought to emphasise the importance of a scientific and empirical approach. The limitations of this approach are identified and discussed along with those of (solely) conceptual approaches that are found in more practical spheres like those of counselling and psychotherapy. Finally relating psychology to other disciplines provides another perspective on its essential nature. With the nature of the discipline in mind some consideration is given to the psychology of learning applied psychology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]