Psychology: what is it?
Psychology is made of two important parts-
1. Science - psychology studies focus on behaviours and the biological and cognitive processes that underlie behaviour
2. Profession (or Applied Psychology) - a profession that applies the accumulated knowledge of this science to practical problems
Behaviour is made up of a plethora of elements ranging from normal to abnormal. Influences on these behaviours are just as plentiful and diverse. Behaviours may be influenced by your genes, biological functioning, cognitive functioning, developmental stages, personality and social contexts - including society and culture.
Most importantly, psychology is not 'having a hunch', 'trusting your intuition' or 'determined by fate'. Psychology IS running experiments, testing theories and producing testable statements about the cause or relationships surrounding human behaviour.