Elements in Behaviourl Psychology

The definition of psychology as the science of behaviour is again too partial to be wholly satisfactory. Admittedly, behaviour is observable and its outcomes are of primary significance to an individual, but psychology is concerned as well with the experiencing side of personality and with the mind. With regard to behaviour, the psychologist tries to answer such questions as: What are the varieties of behaviour? What forces affect behaviour? How does behaviour develop? How do individuals differ in their behaviour? Behaviour taken broadly to include not only habits and skills but also attitudes, interests, and appreciations. Psychology, then, must be defined broadly as the science of experience, of the mind, and of behaviour. It conceives of man as an organism which is responsive to the world about and who is capable o affecting efficient adaptation to the environment through the operation of his mental processes.