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Chapter 1 part 1 Defining Psychology }Psychology is defined as .. >A discipline concerned with behavior & mental processes and how they are affected by an organism’s physical state, mental state, and external environment °It's based on : Scientific Research & Empirical Evidence — Evidence gathered by careful observation, experimentation, & measurement Critical & Creative Thinking in Psychology 1Critical Thinking > Ability & willingness to assess claims and make judgments on the basis of well-supported reasons and evidence rather than emotion or anecdote °Includes the ability to be creative & constructive tExamples of Critical Thinkin }Ask Questions; Be Willing to Wonder }Define Your Terms tExamine the Evidence tAnalyze Assumptions & Biases }Consider Other Interpretations }Tolerate Uncertainty Academic/research psychologists }Basic research (seek knowledge): °E.g., “How does peer pressure influence attitudes & behavior?” } }Applied research (practical or direct): °E.g., “How can knowledge about peer pressure be used to get college students to quit binge drinking?”