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3 Dec 2025
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Introduction to Psychology: Basics You Must Know
X
x
@x_mxcs
1 / 10
Course Overview and Structure
This General Psychology and Life Skills module is designed to give you practical tools for understanding yourself and navigating your academic and social life. The course is brilliantly structured into eleven chapters that build upon each other.
The first seven chapters cover core psychological concepts - from the essence of psychology and human development to learning theories, memory, motivation, personality, and psychological disorders. These chapters give you the scientific foundation to understand how your mind works.
The final four chapters focus on life skills that you can apply immediately. You'll learn intrapersonal skills , academic skills (such as time management and study techniques), and social skills (including communication and conflict resolution).
Key Point: This isn't just theory - every concept you learn has direct applications to your daily life, from improving your study habits to managing relationships and planning your future career.
Module Objectives and What You'll Gain
By the end of this course, you'll have developed a comprehensive toolkit for personal and academic success. You'll be able to describe basic psychological concepts and understand how different theoretical perspectives explain human behaviour.
The course will help you compare learning theories and apply them to improve your own study methods. You'll also gain insight into motivational and emotional processes - crucial for understanding what drives you and how to manage your feelings effectively.
Perhaps most importantly, you'll demonstrate social and interpersonal skills in your everyday interactions. The course teaches you to set adaptive goals, plan for your future, and apply psychological knowledge to solve real-life problems.
Confidence Boost: These aren't just academic skills - they're life skills that will serve you well beyond your studies, whether you're heading to university, starting a career, or simply wanting to understand yourself better.
The Essence of Psychology - What It Really Means
The word psychology comes from two Greek words: 'psyche' (mind, soul, or spirit) and 'logos' (study or knowledge). Put simply, psychology is the scientific study of human behaviour and mental processes - it's about understanding why you do what you do.
There are three key aspects to this definition. First, psychology is a science - psychologists don't just guess about behaviour; they use rigorous scientific methods and empirical data. Second, it studies behaviour - all your outward actions like talking, facial expressions, and movement. Third, it examines mental processes - your internal activities like thinking, feeling, and remembering.
This scientific approach means psychology can help you understand everything from why you procrastinate before exams to how you form friendships. It's not just common sense - it's evidence-based knowledge that you can actually rely on.
Real-World Application: Understanding these basics helps you approach your own behaviour more scientifically - you can observe patterns, test strategies, and make evidence-based changes to improve your life.
The Four Goals of Psychology
Psychology has four main goals that work together to help us understand human behaviour: description, explanation, prediction, and control. These aren't just academic concepts - they're practical tools you can use in your own life.
Description involves carefully observing behaviour and asking key questions: What's happening? Where and when does it occur? To whom does it happen? For example, a teacher might notice that a particular student seems anxious during certain types of lessons.
The other goals build on this foundation. Explanation seeks to understand why behaviours occur, prediction aims to forecast when they might happen again, and control focuses on how to influence or change behaviours when needed.
Personal Application: You can use these same goals to understand yourself better - describe your study habits, explain what affects them, predict when you'll be most productive, and develop strategies to control your learning environment.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
Most popular content: Psychology
Most popular content in Sociology
Most popular content
English - inspector calls quotes and analysis
Quotes from every main character
English Literature10
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Introduction to Psychology: Basics You Must Know
X
x
@x_mxcs
Ever wondered what goes on inside your mind when you're cramming for an exam or dealing with peer pressure? Psychology is the scientific study of human behaviour and mental processes - basically, it's the science that helps us understand why... Show more
Course Overview and Structure
This General Psychology and Life Skills module is designed to give you practical tools for understanding yourself and navigating your academic and social life. The course is brilliantly structured into eleven chapters that build upon each other.
The first seven chapters cover core psychological concepts - from the essence of psychology and human development to learning theories, memory, motivation, personality, and psychological disorders. These chapters give you the scientific foundation to understand how your mind works.
The final four chapters focus on life skills that you can apply immediately. You'll learn intrapersonal skills , academic skills (such as time management and study techniques), and social skills (including communication and conflict resolution).
Key Point: This isn't just theory - every concept you learn has direct applications to your daily life, from improving your study habits to managing relationships and planning your future career.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Module Objectives and What You'll Gain
By the end of this course, you'll have developed a comprehensive toolkit for personal and academic success. You'll be able to describe basic psychological concepts and understand how different theoretical perspectives explain human behaviour.
The course will help you compare learning theories and apply them to improve your own study methods. You'll also gain insight into motivational and emotional processes - crucial for understanding what drives you and how to manage your feelings effectively.
Perhaps most importantly, you'll demonstrate social and interpersonal skills in your everyday interactions. The course teaches you to set adaptive goals, plan for your future, and apply psychological knowledge to solve real-life problems.
Confidence Boost: These aren't just academic skills - they're life skills that will serve you well beyond your studies, whether you're heading to university, starting a career, or simply wanting to understand yourself better.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
The Essence of Psychology - What It Really Means
The word psychology comes from two Greek words: 'psyche' (mind, soul, or spirit) and 'logos' (study or knowledge). Put simply, psychology is the scientific study of human behaviour and mental processes - it's about understanding why you do what you do.
There are three key aspects to this definition. First, psychology is a science - psychologists don't just guess about behaviour; they use rigorous scientific methods and empirical data. Second, it studies behaviour - all your outward actions like talking, facial expressions, and movement. Third, it examines mental processes - your internal activities like thinking, feeling, and remembering.
This scientific approach means psychology can help you understand everything from why you procrastinate before exams to how you form friendships. It's not just common sense - it's evidence-based knowledge that you can actually rely on.
Real-World Application: Understanding these basics helps you approach your own behaviour more scientifically - you can observe patterns, test strategies, and make evidence-based changes to improve your life.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
The Four Goals of Psychology
Psychology has four main goals that work together to help us understand human behaviour: description, explanation, prediction, and control. These aren't just academic concepts - they're practical tools you can use in your own life.
Description involves carefully observing behaviour and asking key questions: What's happening? Where and when does it occur? To whom does it happen? For example, a teacher might notice that a particular student seems anxious during certain types of lessons.
The other goals build on this foundation. Explanation seeks to understand why behaviours occur, prediction aims to forecast when they might happen again, and control focuses on how to influence or change behaviours when needed.
Personal Application: You can use these same goals to understand yourself better - describe your study habits, explain what affects them, predict when you'll be most productive, and develop strategies to control your learning environment.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
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Most popular content: Psychology
Most popular content in Sociology
Most popular content
English - inspector calls quotes and analysis
Quotes from every main character
English Literature10
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user