General psychology is an introductory-level class. Students study a broad range of psychological topics, providing a foundation and enabling them to find an area of focus for future study. General psychology classes often incorporate some level of research-based study. Psychology is both theoretical and experimental, so research is necessary for comprehensive understanding.
According to the Society for Neuroscience, "Neuroscience, the study of the nervous system, advances the understanding of human thought, emotion and behavior." Scientists in this branch understand the natural function of this system, which enables them to spot disorders or abnormalities in a patient. Perception and cognition take this focus area to a new level. The study of neuroscience is vital to understanding other psychological disciplines.
Behavioral psychology asks the question, "Is our behavior a result of nature or nurture?" Students study conditioning and the effect of environment on behavior. Operant conditioning studies the link between behavior and consequences; classical conditioning studies the link between behavior and specific responses. This branch of psychology also examines tendencies such as drug and alcohol abuse.
Personality-based psychology studies behavioral patterns that are consistent and orderly based on an individual's perception and judgment. Students study Myers-Brigg personality types, which identify individuals as introverted or extroverted, sensing or intuitive, thinking or feeling, and judging or perceiving. The Ocean Personality Assessment, also popular, categorizes people according to the Big Five Factors: openness to experience, conscientiousness, extroversion, agreeableness and natural reactions.
Relational psychology studies a wide range of topics. Social group psychology examines the dynamics of particular groups of people. The study of relationships examines dating, marriage, cohabitation, and sexual practices and preferences over a period of time. Racial and ethnic issues are researched and studied. Spiritual preference and practice is also a topic of interest.
Developmental psychology explores human development from infancy to death. This is often broken into multiple classes focusing on infancy and early childhood, adolescence and young adulthood, parenting and later life leading to death. Social issues are often examined, including topics such as conception and euthanasia and the ethical issues associated with each.
Abnormal psychology typically takes a clinical approach, studying nuances in behavior and brain development. Case studies are popular in this branch. Personality deviations and behavior such as depression, eating disorders, and phobias and fetishes are examined and identified. Indications of a problem and treatment options are necessary to fully understand abnormalities.
Experimental psychology embraces the basic techniques learned in introductory classes. Students hypothesize, conduct experiments, follow procedures in controlled environments and come to conclusions. Like all branches of psychology, experimental works closely with behavioral psychology to understand perceptions, motivations and tendencies. Because this branch of science directly involves the study of people and the brain, ethics plays a heavy role in experiments. Students study the history of psychology to better grasp the current direction of current psychological research.