NCERT Class 11 Psychology Introduction to Psychology: Chapter 1 — What is Psychology?
This chapter introduces Psychology as a discipline, exploring its nature, role, and evolution. It clarifies that while early definitions linked psychology to the study of the soul, modern psychology has evolved into a scientific discipline focusing on processes underlying human experience and behavior. The chapter highlights psychology's scope, covering individual, dyadic, group, and organizational levels, and its biological and social bases. It addresses popular notions about psychology, its development in India, and its various branches. The text emphasizes that psychology aims to contribute to human well-being by understanding complex questions about human nature, motivations, and actions, from acts of terrorism to acts of altruism and personal achievement. It also touches upon the study of internal psychological processes like consciousness and attention, acknowledging that while answers are still evolving, the discipline enhances our understanding of these phenomena. The chapter concludes by stressing the value of psychology in daily life for self-understanding and understanding others.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 11 |
| Subject | Psychology |
| Book | Introduction to Psychology |
| Chapter | Chapter 1 — What is Psychology? |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 4 minutes |
| Word count | 694 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand the nature and role of psychology in comprehending mind and behavior.
- State the historical growth and evolution of the discipline of psychology.
- Identify the different branches of psychology and their relationship with other disciplines.
- Appreciate the practical value of psychology in everyday life for self and social understanding.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Psyche | Greek word meaning soul. |
| Logos | Greek word meaning science or study of a subject. |
| Consciousness | The state of being aware of and responsive to one's surroundings. |
| Dyadic | Relating to a pair or group of two people. |
| Altruism | Disinterested and selfless concern for the well-being of others. |
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Practice questions
- What were the original meanings of the Greek words 'psyche' and 'logos'? Answer: Psyche meant soul, and logos meant science or study of a subject.
- How has the focus of psychology shifted from its early definition? Answer: Psychology has moved from being a study of the soul to a scientific discipline studying processes underlying human experience and behavior.
- What are the different levels of phenomena studied by psychology? Answer: Psychology studies phenomena at individual, dyadic (two-person), group, and organizational levels.
Practice MCQs
Q1. The term 'psychology' is derived from the Greek words 'psyche' and 'logos'. What do these words mean?
Explanation: The Greek word 'psyche' means soul, and 'logos' means science or study of a subject, forming the original basis of the term psychology.
Q2. Modern psychology is best described as a scientific discipline that deals with:
Explanation: Modern psychology has evolved to scientifically study the complex processes that underlie human experiences and behaviors, moving beyond earlier definitions.
Q3. Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a level of phenomena studied by psychology?
Explanation: The chapter mentions individual, dyadic, group, and organizational levels of phenomena studied by psychology, but not familial.
Q4. According to the text, what is a key aspect of psychology that distinguishes it from other sciences?
Explanation: Psychology is unique in its study of psychological processes which are largely internal and observable within oneself, unlike many other sciences.
Q5. The chapter suggests that psychological knowledge is intended to contribute to:
Explanation: Like all knowledge, psychological knowledge aims to contribute positively to human well-being by helping us understand ourselves and others better.
Frequently asked questions
What is the basic definition of psychology based on its Greek origins?
Based on its Greek origins, psychology was considered the study of the soul ('psyche') and its science ('logos').
How does modern psychology differ from its early definition?
Modern psychology has evolved into a scientific discipline that studies the processes underlying human experience and behavior, moving away from the sole focus on the soul.
What are some examples of phenomena studied by psychology?
Psychology studies phenomena like consciousness, attention, motivations behind actions (e.g., terrorism, altruism), and group behavior.
What is the ultimate goal of psychological knowledge?
Psychological knowledge aims to contribute to human well-being by enhancing our understanding of ourselves and others.
What are the different levels at which psychology studies phenomena?
Psychology studies phenomena at individual, dyadic (two-person), group, and organizational levels.
Why is psychology considered a unique science?
It is unique because it studies psychological processes that are largely internal and can be observed within oneself.
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NCERT Class 11 Psychology — Introduction to Psychology — Chapter 1 — What is Psychology?. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.