Psychology – the science concerned with behavior – addresses the age-old question: Why people do the things they do? It is a broad discipline, spanning subject matter from biology to sociology. Psychologists study the intersection of two critical relationships: one between brain function and behavior, and one between the environment and behavior.

Psychology is a tremendously varied field. Psychologists conduct both basic and applied research, serve as consultants to communities and organizations, diagnose and treat people, and teach future psychologists and other types of students. They test intelligence and personality. Many psychologists work as health care providers. They assess behavioral and mental function and well-being, stepping in to help where appropriate. They study how human beings relate to each other and also to machines, and they work to improve these relationships. And with America undergoing large changes in its population makeup, psychologists bring important knowledge and skills to understanding diverse cultures.