OverviewPsychology

Exploring the intellect through scientific study and development of the mind

As the Ancient Greek etymology suggests, ‘psychology’ is the study of the soul or mind. Although we cannot see the mind, psychology allows us to explain it scientifically from various perspectives, and to explore human nature in the tightly knit context of everyday life and society. In order to realize this, the Department of Psychology provides the following three major fields.

The first is ‘Basic Psychology’ which explores the laws of the mind using scientific methods focusing on experimentation. The second is ‘Applied Psychology’ which considers various real-life issues such as development, society, and industry. The third field is ‘Clinical Psychology’ which investigates the promotion of physical and mental health and psychological assistance.

In terms of peripheral fields, the Department is also providing modern approaches in the form of cognitive psychology, applied behavior analysis, and psychosomatic medicine. Thus, we consider that by providing diverse, multifaceted approaches for the scientific study of the human mind and behavior, students can become intimately acquainted with the basic knowledge and concepts of psychology across multiple disciplines, which will then allow them to conduct creative and unique research based on uninhibited, flexible thinking.

Specialized education commences in the first year, and students can acquire most of the basic knowledge and techniques of psychology within the first two years. In the second year, students begin studying cutting-edge themes unconstrained by conventional psychology frameworks, and receive in-depth guidance early on to enable them to independently set up individual research plans. Small-group laboratory courses and seminars consist of small-scale research presentations and enthusiastic debates so that students can gain further hints and insights towards their own original research. This steady accumulation of knowledge culminates in the graduation thesis.

Society’s needs and expectations with respect to psychology have grown to encompass all areas. The Department of Psychology aims to foster human resources capable of responding to society’s demands through the acquisition of specialized knowledge and expertise which can be leveraged in their future careers.
01/ Equipment for auditory experiments  02/ Psychology involves the collection and analysis of various data 03/ Psychological research even extends to child’s play 04/ Students conduct various experiments and research in the Department’s 15 laboratories 05/ Programming with computer language 06/ Laboratory equipped with electromagnetic shielding 07/ Eye movement expresses mental process 08/ Investigating cognitive mechanisms via brainwaves and reaction time 09/ Scientific analysis of measured data 10/ Measuring individual differences in pedal operation during driving 11/ Mental and physical stress induces muscle tension 12/ A small-group laboratory course 13/ Psychological experiments on animals 14/ The College also features an optical illusion device 15/ Equipment to observe and analyze behavior 16/ Comparing the apparent size of two triangles

Relationship with the Department of Body Expression and Cinematic Arts

Even if psychology is based on scientific approaches in order to elucidate human behavior, the subject of study is by no means limited to behavior in the narrow sense of the word. Today’s psychological exploration of human beings must be open to a multi-dimensional system of ‘mind, body, and environment’. Even self expression and the resolution of psychological issues are intimately involved with physical recovery.

In addition, experiences of machine-based visual images such as movies and television have a significant impact on the thoughts, actions, and awareness of modern people. Human bodies are highly susceptible to countless pieces of information and it is the mind that is responsible for processing this information, so the effects that machine-based visual image environments such as movies and TV have on the mind represents yet another important new theme. The Department of Psychology is therefore actively studying the relationships between the mind and body, human awareness systems, and the significance of machine-based visual image environments.

Concept

Psychology is an evolving discipline, and interest in the complex mind and behavior of humans will never wane. That is precisely why new discoveries and developments are constantly being made in regards to the mechanisms of the human mind. How do we perceive information within our environment? How do we memorize that information, and how does it affect our behavior? These are all compelling questions worthy of our attention. We must not forget that humans are social beings. In order to understand human intelligence, emotions, and personalities, it is also important that we approach them from the socio-environmental contexts of family, school, and work. Another important challenge is to work towards the realization of a healthy mind and body by considering a diverse range of psychological support measures for improving personal relationships and resolving psychological issues.

The Department of Psychology aims to foster students who possess the skills to scientifically observe and analyze the human mind and behavior, and who have a comprehensive understanding of human beings across the three fields of basic, applied, and clinical psychology.
Basic Psychology seeks to explain the laws of the mind and behavior; Applied Psychology attempts to resolve various social issues; and Clinical Psychology provides assistance for people suffering from mental problems. Through these three fields, psychology seeks to deal with the mind.

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