Psychology: A Study of Mental Life

A scientific publication written in the early 20th century. This work serves as an introductory textbook on psychology, presenting the field as a scientific investigation into mental life, behavior, and consciousness. Woodworth aims to lay the groundwork for understanding various psychological concepts and methods, catering especially to beginners in the subject. The opening of this comprehensive study provides a preface in which the author explains his approach to compiling psychological information, acknowledging the contributions of fellow psychologists while emphasizing the selection of relevant material for readers. The first chapter outlines the essence of psychology as a science, differentiating it from other disciplines and underscoring its focus on mental processes and behavior. The text further discusses the importance of defining various psychological concepts, the methods of observation—both objective and introspective—and the challenges associated with studying complex mental activities. Overall, the beginning lays a foundation for a systematic examination of psychological principles and encourages readers to adopt a scientific perspective towards understanding mental life.