The Diverse World of the Mind: Major Branches of Psychology (Pure vs. Applied)

 

Welcome to the diverse world of mind. Here, we explore the major branches of psychology—not just as subjects, but as rhythms of human experience.

Psychology is a vast field — and just like a tree, it has many branches. Each one explores a different part of human experience. Before we deep dive into the major branches of Psychology it would be wise enough if you had good grasp into:

1.  What is Psychology? – Class 11 Psychology Companion Course 

2. How Psychologists Study Behaviour – Class 11 Psychology Companion Course

3.  Goals of Psychology: A Gentle Introduction

 

Since you have now the clear understanding let us proceed.

The Core Distinction: Pure vs. Applied Psychology

Before diving into the individual branches, it is crucial to understand that all of psychology is broadly classified into two main categories: Pure/Basic Psychology and Applied Psychology. They work together, but their goals are fundamentally different.

 

Pure (Basic) Psychology vs. Applied Psychology

 

Aspect	Pure (Basic) Psychology	Applied Psychology
Primary Goal	Knowledge for its own sake. To expand the theoretical understanding of human behaviour and mental processes.	Solving real-world problems. To use theories and principles to solve immediate, practical issues.
Educational Value & Why	Teaches the foundational, academic side of the field.	Teaches the real-world utility and career paths in psychology
Nature of Work	Theory Development and Research. Focuses on why and how things work. (Example: Why does memory work better with visuals?)	Intervention and Application. Focuses on what to do to fix a problem. (Example: How can we design better visual aids for learning?)
Common Branches	Cognitive Psychology,  Biopsychology, Experimental Psychology, General Psychology.	Clinical Psychology, Educational Psychology, Industrial/Organizational (I/O) Psychology, Forensic Psychology.
Analogy	Like a Scientist discovering a new law of physics in a lab.	Like an Engineer using that law of physics to build a bridge.

 

 Major Branches of Psychology

Now let’s look at some of the key branches of Psychology:

– Clinical Psychology: Focuses on mental health issues their assessment, diagnosis, and treatment, emotional problems, and therapy.

– Counseling Psychology: Deals with milder emotional and personal problems, helping people cope with everyday challenges and life transitions.

– Developmental Psychology: Studies how we grow and change across the lifespan (from conception to death).

– Cognitive Psychology: Focuses on higher-order mental processes like memory, thinking, perception, and problem-solving. Explores how we think, learn, remember, and solve problems.

– Social Psychology: Looks at how people influence and relate to one another. Studies how social influences affect individual behaviour, focusing on group dynamics, attitudes, and intergroup conflict.

– Industrial-Organizational Psychology: Applies psychology to workplaces and organizations. Applies psychological principles to the workplace to improve productivity, morale, and personnel selection.

– Educational Psychology: Studies how people learn in educational settings; aims to improve teaching methods and resolve learning difficulties. In general helps improve teaching and learning processes.

Closing 

Each branch of psychology opens a window into the human mind. Together, they help us understand ourselves — and each other — a little better.

Subscribe if you’d like to walk this path with me. And thank you — for being here.

 

🎥 About the Video

This video gently introduces the branches of psychology using visual metaphors and clear narration. It is designed to support learners in the 11 Psychology Companion Course, offering both conceptual clarity and emotional resonance.

Whether you're studying for exams or simply curious, this video offers a structured and comforting guide to the heart of psychology.

🧠 11 Psychology Companion Course

This post is part of a structured series designed to support learners in Class 11 Psychology. Each entry companions a video, shaped with clarity and emotional resonance. Explore more at Dr. Geetanjali Pareek’s YouTube Channel and continue your journey.

🔗 Explore the full course playlist on YouTube: 11 Psychology Companion Course 

💬 Reflect & Connect

“Which goal of psychology do you find most interesting, and why?” Next, we’ll explore the branches of psychology and how each one applies these goals differently.

📚 Recommended Resources

If you’d like to explore further, here are some resources we trust:

• General Psychology – Buy on Amazon

These links support the archive and may include affiliate partnerships. We only share what we trust.

We shape. We share. We rest. That is enough. 🦉 Companioning your journey with clarity and care.

Reference: NCERT 11th Class Psychology

 

Class 11 Psychology Companion Course

 

1.  What is Psychology? – Class 11 Psychology Companion Course

2. How Psychologists Study Behaviour – Class 11 Psychology Companion Course

3.  Goals of Psychology: A Gentle Introduction 

We explore. We understand. We grow. That is psychology.