To different disciplines

parts of the body. Yet another technique called guided imagery can also be used
for relaxation. In this technique, people visualise images that are calming, relaxing
or beneficial in other ways.
Research shows that about 94% of diseases have psychological origin. These
psychosomatic diseases (Asthma, ulcers, even cancers) can be cured by application
of psychology. It has also been reported by many studies that optimistic outlook
and positive thinking help patients in speedy recovery.
Thus, knowledge of psychology, such as perception, thinking, motivation,
personality etc., can be applied by professionals like doctors, psychiatrists and
counselors.
4.3.2
Psychology and the Physical Sciences
Physical sciences like physics and chemistry have also influenced the development
of psychology. In fact, early experiments in psychology were very much modeled
after and inspired by experiments in physics. Psychophysics appeared as an area
of research in psychology due to the interaction between psychology and physics.
The outstanding British thinker, John Stuart Mill suggested that psychology should

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Introduction to Psychology,
Objectives, Goals
be a type of mental chemistry. From the early Greek period onwards researchers
have tried to investigate and establish the chemical basis of human behaviour.
Psychology has been influenced by the developments in physics like the work of
Ehrenfels in acoustics. In fact, gestalt psychology (one of the early schools of
psychology), was primarily/mainly inspired by this work. The developments in
quantum-physics, magnetic field theories etc., have also revolutionalised
psychological thinking. More recently, engineering sciences, particularly
cybernetics and information theory have also influenced psychology. These
developments have led to development of modern computers. Today, attempts
are being made by psychologists to draw analogies between computers and human
behaviour, particularly in areas like thinking, memory, learning, decision making
etc. Thus, psychology is very closely related to physical sciences.