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The New Zealand Railways Magazine, Volume 4, Issue 7 (November 1, 1929)

Psychology Defined

Psychology Defined.

It should be remembered that psychology is, briefly, the science of the mind. This definition, however, does not prevent a consideration of the physical side of life. Most readers will agree that mind, as we understand it, cannot be separated from body. The functions of the “mind” in seeing, memorising, paying attention and so on, cannot be divorced, in a satisfactory manner, from the physiological aspect. The acceptance of such a view will, therefore, make it plain that, in considering certain industrial problems, account must be taken of fatigue, health, muscular co-ordination and similar factors. Finally it must be realised that we have not, as yet, satisfactorily solved many psychological problems. What we know of the subject is not final. Take fatigue as an instance. Many books have been written, much investigation has been undertaken, but we have not reached the stage when we can say “It is the end.” The most we can say is that, so far as we know, our investigations indicate certain conclusions. All over the world investigations are being carried on, the work is being reduced to a practical basis, real measurements are being made in factory and in workshop, and it is this body of knowledge which indicates the why and the wherefore of much of our industrial procedure.