Definitions of Psychology

Definitions of psychology were obtained from 233 introductory psychology textbooks published between 1887 and 1987. An examination of these definitions yields both a finite set of definitional categories as well as interesting patterns over time. The work of Kuhn (1970) on evolution and revolution in science is used in interpreting the results, as the results do show paradigmlike trends. These trends include the return of mentalism and the stability of behavior as representing current definitions.