Vocabulary: Thematic & Topical Vocabulary (B2) - Lesson 6: Psychology & Human Behavior

Lesson 6: Psychology & Human Behavior

Understanding How We Think and Act

Why do we feel happy or sad? Why do some people act differently than others? The study of the mind and how it influences our actions is called psychology. This B2 lesson will introduce you to key vocabulary for discussing human behavior and what motivates us.

Word Bank

Key Psychological Concepts

• Psychology (noun) | ចិត្តវិទ្យា
  The scientific study of the human mind and its functions.
• Behavior (noun) | អាកប្បកិរិយា
  The way in which someone acts.
• motivation (noun) | ការលើកទឹកចិត្ត
  The reason you have for acting or behaving in a particular way.
  Example: "His motivation for studying hard is to get a good job."
• cognition (noun) | ការយល់ដឹង
  The mental process of thinking, learning, and understanding.
  Example: "As we grow, our cognition develops."
• perception (noun) | ការយល់ឃើញ
  The way you think about or understand something, using your senses.
  Example: "My perception of the situation is different from yours."
• conscious (adjective) | ដឹងខ្លួន
  Aware of and responding to your surroundings; awake.
  Example: "He made a conscious decision to eat healthier food."
• subconscious (adjective/noun) | ចិត្តមិនដឹងខ្លួន
  The part of your mind that influences you without you being aware of it.
  Example: "Our subconscious mind can influence our dreams."

Describing Personality Types

• introvert (noun) | មនុស្ស​ដែល​ចូលចិត្ត​នៅ​ម្នាក់ឯង
  A person who feels more comfortable focusing on their inner thoughts.
  Example: "As an introvert, I prefer small groups to big parties."
• extrovert (noun) | មនុស្ស​ដែល​ចូលចិត្ត​សង្គម
  An outgoing, socially confident person.
  Example: "My brother is an extrovert and loves meeting new people."

Usage Note: The "Psychology" Word Family

This is a useful word family for discussions on this topic.

• Psychology (noun): The study of the mind.
  "He is studying psychology at university."
• Psychologist (noun): The person who is an expert in psychology.
  "She spoke to a psychologist about her anxiety."
• Psychological (adjective): Relating to the mind.
  "Stress can have both physical and psychological effects."

In Conversation

Srey and Bora are discussing a book about psychology.

Srey: I'm reading a book about psychology. It's fascinating.

Bora: Oh really? What is it about?

Srey: It discusses how our perception of the world is not always accurate. It also talks about subconscious motivation.

Bora: You mean the reasons we do things without even making a conscious choice?

Srey: Exactly! For example, it says that an introvert might choose a quiet job not because they are shy, but because that's where their brain has the most energy.

Bora: That makes sense. My sister is a total extrovert. Her behavior is so different from mine. She loves being the center of attention.

Check Your Understanding

1. The scientific study of the mind and how it influences our actions is called ______.
   • a) sociology
   • b) psychology
   • c) biology
   Answer: b) psychology

2. Choose the correct word form: "Stress can have many negative ______ effects."
   • a) psychology
   • b) psychologist
   • c) psychological
   Answer: c) psychological (We need an adjective to describe the noun 'effects').

3. A person who feels energized by spending time with many people is likely an ______.
   • a) introvert
   • b) extrovert
   • c) artist
   Answer: b) extrovert

Your Mission

1. Self-Reflection: Which personality type are you more like, an introvert or an extrovert? Write one sentence explaining why. (e.g., "I think I am an introvert because I enjoy reading books alone.")
2. My Motivation: Think about why you are learning English. Write one sentence about your motivation. (e.g., "My motivation is to get a better job.")
3. Speak: Your mission is to ask a friend, "Do you think you are more of an introvert or an extrovert?". Listen to their reasons.