We begin by laying a foundation for our study of psychology. First, in Chapter 1, we consider what psychology is and how it is practiced. Understanding the nature of scientific inquiry in psychology will prepare us to understand research described in later chapters and to think more critically about events in everyday life. Then in Chapter 2, we consider the biological foundations of our behavior. We will see how our genes, nervous system, and body chemistry play a vital role in virtually everything else this book describes our development as individuals, our abilities to perceive, learn, and think and our normal and sometimes disordered behavior and emotions.