1.1

The history of psychology in the magic world is relatively short in relation to that of the outside world. As a result, many theories have found their basis in the science established by muggles. It is worth noting that psychomagistics and it's associated topics are not a study into the physical origins of magic, nor is it a explicitly concerned with an essentialist definition of magic. It is with this in mind that we offer a definition of our key terms.

1.2

What is Psychomagistics? Psychomagistics is simply the study of the human/humanoid mind and behavior. Formerly magicology (and even earlier psychodivinity), this term captures the essence of what is basically a look at how magic and the magic world interacts with those conscious beings who are affected by it. It includes all magical beings that exhibit higher level cognitive functioning as well as culture of some kind. 

Although the term itself is inclusive, there has historically been some controversy with the prevalence of humans as the most documented researchers in the field. However, the field has seen a renaissance over the last 2 decades and now more than ever are the voices of various magical beings being represented in name and in salient research.

1.3 

Though psychomagistics is inherently involved with magical processes, it should be noted that research in the field is conducted using the scientific method. That is to say that it involves observable phenomena, hypotheses, experiments, discussion, and control. As a science it is interested in teasing out the truths of an intrinsically mysterious system. In the chapter 3 we will discuss the scientific method in greater detail, but for now it is sufficient to know that claims in the field of psychomagistics are supported by hard research and the resulting data, rather than conjecture and speculation. This goes a long way in legitimizing this particular branch of social and behavioral psychology in the rest of the scientific community.  

1.4

One may wonder what might be the purpose of a science in the world of magic. There is a common misconception that the two do not involve one another. Au contraire. Magic does not defy the laws of science, rather, it is contained within them. Thought about critically, magic is simply a name for a different kind of force in the world. Like any force, its effects can be observed and measured. From the most powerful disarming spell to the most subtle charm, these enchanting practices all have concrete effects on the world around them, and it is this that defines them. Science is a way of thinking about and observing the universe that leads to a deep understanding of its workings, and as such science is very much concerned with the value of magic.

Like muggle psychology, psychomagistics is interested in solvable problems. It is ultimately concerned with research that tells us something about the world that we live in. How the tools of magic affect our thought patterns, behaviors, and social relationships. This systematic approach is often contrasted with our muggle counterparts because they exist as a mirror into our own lives. By comparing the magical to the non-magical we can observe how direct relationships are shaped by magical processes. Several major theories found their start in noticing the difference between muggle behavior and magical behavior. For example, the father of magic evolutionary theory, Sir Charles D. Leonhart, was the first to notice that magical beings were more skilled at decoding the languages of magical creatures than humans were at understanding their animal's attempts at communication. Through research on the acquisition of language in children and the manifestation of magic throughout the lifecycle, Leonhart discovered that as magical ability increased so did several other cognitive functions associated with verbal comprehension, sound engineering, and the formation of speech patterns. He later discovered the CDL Lobe, a part of the brain associated with magical ability that lie next to the speech centers of the brain. This discovery formed the foundation of his theory of magic as an evolved trait and it all began with a observation of the differences between magical and muggle behavior.

1.5 

Psychomagistics is a burgeoning discipline in the magical world. However, even in it's youth it covers a vast array of subjects. Whether it is the study of post duel stress disorder (PDSD), the psychology of magical language, or muggle and wizard family psychology, there is a little something that touches everyone's life. It is a field rife with competing theories and concepts that serve as explanations for the world around us. Although no singular concept links the various areas of study, the subject is governed by 4 core principles:

1. Adherence to the scientific method of research.
2. Reliance on knowledge that is falsifiable and publicly verifiable (more on this in chapter 3).
3. Focus on questions that are empirical and testable.
4. Respect for the practice of magic in all of its forms.

Many people are drawn to the field because they are curious about personal experiences, or things that they have in common with complete strangers. Some are seeking answers to eternal questions, while others still are wondering if there really are differences between muggles and magical people. While this text does not claim to provide answers to these questions, it will hopefully provide the curious academic with the tools and information on how to think critically in a world of wonder. If you find yourself agreeing with the content of this text, know that it reflects the natural origin of the scientific process of discovery; However, expect that some wisdom derived from 'common sense' will be challenged. This characteristic makes the work of psychogamistics some of the most interesting to participate in! As magical people we should know best that things are not always as they seem, and that much may lie beneath the surface of a thing. 

Though incantations and potions are mighty, the spell cast by knowledge is the most wonderful still.