A psychological phenomenon refers to any observable behavior or mental process that can be studied and analyzed within the field of psychology. These phenomena can include various aspects of human experience, such as emotions, perceptions, and social interactions. Researchers often investigate these occurrences to understand how they influence thoughts and actions. Examples of psychological phenomena include cognitive dissonance, where individuals experience discomfort from holding conflicting beliefs, and the bystander effect, which describes how people are less likely to help someone in need when others are present. Studying these phenomena helps psychologists develop theories and interventions to improve mental health and social behavior.