The Science of Psychology

Summary:

Psychology, originating from the Greek words for “soul” and “study,” is the scientific exploration of behaviour and mental processes in living organisms. Its primary focus is understanding the physical underpinnings of psychological phenomena, individual experiences, functions, and cultural impacts. As a behavioural science, psychology sits alongside fields like anthropology, sociology, and history, aiding people in efficient learning and informed vocational choices.

Psychologists are bona fide scientists adhering to specific scientific principles. Six core characteristics guide their understanding of human behaviour: (1) Behavior displays order and pattern, with changes exhibiting regularity. (2) although not absolute, knowledge about behaviour is valuable, enhancing our understanding of the human condition. (3) Natural events stem from natural causes, discounting supernatural explanations. (4) Truths require objective evidence and aren’t self-evident. (5) Human behaviour, being observable, can be studied empirically. (6) Knowledge emerges from experiences, perceptions, and observations.

The main goals of psychology are to describe behavioural patterns, elucidate the reasons behind specific behaviours, predict future actions under given circumstances, and harness this understanding to modify or control undesirable behaviours.

Excerpt:

THE SCIENCE OF PSYCHOLOGY

           Psychology is derived from the Greek words psyche, which means “soul” or “mind”, and logos,” study”. Psychology is defined as the scientific study of behaviour and mental processes of living organisms, with the special intention of behaviour. Understanding a person means examining his or her physical basis of psychological phenomena, psychological experiences and functions, and cultural influences.

Psychology is a behavioural science, with anthropology, sociology, economics, political science and history as the study of psychology enables individuals to learn more quickly and choose their vocation more intelligently.

CHARACTERISTIC OF HUMAN BEHAVIOR

    Psychology is a science; therefore, a psychologist is a scientist. Not a pseudo-scientist, but Bonafede one. As such , a psychologist must follow certain scientific tenets. A psychologist is grounded by the following six fundamental characteristics of human behaviour:

• Human behaviour follows an orderly pattern. Even if there is a change in a person’s life, there is a degree of order and regularity in the nature of change.
• ….