Essay About Scientific Study And Animal Behavior

Is Psychology a Science?
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Is Psychology a Science?
In order to answer this question it is important to understand the
definitions of both psychology and science. The word psychology comes
from the Greek psyche (or soul) and logos (or study), which came to be
known as the study of the soul. The American Heritage Dictionary
defines psychology as:
1. the science dealing with the mind and with mental and
emotional processes 2. the science of human and animal behavior.
In its pure definition the dictionary has provided us with a clue to the
answer, it describes science as:
1. systematized knowledge derived from observation, study, etc. 2. a
branch of knowledge, esp. one that systematizes facts,
principles, and methods 3. skill or technique
In order to prove this claim we have to look at whether or not psychology
can fill this definition above.
Scientific study is a valid way of coming to an understanding of life, and
can be very useful in every area of life. Science develops theories based
on what is observed. It examines each theory with rigorous and scrupulous
tests to see if it describes reality. The scientific method works well in
observing and recording physical data and in reaching conclusions which
either confirm or nullify a theory.
During the mid-19th century, scholars (although at that time probably
termed philosophers) wanted to study human nature with the aim of applying
the scientific method to observe, record, and treat human behavior that
was deemed as unnatural. They believed that if people could be studied in
a scientific manner, there would be a greater accuracy in understanding
present behavior, in predicting future behavior, and, most controversially,
in altering behavior through scientific intervention.
There are many areas of psychology, each attempting to explain behavior
from slightly different perspectives;
Social psychology is concerned with the effects of social situations on
human behavior. Personality theorists study individual behavior.
Comparative psychologists study animal behaviors across the range of
species Physiological psychologists are concerned with the biological
basis of behavior. Developmental psychologists study principles and
processes responsible for change throughout life. Cognitive psychologists
investigate memory, thought, problem solving, and the psychological
aspects of learning. Analysis of behavior studies the conditions under
which a behavior can be learned and the situations that cause that
behavior to occur. Learning is an area of psychology exploring how new
behaviors are learned and maintained. Clinical psychologists study ways to
help individuals and groups of individuals change their behavior.
Industrial and organizational psychologists are concerned with the
physical and social aspects of peoples work environments as they affect
work output. Community psychologists use scientific methods to study and
solve social problems.
As Western describes, the psychological paradigm is a collection of
assumptions used to make sense of a subject area or experience, this can