NATURE AND SCOPE OF PSYCHOLOGY
( Chapter 1 )
PSYCHOLOGY – is a scientific study of behavior and mental process.
According to the American psychology Association:
Psychology - is a scholarly discipline
- Explanation of principles and theories of behavior.
As a profession - psychology involves the practical applications of knowledge, skill and
techniques for the solution or prevention of individual or social problems.
As a science - psychology is a focus of research through which investigators collect, quantify,
analyze and interpret data describing animal and human behavior
Main components of a scientific study:
Theory – is a system of concepts.
- Formulated to explain a group of related phenomena.
- Frameworks for organizing and interpreting observations.
- Role of the theory is to condense all the separate events that might accur into
some meaningful relationship.
Scientific observation – accurately reflect the events that are talking place.
- Repeatable means someone else could approach the task of observation
- Systematic means that observations are made in a comprehensive orderly way.
Distinguishing characteristics of the scientific method:
1. science is based on facts - discovery ever made in human thinking
2. science employs the method of analysis in the comprehension of complex phenomena -
man’s abilities to perceive and comprehend are, moreover , exceedingly limited.
3. science employs hypotheses in guiding the thinking process - consider as a question
4. science is characterized by freedom from emotional bias – must be flexible and ready to
modify old ideas
, - never allow his own personal likes and dislike coloring the facts.
5. science utilizes accurate measurement - its use of objective and accurate measurement.
6. science employs quantitative method in the treatment of data.
- the final distinguishing characteristic of the scientific method is its application of quantitative
methods to the treatmernt of data.
- instead of relying upon estimates, guesses and general impressions.
- scientist measure the phenomena under consideration as accurately as possible .
Basic steps of the scientific method
1. Recognition of the problem
2. Definition of the problem in clear scientific terms.
3. Development of hypothesis.
4. Development of techniques and measuring instruments that will provide objective data
pertinent to all hypothesis.
5. Collection of data.
6. Analysis of data.
7. Drawing conclusion relative to the hypothesis based upon the data.
Values derived from a study of psychology
1. It can contribute to the liberal education
- cultural heritage and their present day environment.
2. It can aid him in everyday decision making.
- in everyday life , one makes many and varied decision.
3. lead him to a career in psychology
- possibility of finding a professional career as a psychologist.
4. Psychology and rapid social change
- more complex the demands of constantly changing world increase.
( Chapter 1 )
PSYCHOLOGY – is a scientific study of behavior and mental process.
According to the American psychology Association:
Psychology - is a scholarly discipline
- Explanation of principles and theories of behavior.
As a profession - psychology involves the practical applications of knowledge, skill and
techniques for the solution or prevention of individual or social problems.
As a science - psychology is a focus of research through which investigators collect, quantify,
analyze and interpret data describing animal and human behavior
Main components of a scientific study:
Theory – is a system of concepts.
- Formulated to explain a group of related phenomena.
- Frameworks for organizing and interpreting observations.
- Role of the theory is to condense all the separate events that might accur into
some meaningful relationship.
Scientific observation – accurately reflect the events that are talking place.
- Repeatable means someone else could approach the task of observation
- Systematic means that observations are made in a comprehensive orderly way.
Distinguishing characteristics of the scientific method:
1. science is based on facts - discovery ever made in human thinking
2. science employs the method of analysis in the comprehension of complex phenomena -
man’s abilities to perceive and comprehend are, moreover , exceedingly limited.
3. science employs hypotheses in guiding the thinking process - consider as a question
4. science is characterized by freedom from emotional bias – must be flexible and ready to
modify old ideas
, - never allow his own personal likes and dislike coloring the facts.
5. science utilizes accurate measurement - its use of objective and accurate measurement.
6. science employs quantitative method in the treatment of data.
- the final distinguishing characteristic of the scientific method is its application of quantitative
methods to the treatmernt of data.
- instead of relying upon estimates, guesses and general impressions.
- scientist measure the phenomena under consideration as accurately as possible .
Basic steps of the scientific method
1. Recognition of the problem
2. Definition of the problem in clear scientific terms.
3. Development of hypothesis.
4. Development of techniques and measuring instruments that will provide objective data
pertinent to all hypothesis.
5. Collection of data.
6. Analysis of data.
7. Drawing conclusion relative to the hypothesis based upon the data.
Values derived from a study of psychology
1. It can contribute to the liberal education
- cultural heritage and their present day environment.
2. It can aid him in everyday decision making.
- in everyday life , one makes many and varied decision.
3. lead him to a career in psychology
- possibility of finding a professional career as a psychologist.
4. Psychology and rapid social change
- more complex the demands of constantly changing world increase.
