How Psychology Enhances Our Scientific Understanding Of...

It is difficult to determine whether psychology enhances our scientific understanding of human behaviour, according to Kuhn (1962) psychology is a pre-science. This essay concerns the evaluation to whether contemporary psychology enhances scientific understanding of human behaviour. Psychology is commonly referred to as the scientific study of one’s mind and behaviour. In order to research the extent to which this is true, it is important to consider the definition of science. Sciences are objective as it aims to study observable facts which direct theories. A science is also characterised by the concept that variables are testable and can be either verified or falsified. According to Popper (1963) science is the process where theories are created first then hypotheses are generated allowing it to be confirmed or disconfirmed. When psychological theories are falsifiable and can be proved or disproved its content becomes more robust and tenable. Further research by Kuhn (1962) suggested that paradigms (beliefs that replace old ones) are an important underpinning aspect of scientific approaches. More recent research by Boyack, Klavans and Borner (2005) identified the most influential areas in science by analysing a million scientific research articles and found psychology to be widely influential in science and therefore highlighting the importance of psychology’s position as a science. Finally, this essay aims to establish whether psychology can enhance scientificShow MoreRelatedAdolescent Psychology Essay 31067 Words   |  5 PagesQuestion: What Is Psychology? One of the most common questions asked by students new to the study of psychology is What is psychology? Misperceptions created by popular media as well as the diverse careers paths of those holding psychology degrees have contributed this confusion. Psychology is both an applied and academic field that studies the human mind and behavior. 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