The Science of Psychology
Psychology
• From the Greek words psyche and logos meaning soul and study.
• It is defined as the scientific study of the behavior of living organisms,
with special attention to human behavior. Behavior means activities
that can be observed objectively.
• It is a science because it is systematic, empirical and dependent on
measurement. Therefore,a psychologist is a scientist.
A psychologist is grounded by the following six fundamental characteristics:
1. Human behavior follows an orderly pattern. There is a degree of order
and regularity in its nature.
2. Human behavior can be known. Human behavior can be observed.
3. Knowledge of human behavior is tentative but superior to ignorance.
Not for our own sake but to help others improve human conditions.
4. Natural phenomena have natural causes. Science only believes in
natural causes instead of supernatural forces.
5. Nothing is self-evident. Scientists are skeptical and critical in their
approach to truths.
6. Knowledge is derived from the acquisition of experiences. Knowledge is
a product of experience.
What Psychology is not
1. Psychology and the mysterious. Psychologists have learned that through
observation, careful reflection of what they have observed and thorough
checking of their conclusions with other persons.
2. Psychology and common sense. Psychology is nothing more than a
common sense.
3. Psychology and the parasciences. Psychology is based on the traditional
methods of science,including the systematic gathering of data,putting
hypothesis to careful tests and the cumulative building of knowledge.
Psychology
• From the Greek words psyche and logos meaning soul and study.
• It is defined as the scientific study of the behavior of living organisms,
with special attention to human behavior. Behavior means activities
that can be observed objectively.
• It is a science because it is systematic, empirical and dependent on
measurement. Therefore,a psychologist is a scientist.
A psychologist is grounded by the following six fundamental characteristics:
1. Human behavior follows an orderly pattern. There is a degree of order
and regularity in its nature.
2. Human behavior can be known. Human behavior can be observed.
3. Knowledge of human behavior is tentative but superior to ignorance.
Not for our own sake but to help others improve human conditions.
4. Natural phenomena have natural causes. Science only believes in
natural causes instead of supernatural forces.
5. Nothing is self-evident. Scientists are skeptical and critical in their
approach to truths.
6. Knowledge is derived from the acquisition of experiences. Knowledge is
a product of experience.
What Psychology is not
1. Psychology and the mysterious. Psychologists have learned that through
observation, careful reflection of what they have observed and thorough
checking of their conclusions with other persons.
2. Psychology and common sense. Psychology is nothing more than a
common sense.
3. Psychology and the parasciences. Psychology is based on the traditional
methods of science,including the systematic gathering of data,putting
hypothesis to careful tests and the cumulative building of knowledge.
