There is considerable research carried out by many theorists over centuries regarding the question as to whether psychology is a science. According to some traditional views of science there is involvement working in a laboratory, conducting experiments, wearing a white coat, safety goggles and looking though microscopes to examine organisms. William Wunt, was one of the first people to recognize experimental psychology noted psychology as a science apart from biology and philosophy. He was the first to ever person to call himself a psychologist and recognized as the father of experimental psychology. In 1879, it was Wundt who founded the first official laboratory for psychological research at the University of Leipzig.
In order to judge whether …show more content…
The study of psychology determines it as the scientific study of the mind, behaviour, how we think, feel and act independently and with other human beings. Maslow (2013) concurs that psychology is the science of the mind. However since the beginning of psychological study many mainstream scientists struggle to accept the concept of psychology as a science. Those opposed to the notion of psychology as a science highlight ethical considerations as a weakness in its approach. Schneider et al (2014) suggests in the study of human beings, there are strict boundaries on what types of studies are permitted. As an example, if you want to know whether removing specific brain tissue results in behavioural changes, you cannot perform the study on humans. You have to perform it on animals and try to transpose the result to humans. Furthermore Bartol and Bartol (2014) suggest limitations concerning overall lax standards and as a result, the field of psychology is constantly changing definition. Adding that studies are regularly published that would never meet the criteria of more stringent science research. Facilitated communication also is an area which many theorists question the validity of psychological research, as practitioners have been accused of unintentionally cueing the facilitated person, so the results of tests …show more content…
Similarities between science and psychology stated by Keller and Skoenfeld (2014) include a definable subject matter, theory construction, hypothesis testing and empirical methods. All four of these attributes of science are similar to psychology, and how the subject investigates into the analysis of why humans think and act in the way they do. Like Science, observation is a necessary element of psychology the three main aspects include controlled, natural and participant observations. Controlled are likely to be carried out in a psychology laboratory. Natural involves analysing the impulsive behaviour of participants in natural surroundings. Participant observations involve the researcher joining in and becoming part of the group they are studying to get a deeper insight into their lives. Continuing with the theme of observation, a scientist conducts an experiment and proceeds to observe a chemical reaction, therefore examining change in pattern to which concludes a result. This information can improve knowledge, ideas and health and furthermore humans rely on science. Some elements of psychology are considered scientific or biological although the subject of psychology is defined more with other
In order to judge whether …show more content…
The study of psychology determines it as the scientific study of the mind, behaviour, how we think, feel and act independently and with other human beings. Maslow (2013) concurs that psychology is the science of the mind. However since the beginning of psychological study many mainstream scientists struggle to accept the concept of psychology as a science. Those opposed to the notion of psychology as a science highlight ethical considerations as a weakness in its approach. Schneider et al (2014) suggests in the study of human beings, there are strict boundaries on what types of studies are permitted. As an example, if you want to know whether removing specific brain tissue results in behavioural changes, you cannot perform the study on humans. You have to perform it on animals and try to transpose the result to humans. Furthermore Bartol and Bartol (2014) suggest limitations concerning overall lax standards and as a result, the field of psychology is constantly changing definition. Adding that studies are regularly published that would never meet the criteria of more stringent science research. Facilitated communication also is an area which many theorists question the validity of psychological research, as practitioners have been accused of unintentionally cueing the facilitated person, so the results of tests …show more content…
Similarities between science and psychology stated by Keller and Skoenfeld (2014) include a definable subject matter, theory construction, hypothesis testing and empirical methods. All four of these attributes of science are similar to psychology, and how the subject investigates into the analysis of why humans think and act in the way they do. Like Science, observation is a necessary element of psychology the three main aspects include controlled, natural and participant observations. Controlled are likely to be carried out in a psychology laboratory. Natural involves analysing the impulsive behaviour of participants in natural surroundings. Participant observations involve the researcher joining in and becoming part of the group they are studying to get a deeper insight into their lives. Continuing with the theme of observation, a scientist conducts an experiment and proceeds to observe a chemical reaction, therefore examining change in pattern to which concludes a result. This information can improve knowledge, ideas and health and furthermore humans rely on science. Some elements of psychology are considered scientific or biological although the subject of psychology is defined more with other