1.2.1. Psychology as a Discipline

As we have discussed above, psychology studies behaviour, experience and mental processes. It seeks to understand and explain how the mind works and how different mental processes result in different behaviours.

Psychology encompasses the study of not just overt behaviors (what we do) but also the internal experiences and mental processes (like thinking, feeling, and perceiving) that underpin these actions. It is crucial for students to recognize that psychology strives to merge these aspects into a cohesive understanding of how the mind operates and influences behavior.

Consider how when someone feels anxious before giving a speech, this mental experience (anxiety) influences their behavior (trembling, stammering). Psychology helps unpack this connection to provide insight or treatments to manage anxiety.

When we observe others as lay or common persons, our own points of view or our ways of understanding the world influence our interpretations of their behaviours and experiences.

Psychologists must strive to minimize their personal biases when studying behavior. This is crucial because personal perspectives can distort the interpretation of others' behaviors. Psychologists often rely on systematic observation and scientific methods to achieve objectivity in their analyses.

Imagine watching a friend get upset after a small mistake in a game. Your interpretation may vary based on your experiences – you might see it as an overreaction while someone else might empathize. Psychology aims to standardize these interpretations through research methodologies.

Psychology, though it is a very old knowledge discipline, is a young science, if one were to take the year of the founding of the first laboratory of psychology in 1879 in Leipzig. However, what kind of science is psychology, still remains a matter of debate.

Psychology's recognition as a formal field began relatively recently, establishing it as a 'young science'. This phrase indicates that while the inquiry into mental processes is ancient, the structured, empirical study of these processes is not. Therefore, discussions about psychology's scientific status and methods continue to evolve.

Think of psychology like a new recipe being crafted in a kitchen. While many ingredients have been known and used for centuries (human experience), the final dish (established psychology) is still being perfected through experimentation (research methods).

These streams sometimes converge only to drift apart and go their separate ways. In the first case, psychology considers itself as a discipline, which focuses largely on biological principles to explain human behaviour.

Psychology can utilize varied methodological approaches—drawing from both natural and social sciences. On one side, it examines biological influences on behaviors (like genetics), and on the other, it assesses the impacts of social contexts (like culture). The interplay between these methods serves to enrich psychological understanding.

Imagine studying the reasons behind a student’s academic success. A biological perspective might look at intelligence, while a social perspective might analyze family background and school environment, showcasing how different approaches can provide a fuller picture of behavior.

Thus, psychology as a discipline today has two parallel streams. One which makes use of the method in physical and biological sciences and the other which makes use of the method of social and cultural sciences in studying various psychological and social phenomena.

This section elucidates that psychology is not monolithic; instead, it incorporates various strands of research to understand human behavior. The integration of biological and social methods allows for a more rounded comprehension of complex human behaviors, including mental health and social issues.

Consider the treatment of depression. Biological approaches might focus on brain chemistry and medications, while social approaches might involve counseling and community support. Both are essential for a comprehensive understanding and treatment plan.

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