2007-02-11 20:03:50 · 6 answers · asked by fia 1 in Social Science ➔ Psychology
Im doing a essay for a Bsc psychology degree and the question is 'Discuss whether psychology is a "real" Science'
2007-02-11 20:14:50 · update #1
all i can contribute here is that psychologists are doctors. doctors deal in science.
2007-02-11 20:12:22 · answer #1 · answered by ? 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Whether you consider psychology to be a science depends only on your definition of science.
Physics and chemistry deal with reactions and functions which can be completely defined numerically so they are easy to accept as science. There is always a clear link between cause and effect and the same reaction will occur as a result of the same action.
Psychology can only be described mathematically in terms of statistics and even then only in loose terms. Any given action can produce a range of reactions and nothing is repeatable. Any psychological treatment is empirical and it's success or failure is equally empirical.
Psychology is a science but one which is an early stage of development. As more is understood the status of psychology will become clearer.
2007-02-11 20:18:22 · answer #2 · answered by John B 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As a science you need data to support it...clear and measurable data with solid statistics....however, the counseling side of psychology is an art...you need to know how to deal with ambiquity while using open ended questions....so the specific type of psychology you are referring to is important...physiopsych verses psychotherapy for example. (I have had to debate both sides of this before.....did I mention I am a psychotherapist working on a doctorate?)
2007-02-11 20:15:14 · answer #3 · answered by ferrellkat137 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends on what 'stream' you are referring to. At my uni there is both an arts stream (offering a BA degree) and a science stream (offering a BSc degree). It's really really complicated and thinking about it makes my head hurt so I will stop now...
2007-02-11 20:09:30 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree it is both...
If you define science as taking something down to its lowest level then, no, you can't explain psychology in terms of neurons and transmitter chemicals...
If you define science as objectively valid statements, yes, you can study the conclusions arrived at by C.G. Jung's student, Katherine Briggs and her daughter, Isabel in "Gifts Differing"
2007-02-11 20:24:11 · answer #5 · answered by TrekNext 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes and no.
2007-02-11 20:11:06 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋