Why does psychology need so many approaches to study? May be it is so dynamic considering its field of study. It is a discipline that studies human mind, behaviours, and mental processes. So, nothing is static. Through this piece of writing ‘Understanding psychology’ you will get deeper insight about psychology.
Interdisciplinary or multidisciplinary
It is both interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary subject. Psychology is evolving by drawing knowledge from various other disciplines like sociology, anthropology, neuroscience, biology, computer science etc.
In simple term, it uses various theories, methods, or approaches from these fields to study complex, ever changing human mind and behaviour. Being the most dynamic nature of human mind, its study becomes more challenging.
Moreover, it is also considered interdisciplinary subject because it is not mere collection of theories and approaches of different fields. But, it smartly integrated all the perspectives and approaches of different field to explore more knowledge about the nature of human behaviour and mind.
Difference between multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary
In multidisciplinary, methods and approaches are drawn from different fields. But, each field focuses on separate area they belong. These are used independently to deal with problem. Simply, knowledge from each field is used independently instead integrated manner.
On the other hand, interdisciplinary approach work on to create an integrated approach by incorporating various methods and approaches. Purposes is to make a better one to deal with any problem. In short, it focuses on creating new version by integrating various fields knowledge. And, in multidisciplinary approach, every field knowledge is used separately to deal with specific problem.
Meaning of psychology
Psychology as a science that studies human behaviour, experiences and mental processes. Mental processes include reasoning, learning, thinking, problem solving, perception, etc. Actually, these mental processes are not neural. These are the activities of mind and brain in respect to cognition.
Human uses mental processes when he think or deals with problems. The nature of mental processes get changed with changing problems and needs. It means that evolution of mental processes is continue.
Experiences are the learning we acquire through day-to-day activities. So, experiences play important role in our learnings. Finally, behaviours are nothing but ours reactions and responses we give to various activities we engage.
Psychology as discipline
So, psychology as discipline seeks to learn, understand and explain how the mind works and how different mental processes result in different behaviours.
How does mind work?
What are the mental processes?
How do these mental processes evolve?
And, how do mental processes results in different behaviour?
Or, how do mental processes affect human behaviour?
Psychology as a science
Natural science research methods are used to study psychological phenomenon. This is the results of emergence of modern psychology. It uses quantitative research methods to study psychological phenomenon. You can read about research methods on this platform.
No single research method is sufficient to study psychological phenomenon. Therefore, multiple research methods are used. Both qualitative and quantitative research methods are used in psychology.
Major schools of Psychological thoughts.
There are various psychological perspectives and approaches. It is so difficult to study this dynamic discipline by using single lense. Understanding the nature of mind, it is essential to have different ways, methods, approaches or perspectives to deal with this modern discipline. Here are some major schools of psychological thoughts:
Structuralism,
Functionalism,
Biological,
Behavioral,
Cognitive,
Psychodynamic,
Humanistic, and
Evolutionary.
In conclusion, psychology as discipline seeks to Observe and document behaviors and mental processes, develop theories and models to understand why things happen, and predict, anticipate future behaviors based on current understanding.Moreover, it develop interventions and strategies to modify behavior and improve mental health. Critical thinking skills