Psychological Studies

Psychological Studies

Psychology is, of course, the study of the mind, a scientifically designed discipline studying human mental processes, as well as, behavior. Further, psychological studies differentiate into several sub-disciplines, such as cognitive, abnormal, developmental, computational and social psychology.

Many wonder how it’s like to be a psychologist or to have a degree in the field. Others fail to see the difference between the two. The truth of the matter is that whether a first degree in behavioral science grants one the right to practice the therapeutic craft, trade or profession, depends on one’s geographic location and jurisdiction.

A French saying “la vie en rose”, literally translated as “life in pink”, means a happy life. A pink, purple and lilac sky with interchanging stars – a perfect, dream world. But can you say you feel happiness looking at this picture? Image: Copyright © Elena

Many pre-university students think that by choosing the social science as a major, they will be focusing on psychopathology. However, while a course in abnormal psychology would certainly cover disorders listed in the DSM’s (Diagnostic and Statistics Manual) most recent version, social, developmental or computational psychology need not concentrate on the matter. For instance, the social branch, centers on such topics as behavioral aggression, emotion management and display, popularity and peer group acceptance status, interrelationships and interconnections. Conversely, developmental psychology follows the individual’s growth and development throughout the lifespan, while computational psychology relies on computer modeling and quantitative methods to gain insight into the mysteries of the psyche.

Psychologists work in a variety of fields and occupations. Nonetheless (likely the most used adverb in the English translation of Der Steppenwolf by German-Swiss writer Hermann Hesse), psychological theory is based on naturalistic observation, experimental methods and research analysis and derivative conclusions.

Moreover, experiments are among the most trusted method by some, since it allows for isolation of effects and controlling variables. However, there is the problem that individuals and the environment are influenced by effects upon it. For example, the Hawthorne effect, or the tendency of people to behave differently when being watched or in a laboratory setting. The latter is likewise likely seen in Stanley Milgram’s sobering obedience experiments.

Also, the social science relies extensively on experiments, although naturalistic observation, surveys (questionnaires), personal, automated, structured and unstructured interviews and other techniques are used by researchers in shedding light on psychological phenomena.

An important area is ethics and the emphasis on disclosure. Today, experimenters must disclose to their subjects a lot of elements in a study, at least after participation or results obtained and data compiled. Consequently, ethics committees for different aspects of the processes are set up, and scientists must comply with the guidelines.

Finally, close or related disciplines involve criminology and sociology. In conclusion, by choosing to study humanities and the social sciences, one likely encounters puzzling psychological phenomena.

Copyright © 2011 Megan Jorgensen. All rights reserved.