Question
Is psychology considered a scientific discipline?
Answer
Psychology is generally considered a scientific discipline, though its status as a science is often debated. It is positioned closer to biology than sociology in a hierarchy of sciences, indicating its recognition as a life science (Simonton, 2004). However, psychology faces unique challenges due to its complex subject matter, which includes poorly defined phenomena like mind and behaviour, and lacks a unified theoretical framework (Uher, 2020).
Scientific Status of Psychology
Position in Science Hierarchy: Psychology is ranked below physics, chemistry, and biology but above sociology, suggesting it is recognised as a scientific discipline, albeit a “soft science” (Simonton, 2004).
Scientific Approach: Psychology employs systematic observation and analysis to study human behaviour, aligning it with scientific disciplines (Ene, 2023). However, it often struggles with the application of strict scientific methodologies due to the complexity of its subject matter (Uher, 2020; Morf, 2018).
Challenges and Criticisms: Psychology is criticized for its lack of a unified theoretical framework and the proliferation of terms and constructs. It is often seen as less scientific than natural sciences, partly due to its reliance on diverse methodologies and paradigms (Uher, 2020; Lilienfeld, 2010).
Perceptions and Acceptance
Educational Perspectives: Many psychology students and educators recognise psychology as a science, though it is often perceived as less scientific than natural sciences. This perception is influenced by educational background and career aspirations (Richardson and Lacroix, 2021; Aleksandrova-Howell et al., 2020).
Scientific Paradigm: While psychology strives to be scientific, there is debate about when it should adhere strictly to scientific paradigms. Some argue that flexibility in approach can enhance its scientific rigor by avoiding pseudoscientific practices (Krpan, 2021).
Conclusion
Psychology is considered a scientific discipline, particularly within the life sciences, but it faces challenges due to its complex and diverse subject matter. Its scientific status is supported by systematic methodologies, though perceptions of its scientific rigor vary among students and professionals. The discipline continues to evolve, balancing scientific principles with the unique demands of studying human behaviour.
References
Simonton, D., 2004. Psychology’s Status as a Scientific Discipline: Its Empirical Placement within an Implicit Hierarchy of the Sciences. Review of General Psychology, 8, pp. 59 – 67. https://doi.org/10.1037/1089-2680.8.1.59
Krpan, D., 2021. (When) should psychology be a science?. Journal for the Theory of Social Behaviour. https://doi.org/10.1111/JTSB.12316
Uher, J., 2020. Psychology’s Status as a Science: Peculiarities and Intrinsic Challenges. Moving Beyond its Current Deadlock Towards Conceptual Integration. Integrative Psychological & Behavioural Science, 55, pp. 212 – 224. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12124-020-09545-0
Lilienfeld, S., 2010. Can psychology become a science. Personality and Individual Differences, 49, pp. 281-288. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.PAID.2010.01.024
Morf, M., 2018. Agency, Chance, and the Scientific Status of Psychology. Integrative Psychological and Behavioural Science, 52, pp. 491 – 507. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12124-018-9449-3
Richardson, L., & Lacroix, G., 2021. What Do Students Think When Asked About Psychology as a Science?. Teaching of Psychology, 48, pp. 80 – 89. https://doi.org/10.1177/0098628320959924
Ene, C., 2023. Science and Pseudoscience in Psychology. Studia Doctoralia. https://doi.org/10.47040/sdpsych.v14i2.161
Aleksandrova-Howell, M., Abramson, C., Cota, L., Braches, D., Karitsky, I., Antonenko, I., & Mazilov, V., 2020. The View of Russian Psychology Students on Whether Psychology is a Science. International Journal of Comparative Psychology. https://doi.org/10.46867/IJCP.2020.33.00.06
