IGNOU BPC - 001 : Sample Answer for the Question, 'Discuss the origin and evolution of psychology.'

*The following answer presents one way of answering the given question out of many possibilities of ways in which a candidate is free to answer.

Sample Question -

Answer in about 450 words -              [10]
Is psychology a science? Justify.

Sample Answer - 

Yes, psychology is definitely a science which is justified as follows -

i. Psychology qualifies the Definition of Science

A science is defined as a systematized body of knowledge gathered by carefully observing and measuring events. Psychological knowledge is based on research that collects information about the human mind through accurate observation and experimentation. Therefore, it is known as the 'science of mental processes and behaviour.' 

ii. Psychology has the Characteristics of a Science

The study of psychology is characterized by the following principles that also characterize all other sciences:

• Empirical Observation - Psychological knowledge is not based on arguments, opinions or beliefs but on research using empirical methods of obervation and experimentation.

• Systematic Approach and Theory - Psychological data is ordered around a limited number of principles that summarize it economically. Theories are used to organize this data.

• Measurement - Psychological research collects and analyzes data through scientific meaurement - the assignment of numbers to objects or events according to certain rules.

• Definition of Terms - For clear thinking and accurate data measurement in research, psychological concepts are defined by relating them to observable behaviour i.e. through operational definitions. For example, intelligence is often operationally defined as an individual's performance on a standardized test of intelligence.

iii. Psychology is Categorized as a Behavioural Science

Since it has the characteristics of a science, psychology is recognized as one. However, it is noted that psychological science cannot be as stable, objective and accurate in measurement as other sciences since it studies human behaviour which is highly complex and not fully predictable and controllable. Since psychology studies man and not objects, subjectivity is inherent in it. Therefore, psychology is classified separately from physical and biological sciences into a young group of scientific inquiry that includes subjects like anthropology, education, sociology, etc. called, 'Social/Behavioural Sciences.' Like other sciences, this group also has well-defined methods of measurement, some similar and some unique as compared to other sciences, namely, observation, interviews, laboratory experiments, statistical analysis, etc. and shares its principles with other sciences.

iii. Psychology has Scientific Goals

Psychology shares the goals of  other sciences, which are as follows : 

• Description - Psychology gives detailed accounts of mental processes and behaviour;

• Explanation - Psychology provides explanations of how and why these mental processes and behaviours occur;

• Prediction -  Psychology attempts to foresee under what conditions certain mental processes and behaviours will occur;

• Control - Psychology attempts to provide preventive and curative solutions for issues associated with mental processes and behaviours

iv. Psychology employs Critical Thinking

Psychological research employs and promotes the principles of critical thinking, used by all sciences, including:

• Open-mindedness -  Cultivation of curiosity and willingness to analyse perspectives different from one's own;

• Skepticism - Careful examination of new information by analysing its evidential basis, cautiously drawing infering and thinking of other possible explanations for phenomena described;

• Rationality - Objective thinking, avoidance of oversimplification and overgeneratlization of information and avoidance of emotional thinking

Thus, by virtue of adopting all principles of sciences and performing every task based on these principles to the greatest extent possible, psychology is a science.

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