Psychology: Meaning, Nature, and Scope

Psychology Notes: History, Nature and Scope

Psychology: Meaning, Nature, and Scope

1. Introduction and Etymology

Psychology has transitioned from an offshoot of Philosophy to a Scientific discipline. This shift replaced speculation with scientific investigation, leading to evolving definitions over time.

Etymology: Derived from two Greek words:
  • Psyche: Soul
  • Logos: Science or Study
Literally: The study of the soul.

2. Evolution of the Definition

1. Study of the Soul

The earliest philosophical attempt to define the subject. This was rejected because ‘soul’ is mysterious and cannot be scientifically studied or observed.

2. Study of the Mind

Greek philosophers later defined it as the “study of the mind.” This was also rejected because the nature of the ‘mind’ remained as vague and unobservable as the ‘soul’.

3. Study of Consciousness

Defined by thinkers like William James (1890) and Wilhelm Wundt. It used the method of Introspection (looking within). It was rejected for being too narrow (ignoring the unconscious), subjective, and excluding animal study.

4. Study of Behaviour

Emerging in the 20th century, this became the modern scientific standard. Key figures include William McDougall, Pillsbury, and J.B. Watson (the “Father of Behaviourism”).

3. Meaning of the Term ‘Behaviour’

Psychology defines behaviour in its totality, encompassing all manifestations of life. According to Woodworth (1948), “Any manifestation of life is activity”.

Categories of Activities:
  • Motor/Conative: Physical actions like walking, swimming, or dancing.
  • Cognitive: Mental processes such as thinking, reasoning, and imagining.
  • Affective: Emotional states like feeling happy, sad, or angry.

Behaviour includes both overt (visible) and covert (inner experiences/mental processes) actions. It spans across conscious, subconscious, and unconscious levels of the mind.

4. Nature of Psychology

Psychology is recognized as a scientific discipline because it meets the established criteria of a science:

  • Body of Facts: Possesses well-organized theories and laws.
  • Cause and Effect: Believes every behaviour has roots and factors that influence it.
  • Objectivity: Rejects hearsay and emphasizes valid assessments.
  • Scientific Methods: Employs systematic observation and controlled experimentation.
  • Verifiability: Findings are open to modification by other observers.
  • Predictability: Allows for dependable predictions about organisms.
  • Applied Aspect: Practical applications in fields like education and law.

5. What Kind of Science is Psychology?

Category Description Examples
Positive Science Studies facts as they are. Physics, Biology, Psychology.
Normative Science Studies what ought to be. Logic, Ethics.
The Modern Definition: Psychology is defined as a “developing positive science of behaviour”.

Some Important Definitions:

  1. William McDougall: Defined psychology as the “positive science of the conduct/behavior of living creatures”
  2. W.B. Pillsbury (1911): Defined it as the “Science of human behaviour”.
  3. J.B. Watson (1913): Known as the “Father of Behaviourism,” he expanded the definition to include both human and animal behaviour.
  4. N.L. Munn (1967): Emphasized that psychology is a science involving scientific methods and investigation.
  5. R.S. Woodworth (1948): Stated that “any manifestation of life is activity” and provided the famous summary of psychology’s evolution.

6. Scope of Psychology

The scope refers to the limits of its operations and the subject matter it deals with.

  • Field of Operation: Extremely wide, studying all living organisms.
  • Diversity of Subjects: Includes the normal and abnormal, young and old, humans and animals.
  • Universal Presence: Wherever life exists, Psychology has its scope.

7. Branches and Fields of Psychology

Psychology is divided into Pure Psychology (theoretical) and Applied Psychology (practical).

Pure Psychology

  • General: Fundamental rules of normal adult humans.
  • Abnormal: Behaviour of abnormal people and treatment.
  • Social: Group dynamics and inter-relationships.
  • Physiological: Biological basis including the brain and nervous system.
  • Developmental: Growth from birth to old age.

Applied Psychology

  • Educational: Principles applied to teaching and learning.
  • Clinical: Causes and treatment of mental illness.
  • Industrial: Consumer behaviour and personnel training.
  • Legal: Behaviour in legal and criminal settings.

8. Summary: Historical Evolution and Modern View

“First psychology lost its soul, then its mind, then it lost its consciousness. It still has behaviour of a sort.” — Woodworth (1948)

Psychology has progressed through four major definitions:

  1. Study of the Soul
  2. Study of the Mind
  3. Study of Consciousness
  4. Study of Behaviour (Modern Definition)
Psychology FAQs

Psychology: Meaning, Nature & Scope Quiz

1. The word ‘Psychology’ is derived from Greek words ‘Psyche’ and ‘Logos’. Initially, ‘Psyche’ meant:
  • A. Mind
  • B. Soul
  • C. Behavior
  • D. Consciousness
🎯 Hover to see answer
Answer: B. Soul Initially known as the “Study of the Soul,” it later evolved to study mind, consciousness, and finally behavior.
2. Who is the “Father of Experimental Psychology” (1879)?
  • A. William James
  • B. Sigmund Freud
  • C. Wilhelm Wundt
  • D. J.B. Watson
🎯 Hover to see answer
Answer: C. Wilhelm Wundt He established the first formal psychology lab at the University of Leipzig, Germany.
3. “Psychology is the positive science of behavior.” This was advocated by:
  • A. J.B. Watson
  • B. B.F. Skinner
  • C. Edward Titchener
  • D. William McDougall
🎯 Hover to see answer
Answer: D. William McDougall He advocated for the “positive science” of behavior/conduct.
4. Which best describes the ‘Nature of Psychology’?
  • A. Purely a social science
  • B. A scientific discipline using empirical methods
  • C. A branch of philosophy only
  • D. A speculative science
🎯 Hover to see answer
Answer: B. A scientific discipline using empirical methods Psychology is scientific because it relies on systematic observation and experimentation.
5. Which branch studies changes over the human life span?
  • A. Social Psychology
  • B. Clinical Psychology
  • C. Developmental Psychology
  • D. Abnormal Psychology
🎯 Hover to see answer
Answer: C. Developmental Psychology Focuses on physical, cognitive, and social changes from conception through old age.
6. Educational Psychology is a branch of:
  • A. Pure Psychology
  • B. Applied Psychology
  • C. Abnormal Psychology
  • D. General Psychology
🎯 Hover to see answer
Answer: B. Applied Psychology Applied psychology uses research to solve practical problems, specifically in teaching and learning.
7. Improving workplace environment is the concern of:
  • A. Counseling Psychology
  • B. Industrial/Organizational Psychology
  • C. Cognitive Psychology
  • D. Environmental Psychology
🎯 Hover to see answer
Answer: B. Industrial/Organizational Psychology I/O psychology applies theories to organizations to improve productivity and well-being.
8. The ‘Scope of Psychology’ includes:
  • A. Conscious and Unconscious processes
  • B. Human and Animal behavior
  • C. Cognitive and Affective processes
  • D. All of the above
🎯 Hover to see answer
Answer: D. All of the above The scope covers everything from biological functions to complex human emotions and social interactions.
9. “The whole is greater than the sum of its parts” is emphasized by:
  • A. Behaviorism
  • B. Structuralism
  • C. Gestalt Psychology
  • D. Psychoanalysis
🎯 Hover to see answer
Answer: C. Gestalt Psychology Gestaltists argue we perceive objects as well-organized wholes rather than separate sensory elements.
10. A teacher analyzing why a student is underperforming uses:
  • A. Social Psychology
  • B. Educational Psychology
  • C. Experimental Psychology
  • D. Comparative Psychology
🎯 Hover to see answer
Answer: B. Educational Psychology This branch focuses on the learner and the environment to optimize educational outcomes.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top