The Diverse Nature of Psychology

The Diverse Nature of Psychology

Psychology has evolved from the philosophical roots associated with Aristotle (384 BC-322 BC), Plato (427 BC-347 BC), and Descartes (1596-1650). Evolution of psychology was enhanced by the works of individuals like Sigmund Freud (1856-1939), Alfred Alder (1870-1937), and Carl Jung (1875-1961) (Goodwin, 2005). Further advancements in psychology were made by individuals like Ivan Pavlov (1849-1936), Wilhelm Wundt (1832-1929), and John Watson (1878-1958), who each made major contributions to the transition of psychology from philosophy to science (Goodwin, 2005). Today psychology provides a diverse collection of specialized focus that permits opportunities ranging from clinical psychology to industrial psychology, and beyond (Landrun, & Davis, 2010).

Three Sub-areas of Psychology

Divisions in psychology are described as areas of interest that include sub-disciplines and direct focus on specific areas; currently there are 54 divisions fo psychology recorded by the American Psychological Association (American Psychological Association, 2013). Because so many classifications exist in psychology, the field is easily described as a collection of various individual theories related to limited aspects of behavior rather than a singular goal of one major theory or concept of psychology. For instance, industrial and organizational psychology serves to provide an understanding of individual behavior in relation to everyday situations that arise in the business environment (Stone, 1971). Another area of psychology, abnormal psychology is an area that has been associated with a large class of mental conditions referred to as functional diseases, and how they can be explained in psychological terminology (McLeod, 2008). A third area of psychology is environmental psychology. This area focuses on how physical spaces influence human thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and how these influences direct how an individual interacts with his or her surroundings (Psychology Today, 2013).

The Influence of Diversity on Psychology

 The issue of diversity also creates an issue of unity within the psychological community itself. According to Walsh-Bowers (2010) “The chronic problem of fragmentation in psychology has generated three conflicting perspectives on desirable solutions: unification, pluralism, and skepticism.” (para. 2). Although diversity may lead to some fragmentation, there are two primary features that set psychology apart from other disciplines. First, psychologists and researchers use scientific techniques to study a full range of behavior in humans and animals (Stanovich, 2010). Second, the applications of psychological studies develop from scientific opportunities. These two primary core features differentiate psychology from philosophy and other scientific disciplines that rely purely on empirical data (Stanovich, 2010).

The Practical Application of Two Psychological Disciplines

Because of the diverse nature of psychology, the implications of psychological discovery can provide a wide variety of applications. The only drawback to the divisional nature of psychology is that each division is limited to theories and aspects of a behaviors limited to the specific division. For example, if one were to consider the application of environmental psychology, one would focus on problems as they relate to improving environmental situations. The results of this focus would be used to influence lawmakers in environmental concerns, and reinforce behaviors that favored the area of focus (Pelletier, Lavergne, & Sharp, 2008). Another example would be the application of industrial and organizational psychology to study the effects and stressors on individuals in the work environment, and how these effect the individual’s ability to socialize and perform to company standards. Findings in studies related to the work-place environment can be reported back to company officials, and used as a basis for implementing changes in the work-place that promote a healthier environment for employees; hence improving employee retention, performance, and socialization (Stone, 1971).

Conclusion

In conclusion, the diverse nature of psychology can be considered both an asset and a detriment. Stanovich (2010) suggests that the general field of science seeks to generalize the psychology by implementing generalized theories that can be applied to all disciplines of psychology. However, this is a difficult approach because each division of psychology focuses on specific aspects of human and animal behaviors that would not fit within a generalized theory. Furthermore, some divisions of psychology like environmental or industrial and organizational psychology are more narrowly focused on specific interactions of human behavior in relation to specific areas of interest; making them even more difficult to generalize in basic theory and application.

References

 American Psychological Association. (2013). Divisions. Retrieved from http://www.apa.org/about/division/index.aspx

Goodwin, C. J. (2005). A history of modern psychology (2nd ed.). Hoboken, NJ: Wiley.

Landrum, R.E., & Davis, S.F. (2010). The Psychology Major: Career Opportunities and Strategies for Success [University of Phoenix Custom Edition eBook]. : Prentice Hall. Retrieved from University of Phoenix, Psy490 website.

McLeod, S. (2008). Simply Psychology. Retrieved from http://www.simplypsychology.org/abnormal-psychology.html

Pelletier, L. G., Lavergne, K. J., & Sharp, E. C. (2008). Environmental psychology and sustainability: Comments on topics important for our future. Canadian Psychology, 49(4), 304-308. doi:10.1037/a0013658

 Psychology Today. (2013). Environmental Psychology. Retrieved from http://www.psychologytoday.com/basics/environmental-psychology

Stanovich, K. (2010). How to think straight about psychology (9th ed.). Boston: Pearson/Allyn Bacon.

Stone, T. H. (1971). Industrial and Organizational Psychology. Administrative Science Quarterly, 16(4), 552-554.

Walsh-Bowers, R. (2010, August). Some Social-historical issues underlying psychology's fragmentation. New Ideas in Psychology, 28(2), 244-252. doi:10.1016/j.newideapsych.2009.09.018.