Why is Psychology Named So? History & Meaning

Scientists have defined psychology in many ways throughout history. Greek philosophers originally defined it as the science concerned with researching mental life. Later, psychoanalysts described it as the science that studies both the conscious and unconscious mental life of humans.

In contrast, behaviorists viewed it as the science that investigates human behavior. One of the most comprehensive definitions that clarifies the essence of psychology is that it combines the study of the mind, consciousness, and unconsciousness, making it the science that examines behavior and its relationship to mental life.

Why is Psychology Named So?

Experts attribute this naming convention to two crucial fields: philosophy and physiology. The word "Psychology" originates from the ancient Greek words "Psyche," meaning "soul" or "mind," and "Logos," meaning "study" or "science."

During the 16th century, it was known as the science that studies the soul and mind. This specific terminology was utilized to distinguish the study of human mental and spiritual aspects from the study of the physical body (like anatomy and medicine). Since then, the term psychology has become globally recognized and widely adopted.

Research Methods in Psychology

Psychology relies on several scientific methods for research and study, the most prominent being:

1. Introspection (Internal Observation)

This is a necessary and fundamental method in psychology because it studies intangible matters that others cannot directly feel. For instance, "joy" is a subjective internal feeling that no other individual can perceive with the same depth. While this method is unique to psychology, it has several drawbacks:

• It sometimes evaluates unconscious subjects that are difficult to describe accurately.
• It is nearly impossible to observe phenomena objectively while experiencing intense emotions.
• Emotions are recalled after the event, and the recalled memory is often not as intense as the original emotion.
• Individuals cannot maintain complete objectivity while observing themselves, as the brain struggles to perform two conflicting mental processes simultaneously.

2. External Observation

This is an approach we use when attempting to interpret another person's behavior based on their actions and facial expressions. However, observation can sometimes lead to incorrect conclusions due to individual differences. Some behaviors or expressions might be exaggerated or artificial. Furthermore, people differ significantly in how they express their feelings based on their unique personalities.

3. Experimentation

Experimentation involves the careful and deliberate observation of phenomena under specific conditions that the researcher can control and manipulate (such as in a psychological laboratory). The results of these experiments are influenced by two types of variables: external factors (the environment) and internal factors (the individual's psychological state).

Frequently Asked Questions About Psychology