PSYCHOLOGY

Psychology

Psychology

The consequences of behavior

Participants' discussion seemed to reflect some contrasting views about the nature of psychology. Some comments seemed to reflect a belief that psychology had a scientific basis and held a respected and valued place in society, but discussion on the nature of psychology also seemed to reflect a range of views that suggested a more ambiguous literary identity. (Dillinger, 2002)

Participants pointed out how psychology had come to be a recognised body of knowledge widely used in different areas of society, for example: “Also in the business world, I think they have seen the applications that psychology can have. Psychology is becoming more common in society, especially in sports.” In this representation, psychology's acceptability as a valid and recognised discipline affirmed.

But in contrast to academic psychology's positioning of itself as a scientific discipline, participants highlighted viewpoints that portrayed psychology as lacking in rigorous foundations. For example, one participant said that psychologists are “professional bullshit artists—they make up all sorts of theories, whether it is really validated or not.” Others commented that, “It's hard because how valid is their analysis?” And “(it's) airy fairy and not real.” This seems to juxtapose psychology to hard sciences. (Evans, 2002)

How concise thought

Other comments seemed to portray psychology as an extension of natural knowledge and capacities, such as empathy, rather than something that has to be developed through intellectual pursuit. For example, “Psychologists have certain empathy and love for their fellow man.” Participants seemed to see that psychology's merits were not those of an exacting science but reflected instead the everyday experience of caring for others. This is perhaps not surprising given the extent to which everyday experience psychological (Rose, 1996). Academic psychology has established itself firmly with a strong basis in science. Some psychologists have argued that it is this feature that distinguishes it from other mental health fields (Peterson, 2003). Nonetheless, participants' comments highlight the ongoing clash between academic and everyday understandings of psychology. (Vaughan, 2007)

In addition to viewpoints that represent psychology as a respected valid discipline, as an innate capacity, or as fabrication, the same participants simultaneously, and inconsistently, held beliefs of psychology as being something unknown, powerful, and mysterious. For example, participants commented that, “People think you will see something that hidden,” and “Some people are very uneasy when they know you are studying psychology, and that you are analyzing them and everything (they) say.” These ideas about psychologists as possessing unique powers to “read people's minds” reflected in caricatures of clinical psychologists. (Dillinger, 2002)

There are clearly different and sometimes contradictory notions of what the discipline of psychology is. These differing ideas may go some way towards explaining the wide appeal of psychology as a field of undergraduate study. On the one hand, it may suggest entry into an established and professional field, and on the other, it may be interesting because of its professed closeness to everyday concerns, or it may represent access to furtive knowledge. (Vaughan, 2007)

Group conflict and prejudice

Participants' discussions related not only to diverse representations ...