Empiricism and Psychology

Empiricism is a mode of expertise, which typically involves observation and experimentation. Historically empiricism traces its roots back to the 17th century, a time, that gave rise to numerous discoveries and innovations (Schultz & Schultz, 2008). Rene Descartes believed that understanding or knowing was in theory how one perceives their own environment an assertion whichseems to suggest that the individual consciousness or awareness of environment lays the groundwork for the accumulation of knowledge (Polkinghorne, 1994). Philosophically, empiricism seeks to emphasize experience from a scientific perspective. Yet, the basis for empiricism is founded on the notion that knowledge is acquired from the environment or as researcher Timo Jarvilehto (1999) so eloquently notes knowledge is the form of existence of the organism-environment system (Jarvilehto, 1999)Modern empirical techniques, of courseare based on the application of the scientific method, a procedure which involves the formation of questions and answers using the principles of observation, data collection, andenvironmental control (Cohen, 1988).

The influence of empiricism can be seen at work in the abundant theoretical considerations and predictions of psychological researchers. Contemporary psychologists are united by their commitment to empiricism and the scientific method. Empiricism allows psychologists to make decisions, not only about where to focus their research but also about what kind of treatment methods to use or what services to provide schools, businesses, government agencies, or other clients. Their decisions are guided mainly by their approach to psychology that is, by the empirical assumptions, questions, and methods they believe will be most helpful in their work. Today psychologists are striving to do what many of their predecessors thought was impossible: to study mental processes with exactitude and scientific objectivity.

Through the use of empiricism psychologists have begun to elucidate many of the mystifying facets of the human mind thereby substantiating psychology itself as the science of behavior and mental processes. Understanding the scientific nature of psychology is of paramount importance especially wherescholarly practice is concerned.Keith Stanovich (2007) Professor of Human Development and Applied Psychology at the University of Toronto states that “The scientific method is important to psychology because it allows for the adjudication of disputes among competing explanations of phenomenon” a statement which pertains to about every facet of human thought. Psychology lays the framework for understanding, recognizing, regulating and normalizing human behavior areas, which are integral to the development of a scholar-practitioner.

Psychologists play a definitive role in shaping society and broadening its insight into the unchartered territory of the human mind. The impact that psychologists have on society is evidenced at home, in the classroom, and on the job. Psychological research in disciplines such as politics, education, business and management is supported by the noticeable effect that these applications have on conveying a broader understanding of the human psyche to the masses. As such practices from industry to politics can now be understood in terms of theoretical models. In addition social problems from prejudice and warfare to criminality and poverty can now be analyzed and evaluated by psychologists and counselors. The ability of a psychologist to filter his or her perceptions has given rise to a framework of thoughts and beliefs which haveallowed them to become more efficient at interpreting the world. It is no small wonder that psychologists can be seen at work in many professions from the criminal justice system to military psychological operations (Rose, 1985).

References

Schultz, D. P., & Schultz, S. E. (2008). A History of Modern Psychology (9th ed.). Belmont, CA: Thomson Wadsworth.

Polkinghorne, D. (1994). A path of understanding for psychology. Journal of Theoretical and Philosophical Psychology, 14(2), 128-145.

Järvilehto, T. (1999).The theory of the organism-environment system: III. The role of efferent influences on receptors in the formation of knowledge. Integrative Physiological and Behavioral Science, 34, 90-100.

Cohen, J. (1988). Statistical power analysis for the behavioral sciences (2nd ed.) Hillsdale, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.

Rose, N. (2007). Psychology as a Social Science. London School of Economics and Political Science. Retrieved from http://www.lse.ac.uk/collections/socialPsychology/pdf/Psychology%20as%20a%20Social%20Science%20-%20LSE%20-%20February%2007.pdf

Stanovich, K. E. (2007). How to think straight about psychology (8^th ed.). Boston: Allyn and Bacon, Pearson Education, Inc