What is the Psychology (VIII)

Psychology tends to be eclectic, drawing on knowledge from other fields to help explain and understand psychological phenomena. Additionally, psychologists make extensive use of the three modes of inference that were identified by C. S. Peirce: deduction, induction, and abduction (hypothesis generation). While often employing deductive-nomological reasoning, they also rely on inductive reasoning to generate explanations. For example, evolutionary psychologists propose explanations of human behavior in terms of such behaviors' advantages for hunter-gatherers.

Academic psychologists may focus purely on research and psychological theory, aiming to further psychological understanding in a particular area, while other psychologists may work in applied psychology to deploy such knowledge for immediate and practical benefit. These approaches are not mutually exclusive, and many psychologists will be involved in both researching and applying psychology at some point during their career. Many clinical psychology programs aim to develop in practicing psychologists both knowledge of and experience with research and experimental methods, which they may interpret and employ as they treat individuals with psychological issues.

When an area of interest requires specific training and specialist knowledge, especially in applied areas, psychological associations normally establish a governing body to manage training requirements. Similarly, requirements may be laid down for university degrees in psychology, so that students acquire an adequate knowledge in a number of areas. Additionally, governing agencies in places where psychologists offer treatment to others may require that psychologists be licensed by government regulatory bodies.

Source: Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia

Related Post(s):
1. What is the Psychology (I)
2. What is the Psychology (II)
3. What is the Psychology (III)
4. What is the Psychology (IV)
5. What is the Psychology (V)
6. What is the Psychology (VI)
7. What is the Psychology (VII)
8. What is the Psychology (VIII)
9. What is the Psychology (IX)
10. What is the Psychology (X)