Scientific psychology and applied psychology are two branches of psychology that differ in their focus and goals.
Scientific Psychology:
- Focus: Understanding the fundamental principles of human behavior and mental processes.
- Methods: Scientific research methods, including experiments, surveys, and observations.
- Goals: To develop theories and laws that explain human behavior.
- Examples: Research on memory, perception, learning, motivation, and emotion.
Applied Psychology:
- Focus: Applying psychological principles and theories to real-world problems.
- Methods: Use of psychological methods and findings to address practical issues.
- Goals: To solve problems, improve well-being, and enhance performance.
- Examples: Clinical psychology, industrial-organizational psychology, educational psychology, and forensic psychology.
In essence:
- Scientific psychology focuses on understanding human behavior, while applied psychology focuses on using that knowledge to solve problems.
- Scientific psychologists conduct research to develop new theories and laws, while applied psychologists use existing theories to address specific issues.
For example, a scientific psychologist might conduct an experiment to understand the relationship between stress and memory. An applied psychologist might use that knowledge to develop strategies for reducing stress and improving memory in students.
