Theory of the meaning of psychology - Essay Example

Psychology paper What is theory In the history of human knowledge, one of the most fundamental questions concerning the various branches of knowledge has been 'what is theory' and the different kinds of theories are the bases of scientific learning. The etymological meaning of the term theory is contemplation or speculation and the term derives from the Greek word 'theoria'. Theory may be understood as a scientific term which connotes a rationally developed outline or structure and various processes such as observation, experimentation, analysis, and reasoning are essential in the formulation of this self-reliable framework.

Theory comprises a set of rules accurately stated and it is possible to arrive at the meaning of a specific subject or a set of ideas on the basis of these principles. Observations are basic to the formulation of a theory and the data collected through observations undergo testing and analysis in the process of originating theories. That is to say, a theory is the ultimate result of observed data which are further examined and experimented in order to confirm their reliability. Thus, hypotheses are part of theories and an analysis of different premises using scientific processes is essential in the design of a specific theory.

Theory comprehensively explains the observed data and confirms the observations through experimentation and analysis. The vast field of knowledge contains several scientifically proved theories and logical analysis of the facts is the basis of systematic theories. In short, theory may be understood as "a comprehensive explanation of a given set of data that has been repeatedly confirmed by observation and experimentation and has gained general acceptance within the scientific community but has not yet been decisively proven.

" (Glossary) What is psychology What is psychology It is a fundamental question in the understanding of the wide ranging subject of psychology. Psychology, one of the most rapidly growing subjects in the modern world, deals with almost all the major branches of knowledge. The term psychology is coined from the two Greek words 'psyche' and 'logos'. The former means soul or mind while the latter denotes a discourse or reason and, therefore, psychology literally means a discourse or reasoning of soul or mind.

However, this meaning of psychology in the modern contexts seems to be inadequate. Therefore, as Colman maintains, "many contemporary psychologists prefer to define psychology as the study of behavior or the science of behavior." (Colman, 3) It does not mean that this definition is without inconsistencies. In fact, it is now common understanding that there is no generally accepted definition of psychology and the concept remains inadequately revealed. Considering all these disagreements on the definition of psychology Colman makes a clear description of the term.

Accordingly, "psychology is the science of the nature, functions, and phenomena of behavior and mental experience." (Colman, 4) It is clear in this definition that rational laws which can be realized govern the behavior as well as mental experience. How far this definition is useful to clarify the idea is yet to be debated. However, this seems to be useful to have a basic understanding of the concept and it is categorical that psychology deals with behavior and mental processes. Similarly, notion, emotion, and behavior are the main concerns of psychological analyses and researches.

In the modern world, psychology is applied in a number of areas including mental health treatment, education, behavior management, performance improvement, ergonomics, clinical practices, and other health related areas. Work Cited Glossary. GeologyLink: Student Resource center. Cengage Learning. 19 Sept. 2008. Colman, Andrew M. What is Psychology London: Routledge. 1999. P 3-4.