Question

Explain some of the challenges in establishing psychology as a science.

Explain any two challenges in establishing psychology as a science.

Answer 1

Many criticisms of psychology as a science have been made on practical, philosophical, and ethical grounds. The challenges in establishing psychology as science are:

1. It is in a pre-paradigmatic state: According to American philosopher, Thomas Kuhn, psychology is still in a preparadigmatic state as it has not succeeded in producing a cumulative body of knowledge that has a clear conceptual core.
2. Issues related to objectivity and validity: Methods used in psychology such as introspection, surveys, and questionnaires are subjective. Due to this, psychology lacks two criteria of science, i.e., objectivity and validity.
3. Issues related to predictability and replicability: In psychology, it is difficult to make exact predictions as people respond differently in different situations. Test results are more varied and hence difficult to replicate.
4. Objectifying humans: According to some psychologists, subjecting human behaviour to experimentation amounts to objectifying individuals.