Goals of Psychology
Psychology is the study of mind and behavior. The goals of psychology are four viz. to describe behavior, to explain, to predict, and to change behavior.
Let’s understand what are these four goals of psychology, and how these goals help in our life.
To Describe
One of the primary goals of psychology is to accurately describe and comprehend human behavior. While we often engage in casual descriptions in our daily lives without much thought, psychological descriptions delve deeper into understanding the intricacies of behavior, issues, and problems, leading to a greater comprehension of an individual’s psyche.
Psychological descriptions serve multiple purposes within the field. They aid psychologists in distinguishing between typical and atypical behaviors, facilitating a better understanding of human thoughts, emotions, and motivations.
Various research methods are employed to achieve this goal, including case studies, surveys, self-tests, and natural observation. Through these approaches, psychologists gather data, analyze patterns, and draw conclusions to paint a comprehensive picture of the behavior or issue under investigation.
A significant application of psychological descriptions can be seen in the context of psychological assessments conducted in therapy settings. During these assessments, psychologists employ systematic descriptions and measurements to assess various aspects of an individual’s psychological functioning. These assessments help in diagnosing psychological disorders, formulating treatment plans, and understanding individual differences.
To illustrate the practical application of psychological descriptions, let’s consider a scenario where researchers aim to understand consumer behavior in a specific retail outlet. They might employ market research surveys, direct observation, and other data collection methods to accurately describe and analyze the actions, preferences, and motivations of individuals during their shopping experiences. This valuable information empowers advertisers and marketers to gain deeper insights into their target market, enabling them to tailor their strategies, improve customer satisfaction, and meet consumer needs more effectively.
To Explain
Psychologists not only describe behaviors but also aim to provide explanations for why people act the way they do. By conducting experiments and developing theories, they seek to understand the factors influencing human behavior and its impact on personality and mental health.
Throughout history, psychologists have formulated various theories to explain different aspects of human behavior, ranging from specific behaviors to comprehensive explanations of human development and personality.
The pursuit of explaining behavior is a fundamental goal of psychology, addressing questions about the reasons behind people’s actions and the factors contributing to their personality, social behavior, and mental health problems.
Through these explanations, psychologists deepen our understanding of the intricate mechanisms that drive human actions, shedding light on the complex interplay between biology, psychology, and social influences.
By continuing to research and develop theories, psychologists contribute to advancing our knowledge of human behavior and enhancing our understanding of ourselves and others.
To Predict
The third goal of psychology is to make predictions about human thoughts and actions. By examining past behaviors and understanding their underlying causes, psychologists aim to predict when and if similar behaviors will occur again in the future.
Predicting behavioral patterns enables psychologists to gain insights into the factors influencing human behavior. With accurate predictions, psychologists can also work towards changing or controlling behavior.
Predicting behavior serves as a crucial indicator of our understanding of the underlying causes behind our actions. It allows psychologists to make informed guesses about human behavior, even without fully comprehending the mechanisms driving it.
By successfully predicting behavior, psychologists enhance their knowledge of human behavior and contribute to a deeper understanding of how and why we think and act the way we do.
To Change/Control
The 4 goals of psychology, fourth goal of psychology is to bring about positive and lasting changes in people’s lives by influencing and controlling behavior. Psychologists strive to help individuals make meaningful transformations by addressing their actions, thoughts, and emotions.
When a client engages in harmful behavior and feels guilt, psychologists approach the situation by describing what happened, explaining the motives behind the action, predicting the likelihood of its recurrence, and guiding the client towards alternative choices for a more positive outcome.
With their expertise and understanding, psychologists can determine the most beneficial treatment approach based on the client’s specific needs. This process of change and transformation can be challenging for individuals to achieve independently, which is where psychologists provide valuable support.
Ultimately, the goal of psychology is to empower individuals to make constructive changes, leading to improved well-being and a better quality of life.