Is psychology an art or science? Let’s find out. We all want to understand our world. Art and science may seem polar opposites, however, both art and science address questions about understanding the world around us.
The art vs science debate has been going on for centuries. However, modern psychology is definitely classified as a science. This is because of the rigorous academic education involved in earning a degree in Psychology. In this article, we will go over the history of psychology, why psychology is a science but also an art.
Before diving into the debate, take a look at these neuroscience art paintings by Artist, J. Sayuri. She creates neuroscience artwork by embedding her watercolor paintings within fMRI scans of human brains.
1. Human Brain Print Set of Three 12″ x 12″ Watercolor Prints
The Origins of Psychology
The origins of modern psychology started in the mid-1800s with German physiologist, Wilhelm Wundt. He used scientific research methods to investigate reaction times. His book, “Principles of Physiological Psychology,” outlined many of the major connections between physiology and the study of human thought and behavior.
In 1879, Wilhelm Wundt opened the world’s first psychology lab at the University of Leipzig. This event marked the official start of psychology as a separate and distinct scientific discipline.
At this time, psychology was becoming a scientific discipline. Wilhelm Wundt focused on the study of consciousness which influenced many future psychological researchers. Wundt used a method known as introspection which is now seen as unreliable. However, his early work helped set the stage for experimental methods in today’s psychology research.
In the early days of psychology, most researchers focused on conscious human experience. In the late 1800s, Austrian physician, Sigmund Freud, flipped the profession upside-down. Freud proposed that personality is built from unconscious processes.
Freud believed that early childhood experiences, unconscious impulses, and illnesses contributed to the development of adult personality and behavior.
Sigmund Freud’s theories impacted the practice of psychology in the 20th century. However his theories influenced well beyond mental health in areas including art, literature and popular culture. Although many therapists and psychologists today do not use Freud’s methods in therapy, his influence is undeniable.
Sigmund Freuds influence not only in psychologyThis may be why some people consider psychology to be a science and art today.
How is Psychology A Science?
Because psychologists rely on scientific methods to reveal new knowledge about human behavior, we consider psychology to be a science.
Psychology researchers are no different from other scientists. They formulate hypotheses, devise experiments to gather data, and analyze the results. Psychology journals are filled with scientific studies, indicating that psychology is a true science.
However, the practice of psychology to help patients can be considered an art form. This is because of the nuanced and individualized nature of this care. Offering therapy requires the practitioner’s use of professional academic knowledge with empathic intuition and judgment. In this way, psychology is also an art.
Psychology BA vs BS
Although A bachelor’s degree in psychology takes four years to complete. You can choose a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree.
The Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree enables students to work as a practitioner. They can work as a counselor, therapist, or social worker after completing their degree.
The Bachelor of Science (BS) degree allows students to work as researchers in neurosciences and/or attend medical school after completing their degree.
Types of Psychology Degrees
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to earn a psychology degree? Here’s a rundown of the different types of psychology degrees and how long they take to earn.
- Associate Degree in Psychology – An associate degree in psychology is an undergraduate-level degree that takes two years to finish.
- Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology – A bachelor’s degree in psychology takes four years to complete and is the undergraduate level of study for a career as a psychologist.
- Master’s Degree in Psychology – Completing a master’s degree in psychology usually takes between two and three years beyond the bachelor’s degree.
- Ph.D. in Psychology – A Ph.D. in psychology, is a doctoral-level degree that can take four to six years of graduate study to complete.
Top Psychology Schools
These are the top psychology programs in the United States, ranked in 2022.
- Stanford University – Stanford, CA
- University of California – Berkeley, CA
- Harvard University – MA
- University of California – Los Angeles, CA
- University of Michigan-Ann Arbor – MI
Why Is Counselling Considered To Be An Art?
Counselling is a personal process that focuses on listening, understanding and guiding clients toward real change. It is considered an art because counsellors develop ways to help each client using their knowledge of the world.
Check more neuroscience art paintings by artist, J. Sayuri.
Neuroscience Greeting Cards
Watercolor Brain Psychology Art
Bottom Line
And what comes from both art and science is the opportunity to gain a deeper knowledge of who we are.
The human psyche is fascinating. The research and practice of psychology will improve us as individuals and as a society. Although, we’ve learned that psychology is indeed a science, it can also be considered an art form in patient care.