This article outlines the four primary goals of psychology: description, explanation, prediction, and control. At the end, you’ll have the chance to assess your understanding by attempting quizzes related to each goal. A link to these MCQs has been provided at the conclusion of the article.
1. Description
The first goal of psychology as a field of study is to enable psychologists to identify and record whether a thought or behavior of a person, under psychological analysis, is typical or atypical. That means whether the thoughts and behaviors are common or uncommon.
Importance of description as a goal of Psychology
Description as one of the fundamental goals of psychology is important as the descriptive records allow psychologists to determine whether a person is behaving normal or in way that is not normal thus helping decide the future course of action about that person. These descriptions are useful as they inform about ways to positively change a person’s thoughts and behaviors.
How is description as a goal of psychology accomplished?
There are different research methods that psychologists employ to accomplish the descriptive goal of psychology. Some of these research methods included Case-studies, Surveys, self-tests, observation.
2. Explanation
Psychologists do not suffice with merely identifying and recording typical or a typical thoughts and behaviours of an individual. They go beyond, to provide explanations for the causes or reasons behind the occurrence of these behaviours and thoughts. They make efforts to address queries about why people act or behave in a particular manner. Thus, explanation as a goal of psychology refers to the act of providing explanations for the reasons behind the behaviour display or thoughts of individuals.
Importance of explanation as a goal of psychology
Explanation as a goal of psychology has great importance which is discussed below:
Understanding Causes of a particular Behavior
Explanation as one of the key goals of psychology allows psychologists to identify the factors that influence behavior of an individual. These factors can be biological, cognitive, emotional, or environmental in nature.
For instance, when psychologists explain why individuals develop anxiety, they take into examination the genetic predispositions, cognitive distortions or traumatic experiences.
Building Theories
Scientific study of human thoughts and actions is not a random thing, it rather needs structured frameworks. How are these structured frameworks developed? They are developed by psychologists develop these frameworks. While this all happening the already existing theories also get refined. These theories are foundational for predicting future behaviours and guiding further research.
Application to Real-Life Problems
The explanations provided help psychologist to find solutions for real-life problems. In other words, these explanations enable psychologists to craft effective interventions and make strategies to address real issue or problems.
For example, the management of a company can seek help of psychologists to suggest interventions with reference to bringing a reduction in the workload stress through targeted programs. The psychologist will create intervention only if they are provided with the explanations of the underpinning causes of the workload stress.
Advancement of Scientific Knowledge
Explanation as goal of psychology contributes to the broader understanding of human nature and psychological phenomena, enriching the scientific community’s knowledge base.
Encouraging Empathy and Awareness
Explaining the reasons behind a particular behaviour can promote empathy by helping people know that the actions are a result of a multitude complex and unseen factors that are otherwise not known.
For example, there is a social stigma attached with depression as if it is a negative personality trait. It is because, commonly people do not know it is influenced by chemical imbalances and other factors. This understanding of depression involving chemical imbalances as well as life circumstances can reduce stigma attached with it. This understanding will come only through the explanations of the underlying factors of the depression a person experiences.
3. Prediction
Prediction is the third among the key goals of Psychology. It refers to the act of anticipating how, when and in what form and manifestation the past behaviors may occur again. The availability of qualitative data involving behavior patterns, the psychologists can make more accurate predictions of a future recurring of a behavior. This includes prediction of the circumstances that may trigger change in the behavior.
Let’s understand this with an example. If aptitude tests suggest more girls could leave schools than boys at a particular level of education, the information can estimate the number of boys and girls who may leave school each year. With this prediction in mind, psychologists may suggest the authorities to keep certain steps in place to change or control behavior as the last goal of psychology.
Importance of prediction as a goal of psychology
Prediction as one of the fundamental goals of psychology holds great importance in a multitude of ways as explained below:
Anticipation of Future Behavior
Prediction as a goal of psychology helps researchers and psychologists to anticipate future behavior on basis of established theories and observed pattern of action patterns. To understand it lets have a situation. A child is continuously exposed to verbal abuse and torture at home. The psychologist may predict the child’s experiences of abuse and torture may develop low self esteem and negative personality traits of treating others the same way in his/her adulthood.
Effective Decision-Making
Prediction on basis of research data, observation, etc. is vital when it comes to support individuals, institutions and policy makers in informed decision making. To give an example, predicting how consumers respond to publicity of a daily used product can help the producers to design effective marketing strategies.
Prevention of Negative Outcomes
By predicting behaviors leading to harm, the psychologists can guide individuals, institutions, etc. to adopt ways that can prevent unwanted consequences. For instance, anticipating an individual’s chances of addiction can be helpful in taking timely preventive steps.
Advancement of Psychological Research
Past information about a behavior helps in making accurate predictions of a particular behavior pattern. In in turn validates psychological theories and established models thus enhancing their applicability and reliability. For instance, there is a theory. ”stress increases the likelihood of errors in decision-making”. This theory becomes stronger when its supported by evidence on consistent basis.
Enhancing Personal and Social Development
Calculated and educated predictions in psychology helps individuals, institutions and policy makers to adjust their behavior as basis of prediction they at least have an idea of what future holds for them. In other words, predictions help them foresee the results of their current behavior thus empowering them to make modification in it.
Support in Treatment and Therapy
Prediction has an important role in the treatment and therapy. In clinical psychology, it plays a pivotal role in determining the the most effective treatments. For instance, anticipating the best therapy method for particular type of anxiety helps customize the treatment to the individual.
4. Control/Change
The fourth and final goal of psychology is to control or change behavior. This goal focuses on positively influencing the thoughts and actions of individuals and groups. Psychological principles and frameworks guide psychologists and individuals about actions that need to be taken while tackling psychological disorders.
Psychologists help individuals develop coping strategies for the issues they face. For instance, HIV/AIDS patients often feel isolated and marginalized due to social stigma. However, NGOs and government organizations working on HIV/AIDS prevention and rehabilitation help these patients accept their condition. They also educate families and communities to overcome stigma and treat patients with care and compassion. This process relies on established psychological principles and policies developed through rigorous research and thoughtful deliberation.
Importance of Control as a goal of psychology
Promote Positive Change
Control or change as a goal of psychology helps individuals replace unwanted behaviors with productive ones, fostering sound mental and emotional health and encouraging positive thoughts and actions.
Enhancement of Social Harmony
Psychologists use established principles and research findings to systematically address issues such as prejudice, stigma, and conflict. These issues negatively impact communities and society at large. Their redressal fosters understanding and cooperation within communities and society.
Improved Treatment Outcomes
In clinical settings, control as a goal of psychology allows psychologists to make interventions in light of the case observations and established principles to help patients cope with psychological disorders effectively.
Taking Preventive Measures
Psychologists in different settings design and implement strategies to prevent happening of mental health issues. These strategies may include stress management programs, mental health awareness session, campaigns to reduce stigma, etc.
