Scientific Nature of Psychology

Question 0

Non-Scientific Explanations

Answer 0

Are astrology (space), numerology (numbers), graphology (handwriting) and palmistry (lines on hand). These kinds of alternative approaches are often called pseudosciences. 'Pseudo' is a prefix used to indicate that something is false or falsely imitates something else.
- common sense, faith or personal beliefs cannot be used as the sole basis for explaining mental processes.

Question 1

Scientific versus Non-Scientific Explanation

Answer 1

Psychology uses a scientific approach when conducting research. This enables psychologists to draw valid and reliable conclusions about the behaviour and mental processes they study.

Question 2

Psychics

Answer 2

A psychic is someone who claims to have supernatural powers associated with the mind.

Question 3

Psi Abilities

Answer 3

Are abilities that are said to enable the mind to act in a way that is beyond it’s known capabilities. Extra sensory perception: telepathy (talking in heads), clairvoyance (know something is happening) and precognition (predicting the future).

Question 4

Astrology

Answer 4

A system for explaining and predicting how we think, feel and behave on the basis of the positions of the planets and the stars at the time of a persons birth. It uses scientific looking astronomical charts and technical terms and is often confused with the real science of astrology.
- beliefs go back at least 2500 years