Relationship Of Psychology With Other Disciplines

The psychological investigations share interest with different branches of biological sciences, social sciences and humanities. All these knowledge areas are collectively known as behavioral sciences. In recent years linkage of psychology with different subjects has been recognized. Now multi-disciplinary and cross-disciplinary studies are increasingly receiving greater attention. 

Let us see how psychology is related to other disciplines. 

Sociology: The social or collective aspect of human behavior is a matter of common concern for the students of sociology as well as psychology. However, the levels and approaches of the two are different. Both the disciplines help us to understand the influences of social context on human behavior. Both analyze social phenomena such as leadership, socialization etc. However, sociology is molar and focuses on broader or macro units. It stresses on the study of groups and communities, while psychology focuses more on individuals. It is interesting to note that society comprises of individual. Hence both are inter-related. It also uses experimental survey and observational methods for collecting information. 

Anthropology: Anthropology tries to understand the evolution of mankind and development of civilization. It also focuses on the characteristics and processes of culture by detailed observation and recording the lives of people through participant observation in different cultural groups. In contrast, psychology tries to establish generalizations about human behavior. These generalizations are often limited by the culture in which research is conducted. In recent years the relationship between culture and psychology has become closer. The psychological studies which respond to the needs of culture have shown that there are important differences and similarities in the nature and expression of emotions, self concept, motives, personality, norms, morality and child-rearing across different cultures. 

Biology and Neuroscience: One of the main concerns of psychologists is to understand the biological foundations of behavior. Many breakthroughs in understanding, controlling and modifying behavior have come from the knowledge of the functioning of brain and nervous system. Localization of brain functions, nature and properties of nerve impulse, biological factors in arousal and motivation, role of various parts of brain in determining psychological functioning constitute an exciting area of inquiry

Education: Education and psychology have a history of very long association. The theory and practice of education is based on the principles and findings about various psychological processes like learning, memory, motivation, personality and intelligence. Also, effective class-room teaching and learning is possible only when teachers are trained in the principles of human development. Children are active learners who process information and act accordingly. A teacher, therefore, is required to be skillful in the techniques of motivation and communication. Teachers are often required to provide guidance and counseling to students and parents. Similarly evaluation of students requires basic understanding of the principles and procedures of psychological assessment.