To define a discipline, we must elaborate upon its phenomena, assumptions, epistemology, theory, and methods, which Repko refers to as the "defining elements of a discipline." (Repko, 83)
A phenomenon attempts to explain something we do not understand. The phenomena of psychology are how our actions are regulated by our thoughts and other aspects within the environment around us. (Repko) Using the phenomena of different disciplines, we are able to approach problems quickly from an interdisciplinary view. Being interdisciplinary allows us to assess which phenomena from which disciplines are relevant to the task at hand, and to "decide which disciplines to mine for insights." (Repko, 84)
Assumptions are "something that we take for granted." (Repko, 89) Often in a particular discipline, we do not even recognize or acknowledge these assumptions, since we believe them to be present. Psychology however assumes that data that is collected through an empirical method that can create strong conclusions from a simple implication from observation. (Repko, 89-90) Research studies within the social sciences rely upon this assumption. Without this assumption of empirical research methods, it is hard to imply causation. To understand a discipline’s assumptions, it allows us to further understand their perspective. (Repko, 89)
Epistemology is "the branch of philosophy that studies how one knows what is true and how one validates truth." (Repko, 93) Based on this definition, psychologists are able to "know what is true," (Repko, 93) through observations and experiments and "validate truth," (Repko, 93) through the manipulation of certain variables and the control of other extraneous variables. Interdisciplinary students need epistemology to reflect "what is studied, how it is studied, and status the writer gives to the findings." (Repko, 95) However as interdisciplinary students we need to have an "appreciation of diversity” (Repko, 44) in order to be open to different theories and be unbiased.
A theory helps explain and understand a certain phenomenon. One of the major theories in psychology is psychoanalysis founded by Sigmund Freud. The theory emphasizes unconscious motives and thoughts that one has which causes ego dystonic between the id, ego, and superego. Although this theory is "rejected by most empirically oriented psychologists," we still study it today. (Wade, 19) Another theory within psychology is Maslow's hierarchy of human needs. This theory is a part of the humanist school of thought within psychology. Maslow conceptualized people's needs in a pyramid. At the bottom being basic survival needs, then security needs, then social needs, then esteem needs, and at the top self-actualization and self-transcendence. (Wade, 474-475) Maslow believed that if you were unable to achieve the level above, if you could not fulfill the ones just below, leading up to that level. But just as in any theory, there is always dispute about the accuracy and how it can be exemplified in daily life situations.
Methods are a systematic way in which we conduct experiments in order to interpret the results. The methods of psychology follow the scientific method, such as that in the natural sciences. The scientific method follows a cyclic system in which, observes a phenomenon, formulates tentative explanations, does further observing and experimenting, and refining and retesting. (Bordens, 23) However there are certain variables which psychologists cannot always control; therefore they must observe these different "levels of constraint." (Repko, 107) Ways in which psychologists can observe these effects are through naturalistic observation, case study research, correlational research, differential research, and experimental research." (Repko, 107)
Works Cited
-Bordens, Kenneth S., and Bruce B. Abbott. Research Design and Methods: a Process Approach.
-Wade, Carole, and Carol Tavris. Psychology. 9th ed.
A phenomenon attempts to explain something we do not understand. The phenomena of psychology are how our actions are regulated by our thoughts and other aspects within the environment around us. (Repko) Using the phenomena of different disciplines, we are able to approach problems quickly from an interdisciplinary view. Being interdisciplinary allows us to assess which phenomena from which disciplines are relevant to the task at hand, and to "decide which disciplines to mine for insights." (Repko, 84)
Assumptions are "something that we take for granted." (Repko, 89) Often in a particular discipline, we do not even recognize or acknowledge these assumptions, since we believe them to be present. Psychology however assumes that data that is collected through an empirical method that can create strong conclusions from a simple implication from observation. (Repko, 89-90) Research studies within the social sciences rely upon this assumption. Without this assumption of empirical research methods, it is hard to imply causation. To understand a discipline’s assumptions, it allows us to further understand their perspective. (Repko, 89)
Epistemology is "the branch of philosophy that studies how one knows what is true and how one validates truth." (Repko, 93) Based on this definition, psychologists are able to "know what is true," (Repko, 93) through observations and experiments and "validate truth," (Repko, 93) through the manipulation of certain variables and the control of other extraneous variables. Interdisciplinary students need epistemology to reflect "what is studied, how it is studied, and status the writer gives to the findings." (Repko, 95) However as interdisciplinary students we need to have an "appreciation of diversity” (Repko, 44) in order to be open to different theories and be unbiased.
A theory helps explain and understand a certain phenomenon. One of the major theories in psychology is psychoanalysis founded by Sigmund Freud. The theory emphasizes unconscious motives and thoughts that one has which causes ego dystonic between the id, ego, and superego. Although this theory is "rejected by most empirically oriented psychologists," we still study it today. (Wade, 19) Another theory within psychology is Maslow's hierarchy of human needs. This theory is a part of the humanist school of thought within psychology. Maslow conceptualized people's needs in a pyramid. At the bottom being basic survival needs, then security needs, then social needs, then esteem needs, and at the top self-actualization and self-transcendence. (Wade, 474-475) Maslow believed that if you were unable to achieve the level above, if you could not fulfill the ones just below, leading up to that level. But just as in any theory, there is always dispute about the accuracy and how it can be exemplified in daily life situations.
Methods are a systematic way in which we conduct experiments in order to interpret the results. The methods of psychology follow the scientific method, such as that in the natural sciences. The scientific method follows a cyclic system in which, observes a phenomenon, formulates tentative explanations, does further observing and experimenting, and refining and retesting. (Bordens, 23) However there are certain variables which psychologists cannot always control; therefore they must observe these different "levels of constraint." (Repko, 107) Ways in which psychologists can observe these effects are through naturalistic observation, case study research, correlational research, differential research, and experimental research." (Repko, 107)
Works Cited
-Bordens, Kenneth S., and Bruce B. Abbott. Research Design and Methods: a Process Approach.
-Wade, Carole, and Carol Tavris. Psychology. 9th ed.
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