Difference between Basic Psychology and Applied Psychology
There is a difference between basic psychology and applied psychology. Psychology is a large field that focuses on understanding human behaviour, thoughts, and emotions.
There are two main branches: basic psychology and applied psychology. Each sub-discipline has particular areas of emphasis, research methods, and theories that help distinguish them.
Table of Contents
What is Basic Psychology?
Basic psychology, also known as pure or fundamental psychology, focuses on discovering the “why” and “how” of human behaviour. Researchers use controlled experiments, surveys, and observational studies to gather information about various psychological processes and theories.
Through this research, they work to understand better the underlying factors that influence our thoughts, emotions, and actions.
The insights generated by these studies then help to inform the development of theories and models that explain why people act in the ways they do.
What is Applied Psychology?
Applied psychology focuses on the practical use of psychological knowledge, theories, and techniques to address real-life issues. Applied psychologists work in various settings, such as schools, hospitals, businesses, and government bodies.
Through their expertise, they assist individuals and organizations in enhancing their performance and welfare. A good example is a clinical psychologist who works with people facing mental health challenges using psychological strategies and approaches.
Similarly, an industrial-organizational psychologist incorporates research methods to help companies create better working conditions and increase staff satisfaction.
Basic Psychology vs Applied Psychology
Basic psychology and applied psychology play essential roles in psychology, as they are interrelated and mutually beneficial.
Basic psychology supplies basic knowledge, concepts, and theories for applied psychologists to use in their research and interventions; meanwhile, applied psychology translates these theories into real-world settings where new findings can be gained, and new approaches developed.
This reciprocity helps progress both fields of study so that advances in one lead to advances in the other.
Basic psychology also provides a theoretical framework for applied psychology and helps to ensure that applied psychologists use scientifically validated theories and methods in their work.
For example, a clinical psychologist may use theories from cognitive psychology to develop a therapy program for a patient with depression, and a social psychologist may use theories from social cognition to help an organization improve its diversity and inclusion policies.
While basic and applied psychology has unique goals and perspectives, they aim to improve our understanding of human behaviour and help people and organizations function better.
Basic psychology provides a foundation of knowledge and understanding essential for applied psychology and applied psychology provides a way to test and validate basic psychological theories and methods in real-world settings.
Difference between Basic Psychology and Applied Psychology
| BASIC PSYCHOLOGY | APPLIED PSYCHOLOGY |
|---|---|
| Focuses on the understanding of basic psychological processes and theories. | It focuses on applying psychological knowledge and methods to solve real-world problems. |
| The main goal is to gain a deeper understanding of the underlying mechanisms that drive human behaviour. | Main goal is to use psychological knowledge and methods to improve individuals’ and organizations’ functioning and well-being. |
| Research is mainly carried out through controlled experiments, surveys, and observational studies. | Research is carried out in real-world settings, such as schools, hospitals, businesses, and government organizations. |
| Theories and findings from basic psychology inform the development of applied psychology. | Applied psychology provides a way to test and validate basic psychological theories and methods. |
| Examples of areas of study in basic psychology include cognitive psychology, social psychology, and developmental psychology. | Examples of areas of study in applied psychology include clinical psychology, industrial-organizational psychology, and educational psychology. |
Note: This table provides a general overview of the difference between basic and applied psychology. The specific areas of study and research methods used in each sub-discipline can vary widely.
How are theories and findings from basic psychology used in applied psychology?
Basic psychological theory and findings form the basis of applied psychology. Applied psychologists take these insights and knowledge from basic research to solve practical problems and apply them in real-world settings.
In educational psychology, basic research on memory and learning can be used to develop effective teaching techniques. In contrast, in industrial-organizational psychology, basic research on social influence can be used to develop marketing strategies.
In clinical psychology, basic research can also identify a behaviour’s underlying mechanisms, which can be used to develop interventions.
It is possible for applied psychologists to develop evidence-based solutions to various problems facing individuals, organizations, and society by drawing upon the theories and findings of basic psychology.
How do basic and applied psychology contribute to developing new theories and techniques in psychology?
In basic psychology, fundamental research on the underlying mechanisms of behaviour contributes to developing new psychological theories and techniques.
Based on the findings of this research, new theories and concepts can be developed to advance the field of psychology as a whole. The effectiveness of these new theories and concepts can then be evaluated in applied settings.
By developing practical solutions to real-world problems using existing theories and concepts, applied psychology contributes to developing new techniques and interventions.
As a result of this process, psychologists can identify areas where existing theories and techniques fail and develop new and innovative psychological intervention methods.
How has technology impacted both basic and applied psychology?
Psychologists have witnessed technology’s profound impact on their basic and applied fields. With technological advancements in basic psychology, researchers have been able to study human behaviour in new and innovative ways, such as using brain imaging techniques to analyze neural activity during cognitive tasks.
Researchers have gained new insights into how behaviour is driven using these technologies.
Technology has changed how psychological interventions are delivered in applied psychology with the advent of teletherapy and mobile applications.
Additionally, technology has enabled more efficient and precise research through new data collection and analysis avenues. However, there have been ethical concerns raised by technology in both fields, including privacy violations and bias in algorithms.
Conclusion: Basic Psychology vs Applied Psychology
In conclusion, basic psychology and applied psychology are two distinct but interrelated sub-disciplines within the field of psychology.
Basic psychology focuses on understanding basic psychological processes and theories, while applied psychology focuses on applying psychological knowledge and methods to solve real-world problems.
Both play important roles in advancing our understanding of human behaviour and helping people and organizations improve their functioning and well-being.
References
- The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. “10 Different Fields of Psychology Explained“.
- Stephen J. Breckler, American Psychological Association. “Embracing the many applications of psychology“.
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