Question

How can you distinguish scientific psychology from the popular notions about the discipline of psychology?

Answer 1

Scientific psychology can be distinguished from the popular notions about the discipline of psychology on the basis of the following characteristics:

Scientific psychology		The popular notion about psychology
It is based on scientific study of psychological phenomenon.	1.	It uses common-sense knowledge to understand behaviour.
It explains the psychological phenomenon systematically on the basis of empirical data.	2.	It explains the phenomenon on the basis of experiences, sayings or beliefs.
It studies the patterns of behaviour that can be predicted before they occur.	3.	It explains events in hindsight after they occur.