Fields of Specialization in

Psychology
 Relationship between Psychology and
other Sciences
A. Psychology and Physical Sciences:

Physical sciences investigate the nature of physical stimuli apart from their relation to an
individual. But psychology studies the nature of the interaction between an individual with
physical stimuli.

B. Psychology and Biology:

The environment acts on the mind through the sense-organs; and the mind reacts to the
environment through the muscles. The sense-organs and muscles are organs of the body. So
mental processes are closely related to bodily processes.
C. Psychology and Physiology

Psychology is a science of experience. Experiences of an individual are intimately connected

with physiological processes, especially of the nervous system.

D. Psychology and Logic

Psychology is wider in scope than Logic, because it deals with all kinds of mental processes,
knowing, feeling and willing. But Logic deals with thinking only, which is a kind of knowing.
It does not deal with feeling and willing.

E. Psychology and Philosophy

Philosophy has two parts epistemology and ontology. Psychology is related to epistemology.
Psychology enquires into the nature of knowing, feeling, and willing. Epistemology enquires
into the conditions of the validity of knowledge. Metaphysics or Ontology enquires into the
ultimate nature of the reality that is known.
F. Psychology and Sociology

Psychology deals with the behaviour pattern of an individual in relation to the

environment which is physical as well as social. The external world or light, sound, taste,
smell, heat, cold, etc., constitute the physical environment.

G. Psychology and Education

Psychology is the science of the behaviour of the individual in relation to the environment.
Education is the science of unfolding the powers, of the pupil and moulding his character
and behaviour in such a manner that he becomes a useful and well-adjusted member of the
community.
Psychology can be roughly divided into two major
areas:

1. Research - which seeks to increase our

knowledge base
2. Practice - through which our knowledge is
applied to solving problems in the real world
Abnormal Psychology

Abnormal psychology is the area that looks at psychopathology and abnormal

behavior. Mental health professionals help assess, diagnose, and treat a wide
variety of psychological disorders including anxiety and depression.

Behavioral Psychology

Behavioral psychology, also known as behaviorism, is a theory of learning based

on the idea that all behaviors are acquired through conditioning.

Biopsychology

Biopsychology is a branch of psychology focused on how the brain, neurons, and

nervous system influence thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
Clinical Psychology

Clinical psychology is the branch of psychology concerned with the assessment

and treatment of mental illness, abnormal behavior, and psychiatric disorders.

Cognitive Psychology

Cognitive psychology is the branch of psychology that focuses on internal

mental states. This area of psychology has continued to grow since it emerged in
the 1960s. This area of psychology is centered on the science of how people
think, learn, and remember.
Comparative Psychology

Comparative psychology is the branch of psychology concerned with the study of

animal behavior. The study of animal behavior can lead to a deeper and broader
understanding of human psychology.

Counseling Psychology

Counseling psychology is one of the largest individual subfields in psychology. It is

centered on treating clients experiencing mental distress and a wide variety of
psychological symptoms.
Cross-Cultural Psychology

Cross-cultural psychology is a branch of psychology that looks at how cultural

factors influence human behavior. The International Association of Cross-Cultural
Psychology (IACCP) was established in 1972, and this branch of psychology has
continued to grow and develop since that time.

Developmental Psychology

Developmental psychology focuses on how people change and grow throughout

life. The scientific study of human development seeks to understand and explain
how and why people change throughout life.
Educational Psychology

Educational psychology is the branch of psychology concerned with schools,

teaching psychology, educational issues, and student concerns.

Experimental Psychology

Experimental psychology is the branch of psychology that utilizes scientific

methods to research the brain and behavior. Many of these techniques are also
used by other areas in psychology to conduct research on everything from
childhood development to social issues.
Forensic Psychology

Forensic psychology is a specialty area that deals with issues related to

psychology and the law. Those who work in this field of psychology apply
psychological principles to legal issues. This may involve studying criminal
behavior and treatments or working directly in the court system.

Health Psychology

Health psychology is a specialty area that focuses on how biology, psychology,

behavior and social factors influence health and illness.
Industrial-Organizational Psychology

Industrial-organizational psychology is a branch that applies psychological

principles to research on workplace issues such as productivity and behavior. This
field of psychology often referred to as I/O psychology works to improve
productivity and efficiency in the workplace while also maximizing the well-being
of employees.

Personality Psychology

Personality psychology is the branch of psychology that focuses on the study of

the thought patterns, feelings, and behaviors that make each individual unique.
Classic theories of personality include Freud's psychoanalytic theory of
personality and Erikson's theory of psychosocial development.
School Psychology

School psychology is a field that involves working in schools to help kids deal
with academic, emotional, and social issues. School psychologists also
collaborate with teachers, students, and parents to help create a healthy learning
environment.

Social Psychology

Social psychology seeks to explain and understand social behavior and looks at
diverse topics including group behavior, social interactions, leadership,
nonverbal communication, and social influences on decision-making.
Sports Psychology

Sports psychology is the study of how psychology influences sports, athletic

performance, exercise, and physical activity. Some sports psychologists work with
professional athletes and coaches to improve performance and increase
motivation. Other professionals utilize exercise and sports to enhance people’s
lives and well-being throughout the entire lifespan.