Behaviorism, Gestalt, Psychoanalysis And Functionalism

Science “… assumes that the universe is, as its name implies, a vast single system in which the basic rules are everywhere the same” (Rutherford & Ahlgren, 1990). This quote implies that for a subject to be considered a science, all of its concepts must be of similar origin. For the case of Psychology, this is not true; however, Psychology is, in fact, a mature paradigmatic science which consists of one paradigm and resulted in a revolutionary change. Psychology consists of many different schools of thought which supports the notion, previously mentioned, that reinforces that it is not a very mature science. Behaviorism, Gestalt, Psychoanalysis and Functionalism are the schools of thought of Psychology. Each of these schools of thought demonstrates multidimensional perceptions by which displays the emergent and transformed way of thinking over the years. The schools of thought not only governs the belief of Psychologists but it also exhibits the lack of one absolute way of looking or solving something. Psychology consists of several branches of theories and concepts which leads to complexities, unlike Biology and Chemistry which have one consistent solution. Psychology, nevertheless, has a paradigm: Behaviorism. Cognitive Psychology stems from Behaviorism, which lead to a revolutionary change. The evidence displayed throughout this paper will support this proposition.

According to Merriam-webster.com, the definition of a paradigm is “a model or pattern for something that may be copied.” Psychology does, in fact, have a paradigm which, as previously stated, is Behaviorism. Behaviorism is capable of being copied and revised, as demonstrated by the multiple adherents in this field. "Paradigms gain their status because the...

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...ed a science in many peoples ' eyes. Although, there are many ways that it already seen as a science. Normal science “…research firmly based upon one or more past scientific achievements, achievements that some particular scientific community acknowledges for a time as supplying the foundation for further practice”(Kuhn,2012). Psychology has had many scientific achievements and it will continue to do so. It has potential to be a very mature paradigmatic science because it is a growing field and more scientific revolutions are bound to happen like the behaviorism to cognitive psychology. Psychology has every right to be a science but it won’t be until more paradigms and revolutionary occur. Kuhn said it best, “Normal science "prepares the way for its own change"(Kuhn, 2012). Psychology has to prepare its own way to change the status of whether or not it is a science.