Why do some people consider psychology pseudo-science?

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[drdr]

“Pseudo-science” is a pejorative when applied to psychology, and I believe social science is more appropriate. Behavior is not like mathematics where 2+2=4, not like physics where there are “laws” that describe what can be expected in physical interactions, and not like chemistry where consistent combinations of elements result in consistent outcomes. When it comes to behavior (the visible manifestation of the psyche), two individuals can be raised in the same home and educated in the same schools and react to a given situation with different behaviors. Moreover, the same individual can react differently to the same situation at different times, or in different circumstances. There are many unidentifiable variables that affect the behavior of an individual.

All mental and physical processes are bio-chemical in nature, and physiological variations affect behavior. One should not underestimate the effects of proper diet and the effect of drugs (legal and illegal) and alcohol, and adequate sleep (noting that excessive sleep can also have negative effects). Many incidents of deviant behavior can be attributed to intoxication. Depression can be triggered by defective assimilation of sugar. Depression and schizophrenia can be associated with low levels of omega-3 fats, and a high ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fats.

Our senses are limited to the extent that our perceptions are often wrong. “What we call normal perception does not really differ from hallucinations, except that the latter are not anchored by external input” (pages 44-46, “Incognito: The Secret Lives of the Brain,” by Dr David Eagleman, who directs the Laboratory for Perception and Action and the Initiative on Neuroscience and Law, Baylor College of Medicine). And faulty perceptions lead to faulty behaviors. Moreover, not only the propaganda process, but also the advertising and marketing industries are devoted to manipulating our behaviors through manipulation of our perceptions.

There are multiple psychological concepts that have been validated empirically as being statistically significant. However, this is limited in that we are speaking of probability, not certainty. Behavior is best described through use of the “bell curve.” The behavior of most will fall within a range within upper and lower limits on the upper portion of the curve. But that still leaves outliers, those above and below the range of “normal” who are going to react differently.