Applied behavioral science is a broader field that studies the interactions between humans, while psychology focuses more specifically on the science behind human behavior and mental processes.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
Understanding the Scope
- Applied Behavioral Science: This is an interdisciplinary field that encompasses various disciplines to understand and influence human behavior in real-world settings. It draws from areas like psychology, sociology, anthropology, economics, and organizational behavior. The emphasis is on applying behavioral principles to solve practical problems.
- Psychology: Primarily, psychology is the scientific study of the mind and behavior. It explores various aspects of human experience, including cognition, emotion, motivation, and social interaction. While psychology also has applied branches, its core focus is on understanding the underlying mechanisms of behavior and mental processes.
Key Differences Highlighted
| Feature | Applied Behavioral Science | Psychology |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Broad, interdisciplinary, focused on application. | More specific, focuses on the mind and behavior. |
| Emphasis | Solving practical problems by influencing behavior in real-world settings. | Understanding the underlying mechanisms of behavior and mental processes. |
| Disciplines Involved | Psychology, sociology, anthropology, economics, organizational behavior, etc. | Primarily psychology, but may incorporate neuroscience and related fields. |
| Goal | To change behavior for desired outcomes (e.g., improved performance, health, or well-being). | To understand, explain, and predict behavior and mental processes. |
| Examples | Organizational development, behavioral economics interventions, public health campaigns, ABA therapy. | Clinical psychology, cognitive psychology, developmental psychology, social psychology. |
Examples to Clarify
- Psychology: A psychologist might research the cognitive processes involved in decision-making.
- Applied Behavioral Science: An applied behavioral scientist might use those findings to design a nudge intervention to encourage people to make healthier food choices.
In summary: While psychology provides the foundational knowledge about behavior and mental processes, applied behavioral science takes that knowledge and applies it to solve real-world problems by actively influencing behavior.
