Pure psychology is a theoretical science focused on expanding our fundamental understanding of the human mind and behavior, rather than directly applying this knowledge to solve practical problems.
In essence, pure psychology seeks to:
- Expand Human Knowledge: Its primary goal is to generate new theories, models, and empirical findings about psychological processes.
- Focus on Understanding: It emphasizes understanding the underlying mechanisms of behavior, cognition, and emotion.
- Prioritize Theoretical Development: It is driven by intellectual curiosity and the desire to build a comprehensive body of psychological knowledge.
Here's a table contrasting pure and applied psychology:
| Feature | Pure Psychology | Applied Psychology |
|---|---|---|
| Main Goal | Expand understanding of mind/behavior | Improve human life and conduct |
| Focus | Theoretical knowledge | Practical solutions |
| Orientation | Research-driven | Problem-solving driven |
| Examples | Studying memory processes | Developing therapies for depression |
Unlike applied psychology, which aims to directly improve the conditions of human life, pure psychology is more concerned with the why behind human actions. This foundational knowledge then serves as the bedrock upon which applied psychologists can develop effective interventions and solutions. For example, research in pure psychology might explore the cognitive biases that affect decision-making. This understanding could then be used by applied psychologists to develop strategies for debiasing and improving decision-making in various contexts, such as healthcare or finance.
