What is the Difference Between Psychology and Common Sense?

The main difference between psychology and common sense lies in their sources of knowledge and methods of understanding human behavior. Here are the key differences:

1. Source of Knowledge: Psychology relies on science, theoretical understanding, and research, while common sense relies on experience and reasoning. Psychology is a scientific field that uses systematic and objective methods of observation and experimentation. In contrast, common sense is based on personal experiences, cultural norms, and shared beliefs.
2. Theoretical Basis: Psychology has a theoretical foundation, with various perspectives such as behaviorism, cognitivism, and psychoanalysis. Common sense, on the other hand, has no theoretical basis and is solely based on past human experience.
3. Empirical Evidence: Psychology is grounded in empirical research, which means it relies on observable and measurable human behavior and mental processes. Common sense, however, is often based on generalizations, stereotypes, and prejudices that may not be supported by empirical evidence.
4. Outcome: Psychology aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of human behavior, emotions, and thought processes through scientific methods. Common sense, on the other hand, often leads to simplistic explanations and may not account for the complexity and diversity of human experiences.

In summary, psychology is a scientific discipline that uses systematic and objective methods to study human behavior, while common sense is based on personal experiences, cultural norms, and shared beliefs. Despite their differences, psychology and common sense can complement each other in understanding and explaining human actions, emotions, and thought processes.

Comparative Table: Psychology vs Common Sense

Psychology and common sense both involve understanding human behavior and decision-making, but they differ in several key aspects. Here is a table highlighting the differences between psychology and common sense:

In summary, psychology is a scientific field that relies on theoretical understanding and research, while common sense is based on practical knowledge and experience. Although both can contribute to understanding human behavior, psychology is more systematic and relies on empirical evidence, making it a more reliable source of information.