Functions of Scientific Psychology

Functions of Scientific Psychology/Psychologist
Allen Rawlins
Indiana Wesleyan University

Scientific Psychologist and other social scientist study the mind and propose explanations for human behaviors. In more simplistic terms, these professionals make judgments about the intentions, behaviors, objectives, and actions of others on a daily basis. While the decisions or judgments we make about others are subjective or based on here say, Psychologist use the science of psychology and its methods in an objective and organized manner. By using this science it allows the Psychologist to arrive at conclusions on behaviors and other mental or emotional issues in a systematic way. In this brief synopsis I would like to answer the following questions; what are the identities and functions of scientific psychologist/psychology? How would my life benefit from them? Thirdly, how would churches benefit from them? It is my hope that I will be able to answer these questions as well as gain more understanding of this science. In order for us to understand the functions of scientific psychology/Psychologist, we must also understand the method that is used by them in order to come up with their conclusions. The scientific method is simply a set of principles, and procedures used in order to develop questions, collect data, and arrive at conclusions as to why human behaviors are the way they are. By using this method, it allows Scientific Psychologist to look at studies so that they can describe, explain, forecast, influence mental process, or even change ones human behaviors. Through the use of science we can eliminate the theories, fables, wives tales, and other non-proven interventions and studies and see what truly lies at the heart of the issues that make a person or people behave and think in the manner they do. Through Scientific Psychology we can also use modern technology to study brain activity. We can see visible changes when a person becomes more excited, more focused, less stimulated or more stimulated, we can also study patterns of activity through both high and low periods in life. Through this research Scientific Psychologist can be more apt to predict ones behaviors and find solutions in order to help redirect their issues. My life would and has certainly benefited from scientific psychology/Psychologist. Being someone who is divorced I sought out a licensed therapist to help me process through the issues that come with a divorce, especially when children are involved. I was benefitted by the fact that I didn’t know how to process the feelings, emotions, and stress that I was dealing with. The therapist was able to walk me through the process by knowing what I would have to process and what steps that I would need to take in order to come to acceptance of the end of my marriage. As I look ahead to the future, there is no doubt that if needed this will continue to be a benefit in my life. There are certainly problems, issues, and circumstances that may arise in life whether due to current or past experiences and scientific psychology/psychologist I feel is a tool to use to bring resolution to the issues regardless of what they are. In regards to Christian churches, I see a tremendous benefit for them to utilize scientific psychology/psychologist. In my opinion I feel that we have too many Pastors trying to carry the role of counselor/therapist when they have no education or training in these areas. We definitely have people in our churches who suffer from mental and emotional issues, as well as issues in marriages, with children, and possible addictions they need help processing through and ultimately coming lasting change in their lives. As we observe many churches offer counseling via means of Faith Therapy, Theophostic Therapy, Biblical Counseling, and Pastors are nothing more than sounding boards for their members who offer good advice but never get to the heart of the issues. I have personally witnessed several people go to their Pastor for counseling and walk away a year later with the same hang ups, issues, depression, anxieties, insecurities, etc., due to the Pastor not having the training to use scientific psychology to lead people to victory over their problems. It is true that we all have God who can deliver us from all that oppresses us, but I feel that He has also given us people who He has given understanding of the mind and the science of it to assist us in overcoming the issues we are dealing with.