Page 44 - History of Psychology

Chapter

Contemporary 13

Psychology

As psychology passes through the middle of the 20th century, and reaches its
100th year as an independent and recognized discipline, entering the 21st century
is clearly a transition. Psychology was born from a period of identification of
psychological research systems that evolved to an emphasis on data collection
and shifted to empirical roots. In line with that transition, contemporary
psychology is characterized as a discipline consisting of diverse fields of study
reflecting various influences. The great diversity of psychology is demonstrated in

the 54 divisions of the APA. Approaches to contemporary psychology are eclectic
and avoid exclusive attachment to a systematic framework. Specific issues lead to
strategy and research. Contemporary psychology can be characterized as an
empirical science, but it is not strictly experimental.

Another trend in contemporary psychology relates to the tendency to redefine
substantive areas of research. This can happen by specializing in psychology or
combining traditional psychology content with other disciplines. It can be seen
that new specializations have emerged because of the demands placed on making
changes in functional roles. Examples of new specializations resulting from new
problems for which psychologists have found appropriate research and
application issues are industrial and organizational psychology, sports
psychology, and community psychology. The current trend is the opening of
traditional disciplinary boundaries and the understanding of methodological
similarities that have combined two or more disciplinary approaches to dealing
with a particular problem. Another important trend is in the post-system period
the increasing internationalization of psychology.

No doubt, some aspects of psychology are newer and better than they have ever
been. A number of techniques have been developed that have vastly increased
our ability to study brain functioning. These techniques include
electroencephalography (EEG), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computerized
tomography (CT), and positron emission tomography (PET). Also, a variety of new
drugs have provided psychobiologists with powerful research tools. In addition to
their involvement in biological research and their use as a model for
understanding cognitive processes, computers allow for complex data analysis
that only a few years ago would have been impossible.

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