Difference Between Psychology and Parapsychology

Since the object of study of Psychology (human behavior) is such a broad and complex subject, it is not surprising that this science (which for some is just a discipline) is divided into several branches; but among the many branches of Psychology is Parapsychology, which despite not really being a branch of the first; Due to the relationship between the two terms, more than one believes that it is. Difference Between Psychology and Parapsychology

Note: some parapsychologists claim that Parapsychology is a branch of Psychology, but there is no general consensus on this.

Leaving aside the controversy of whether it is science or discipline or whether the studies are real or not, below we will limit ourselves to explaining what the difference between them is.

PSYCHOLOGY  Difference Between Psychology and Parapsychology

As we have already said, this science is responsible for the study of human behavior. It combines the knowledge of Biology with that of Philosophy to better understand how and why people behave in a certain way in various situations.

Psychology takes into account what we think, feel and how all this and other elements influence the way we act. In addition, in some cases it even seeks to predict the behavior of individuals in the face of certain stimuli.

Nowadays, it is also common for Psychology to use Neurology to understand even better how our brain and neurons work and how this impacts our way of acting. Also, currently the professionals in this area; In other words, psychologists occupy a very important place in society, since they help people to deal with problems of anxiety, stress, trauma; among others.

PARAPSYCHOLOGY

On the other hand, Parapsychology is a pseudoscience (not a branch of Psychology) and those who dedicate themselves to it study paranormal phenomena; that is, those phenomena related to supernatural elements and for which “many do not find logical explanations.”

Parapsychology studies phenomena such as telepathy, telekinesis, clairvoyance, precognition and experiences with supernatural beings or “from the other world” (ghosts, poltergeists).

Key differences 

• Psychology is a science, while Parapsychology is a pseudoscience.
• Psychology studies phenomena related to human behavior, while Parapsychology studies supernatural phenomena.
• Psychology uses the scientific method in its investigations, while Parapsychology does not.