Difference Between Sociology and Psychology with Proper Definition and Brief Explanation

Sociology vs psychology

The difference between sociology and psychology is that sociology is the study of human behavior in groups, while psychology is the study of the individual human mind. To be more elaborative, Sociology deals with the study of the origin, development and functioning of human society. On the other hand, psychology is the science that deals with mental behavior. Study the way the brain works. This is the main difference between sociology and psychology. Through this article, let’s examine the differences between the two fields of study.

What is sociology?

Sociology is the study of communities and how they are influenced by external sources. Auguste Comte is considered the father of sociology. Karl Marx, Max Weber and Durkheim are considered the holy trinity of sociology, mainly due to their contribution to the growth of the discipline. The researcher in Sociology observes people and then records their behavior. Sociologists analyze people using surveys as well.

Apart from these, there is a wide range of methods and techniques that can be used for research purposes such as interviews, observation, case studies, experimental methods, etc. Sociology establishes the relationship between the group and the individual. The individual acts according to the nature of the group in which he finds himself. Sociology has to do with the effect of a group of people on an individual or on another group. In sociology, there are a large number of perspectives. This allows the sociologist to understand society from different points of view. Some of these perspectives are the functionalist perspective, the conflict perspective, and symbolic interactionism.

What is psychology?

In simple words, it can be said that psychology is the study of the human mind. It includes the study of human emotions. However, sociology, on the other hand, is more concerned with the classification of human societies. Wilhelm Wundt is considered the father of psychology, mainly because he formed the first experimental laboratory in the world. Psychology is experimental in its study, while sociology is observational in its study. A psychologist experiments in the laboratory to collect data. Psychology believes that everything related to the person is caused by the individual in him. Psychology is a study of the workings of the human mind. Examine the reasons why people think and behave the way they do.

What is the difference between sociology and psychology?

Definitions of sociology and psychology:

Sociology: Sociology is the study of communities.

Psychology: Psychology is the study of mental processes and human behavior.

Characteristics of sociology and psychology:

Attention:

Sociology: In sociology the focus is on human society.

Psychology: In psychology, the focus is on the mental processes and behavior of the individual.

Relationship:

Sociology: Sociology establishes the relationship between an individual and a group.

Psychology: Psychology examines the reasons why people think and behave the way they do.

Field of study:

Sociology: The field of sociology is society.

Psychology: The field is primarily a laboratory.