Good Research Paper On Research Question: Is Psychology A Stem Discipline?

Is Psychology a STEM discipline?

Introduction
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) is a concept that combines four related disciplines: Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. These four disciplines are combined because the fields are interrelated and often overlap. The term is primarily used to refer to the choice of subjects while pursuing higher education (Gonzlez et. al., 2012). It also has implications in other areas like recruitment. For example, a candidate with a STEM education would be considered to have higher priority for a particular job in a related field (Gonzlez et. al., 2012). STEM is commonly used to mean a broader study of engineering which includes a study of each of the four disciplines within STEM. The current president of the United States, Barack Obama changed the name from STEM to MSP (Mathematics and Science Partnership) with a view to providing grants for teacher education in the two subjects (Lee, 2012). There have been some recent suggestions that Psychology should be included as one of the STEM disciplines. Psychology is behavioral and social science. As such, there is some debate about whether it should be included as a part of STEM. In this paper, we examine Psychology as a possible STEM discipline.

It is clear that Psychology should be recognized as a STEM discipline (SAGE, 2010). Psychology is a legitimate scientific field in its own right. It uses the scientific method to conduct experiments and research. Furthermore, the facts that are learned within the study of this discipline have long-reaching effects that stretch into our understanding of other scientific disciplines. SAGE uses the example of Psychology as it relates to global warming. We must understand human behaviors and the motivations behind these behaviors if we hope to find a way to alter them, that is, to encourage people to make the necessary changes to stop the detrimental effects of this climate change. This is a good, solid example of how Psychology fits indelibly into the category of STEM disciplines.
What is Psychology? The Oxford Dictionary defines Psychology as the scientific study of the human mind and its functions, especially those affecting behavior in a given context (Oxford University Press 2015). Wikipedia (2015) defines it as an academic and applied discipline that involves the scientific study of mental functions and behaviors, with the immediate goal of understanding individuals and groups by both establishing general principles and researching specific cases, and by many accounts it ultimately aims to benefit society.
Psychology as a Science is divided into two main areas of focus, applied and academic. Academic psychology seeks information about personality, social behavior and human development. Applied psychology has many real-world applications including forensic psychology to help solve crimes, mental health therapy, to assist people in overcoming troubling situations, emotional disorders or chemical imbalances within their brain. Psychology has a very wide spectrum with many subfields on which to focus. The applications are useful in a variety of settings from the classroom to the workplace, within families or other defined social groups.

References

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Lee, Jane J. (14 February 2012). "Obama's Budget Shuffles STEM Education Deck". American Association for the Advancement of Science. Retrieved 2012-12-21.
O'Neil, H.F.; cited in Coon, D.; Mitterer, J.O. (2008). Introduction to psychology: Gateways to mind and behavior (12th ed., pp. 15–16). Stamford, CT: Cengage Learning.
Psychology is an important STEM discipline. Retrieved from http://www.bemidjistate.edu/academics/departments/psychology/stem.cfm Feb 17, 2015
Psychological Science Agenda (March 2011) Retrieved from http://www.apa.org/science/about/psa/2011/03/advance-psychology.aspx Feb. 17, 2015
SAGE (Dec. 2, 2010) Retrieved from http://www.socialsciencespace.com/2010/12/recognising-psychology-as-a-stem-discipline/ Feb. 17, 2015
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Education: A Primer Heather B. Gonzalez Specialist in Science and Technology Policy Jeffrey J. Kuenzi Specialist in Education Policy August 1, 2012