Interdisciplinarity

Recognising Psychology as a STEM Discipline

December 2, 2010 4022

Psychology is not just a science in its own right, but makes important direct and indirect contributions to other Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) disciplines. However, a report by the American Psychological Association (2010) , Psychology as a Core Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Discipline, has established, there are inconsistencies in the recognition of psychology as a STEM discipline, which has important consequences.

That psychology should be recognised as a STEM discipline is clear. It is the science of behaviour, and uses scientific methods to conduct experiments and create new knowledge about human behaviour. Scientific knowledge that often has important practical consequences for other STEM disciplines as the effective application of science and technology always includes some human element. Examples of the impact of psychological research are numerous: from improving the quality of health by understanding the factors that induce people to change their behaviour, to improving the procedures for clearing land mines. With branches such as engineering psychology contributing to the design of a host of new and existing technologies, from cockpit displays to toothbrushes. Psychological research also plays a part in addressing some of the world’s biggest and most pressing issues, such as the problem of climate change, a problem largely caused by human activity that can only be solved by understanding how people view the risks and how they can be encouraged to change their behaviour.

However recognition of psychology as a STEM discipline is not universal, or even consistent within the same organisation. Whilst the National Science Foundation provides significant funding support for the psychological research, it also explicitly lists psychology as a non-STEM discipline. This inconsistency extends across government departments, the larger scientific community, and to members of the general public. One study carried out for the American Psychological Association found that when asked how psychology attempts to understand the way people behave, only 30% agreed with the statement “through scientific research” whilst 52% agreed with the statement “by talking to them and asking them why they do what they do”.

The lack of recognition of psychology as a STEM discipline is not just an academic issue, but has significant consequences as it means that psychologists are often ineligible for funding education, training and research that could contribute substantially to STEM goals. As such it is important that both those within psychology, and external policy makers, take steps to enhance psychology’s role as a core STEM discipline. There is a need for improved understanding of the scientific basis for psychology amongst the general public, and the application of psychological science to people’s daily lives. There is also a need for increased opportunities and resources in psychological science, and greater collaboration with other STEM disciplines. Achieving these aims will both help with the achieving of STEM goals and the ability of countries to compete scientifically, technologically, and economically.

American Psychological Association (2010) Psychology as a Core Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Discipline. Available at: http://www.apa.org/science/about/psa/2010/08/stem-report.pdf

Sage, the parent of Social Science Space, is a global academic publisher of books, journals, and library resources with a growing range of technologies to enable discovery, access, and engagement. Believing that research and education are critical in shaping society, 24-year-old Sara Miller McCune founded Sage in 1965. Today, we are controlled by a group of trustees charged with maintaining our independence and mission indefinitely. 

View all posts by Sage

Related Articles

Deciphering the Mystery of the Working-Class Voter: A View From Britain
Insights
November 14, 2024

Deciphering the Mystery of the Working-Class Voter: A View From Britain

Read Now
Exploring the Citation Nexus of Life Sciences and Social Sciences
Industry
November 6, 2024

Exploring the Citation Nexus of Life Sciences and Social Sciences

Read Now
Julia Ebner on Violent Extremism
Insights
November 4, 2024

Julia Ebner on Violent Extremism

Read Now
Emerson College Pollsters Explain How Pollsters Do What They Do
International Debate
October 23, 2024

Emerson College Pollsters Explain How Pollsters Do What They Do

Read Now
All Change! 2024 – A Year of Elections: Campaign for Social Science Annual Sage Lecture

All Change! 2024 – A Year of Elections: Campaign for Social Science Annual Sage Lecture

With over 50 countries around the world holding major elections during 2024 it has been a hugely significant year for democracy as […]

Read Now
Neuromania – Or Where Did the Person Go?

Neuromania – Or Where Did the Person Go?

David Canter bemoans how people are disappearing as ‘brains’ take over.

Read Now
‘Settler Colonialism’ and the Promised Land

‘Settler Colonialism’ and the Promised Land

The term ‘settler colonialism’ was coined by an Australian historian in the 1960s to describe the occupation of a territory with a […]

Read Now
0 0 votes
Article Rating
Subscribe
Notify of
guest

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

0 Comments
Newest
Oldest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments