Difference Between Psychology and Sociology

psychology vs sociology

Psychology pertains to the study of the human mind, whereas sociology pertains to learning human behaviour. Psychology can be said to be a science that deals with individual mental behaviour. On the other hand, sociology is a science that deals with the origin and development of the human society.

Where psychology deals with individuals or small groups, sociology deals with a larger group or the society itself. Experts have said that psychology may be intended to be a goal towards freedom or independence and sociology as support extended to sustain the society. 

When talking of the two sciences, psychology can be termed as an experimental process, whereas sociology as an observational process. In psychological studies, it is perceived that the individual is singly responsible for all the activities, whereas in sociology, it is not an individual act. Sociology assumes that an individuals act is influenced by his surroundings or pertains to the group he belongs to.

Where sociology deals with the interaction of people, psychology deals with human emotions.

The word sociology has been traced to Latin word ‘Socius’ meaning ‘companion’ and ‘ology’ meaning ‘study of’. French essayist Emmanuel Joseph Sieyes first coined sociology in 1780. He used the word sociology in one of his unpublished manuscripts. Later French Philosopher Auguste Comte was the first person who defined the term.

The word psychology can be traced to Latin word psychologia. This word was first used in the late 15th century or early 16th century by Croatian humanist Marko Marulic in Psichiologia de ratione animae humanae.  In English, psychology was seen for the first time in the Physical Dictionary of Steven Blankaart in 1693. In this book, he refers to Psychology as which treats the Soul.

Summary

1. Psychology pertains to the study of the human mind, whereas sociology pertains to learning human behaviour.
2. Where psychology deals with individuals or small groups, sociology deals with a larger group or the society itself.
3. Psychology can be termed as an experimental process, whereas sociology as an observational process.
4. Where sociology deals with the interaction of people, psychology deals with human emotions.
5. In psychological studies, it is perceived that the individual is singly responsible for all the activities, whereas in sociology, it is not an individual act. Sociology assumes that an individuals act is influenced by his surroundings or pertains to the group he belongs to.