Folk Psychology vs. Scientific Psychology

Folk psychology refers to the everyday understanding and beliefs about human thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that people naturally use in conversation and social interactions. It includes common ideas about why people act the way they do, often based on personal experiences and cultural narratives. In contrast, scientific psychology employs systematic research methods and rigorous testing to study the mind and behavior. It relies on empirical evidence and data to draw conclusions, aiming for accuracy and objectivity. While folk psychology offers intuitive insights, scientific psychology provides a more reliable framework for understanding complex mental processes.