Educational Psychology: Art or Science?

A basic human characteristic is the need to understand our world. Both art and science are attempts to understand and describe that world. Depending on whether we approach a subject as an art or science will impact the methods of study, expression, and application of our understanding.

Art is defined as the “skill acquired by experience, study, or observation…an occupation requiring knowledge or skill”  (Merriam-Webster, 2020a). It is an expression of thoughts and ideas; a manifestation of experience and understanding. Art is the practice of what we know and involves creativity in how we approach the world. However, to be creative, to make something new, requires a level of knowledge and expertise.

Science is “the state of knowing…something that may be studied or learned like systematized knowledge…knowledge or a system of knowledge covering general truths or the operation of general laws especially as obtained and tested through scientific method…a system or method reconciling practical ends with scientific laws” (Merriam-Webster, 2020b). Science is the process of acquiring understanding and discovering truths. Systematic study helps us acquire knowledge about our world.