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PSYCHOLOGY PSDA-1
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THEORIES OF CRIME AND ITS MYTHS &

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 Contents

Sociological Theories of Crime................................................................2

What is Crime in Sociology?....................................................................2
Understanding Patterns of Crime in Sociology........................................4
Psychological Theories of Crime...........................................................6
Psychodynamic Theory.............................................................................7
Mental Disorders and Crime.....................................................................8
Mental Illness and Crime..........................................................................9
Behavioral Theory....................................................................................9
Cognitive Theory....................................................................................10
Personality and Crime.............................................................................11
Intelligence and Crime............................................................................12
Conclusion..............................................................................................13
MYTHS AND SUPERSTIONS IN PSYCHOLOGY........................14
What is superstition?...............................................................................14
How superstitions may relieve anxiety...................................................14
Superstitions may improve performance................................................15
Touch wood............................................................................................15
Sporting superstitions.............................................................................16
Walking under ladders............................................................................16
What is a Myth?......................................................................................18

2
 THEORIES OF CRIME
What is crime?

A crime is a deliberate act that causes physical or psychological harm, damage to

or loss of property, and is against the law.

There are lots of different types of crime and nearly everyone will experience a
crime at some point in their lives. One in five people were affected by crime last
year; the equivalent of ten million people. It affects people from all backgrounds,
locations and ages; more than one in ten children have been a victim of crime in
the past year.

Sociological Theories of Crime

In everyday society, people often treat the word “theory” as interchangeable with
“hypothesis.” However, theory means something very specific in a
sociological/scientific context. Theories are perceptual tools that people use to
order, name, and shape a picture of the world. As such, they play an essential role
in the way we interpret facts.

Several competing theories attempting to explain the same evidence can arrive at
separate conclusions. That’s because every theory relies on some set of
assumptions, and in the case of sociological theories of crime, those are often
assumptions about the nature of individual people, the group, and the relationship
between the two. In other words, differing assumptions about human nature and its
relation to social order. 

What is Crime in Sociology?

A legal definition of crime can be simple: crime is a violation of the law. However,
the definition of crime within sociology isn’t quite as simple. There are many
different ways to define crime, many different theories about the origins of
criminal activity, and just as many sociological theories of crime. 

3
While there is no simple definition within the field of sociology, broadly speaking,
you could say that crime is the study of social deviance and violations of
established norms. But why do those norms exist? Some sociologists ask us to
reflect on the creation of individual laws: Whose interests are served by the law in
question? Who benefits, and who pays the costs of various behaviors that are
classified as illegal? Sociological theories of crime need to explain a diverse range
of social phenomena. 

Definitions of crime have implications for the kind of questions you ask, the kinds
of data you use to study criminal behavior, and the kinds of theories applied. Some
of the most commonly defined types of crime in sociology include:

 Violent crime – A crime in which a person is harmed or or threatened.

Violent crimes include murder, assault, rape, sexual assault, robbery,
kidnapping, and harassment.  
 Property crime – Property crime involves criminal activity that does not do
bodily harm to a person, but rather focuses on private property. This type of
crime involves burglary, theft, arson, defacement of property, motor vehicle
theft, and more. 
 White-collar crime – White-collar crime is the name for acts of fraud
committed by businessmen. Violent behavior is typically not associated with
white-collar crime. Rather, these types of crimes are committed to gain or
avoid losing money or property. Some examples of white-collar crimes
include money laundering, corporate fraud, mortgage fraud, Ponzi schemes,
and embezzlement among others. 
 Organized crime – Organized crime refers to criminal activity committed
by an organized group of individuals at a local, regional, national, or
international level. Some groups commonly associated with organized crime
include the mafia, terrorist groups, and mobsters. Drug trafficking, human
trafficking, money laundering, and counterfeiting are among some of the
most prevalent illegal activities committed under the banner of organized
crime. 
 Consensual or victimless crime – Consensual crime refers to crimes that do
not directly harm other individuals or property. Rather, individuals choose to

4
 participate in risky behaviors that may be considered against the law. This
includes indulging in drug use, prostitution, or obscenity. 

Outside of these five types of crime in sociology, you can find a wealth of different
ideas. For example, some sociologists would argue even apparently criminal acts
can’t be called criminal until a full evaluation of the situation has been made. For
that reason, it’s important to be able to understand patterns of crime in a
sociological context. 

Understanding Patterns of Crime in Sociology

While the words “crime” and “deviance” are often used interchangeably, there are
subtle differences. Committing a crime violates social laws, while deviant behavior
violates social norms and rules. However, deviant behavior can also tiptoe over the
line of criminal behavior. 

While there are many different sociological theories about crime, there are four
primary perspectives about deviance: Structural Functionalism, Social Strain
Typology, Conflict Theory, and Labeling Theory. Starting with these theories can
provide the context and perspective necessary to better appreciate other
sociological theories of crime. 

Structural Functionalism

Structural Functionalism argues deviant behavior plays a constructive part in

society as it brings together different parts of the population within a society.
That’s because deviance helps to demarcate limitations for acceptable and
unacceptable behavior, which in turn serves to affirm our cultural values and
norms. 

While deviant behavior can throw off social balance, society may adjust social
norms in the process of restoring that balance. In other words, deviant behavior can
then contribute to social stability in the long term because it challenges norms
while promoting social cohesion. 

5
Social Strain Typology

Social Strain ypology proposes that deviant behavior can be classified by typology
that’s based on a person’s motivations or adherence to cultural objectives, as well
as their beliefs about how they can obtain those goals. The main “types” of social
deviance being: ritualism, innovation, rebellion, ritualism, retreatism, and
conformity.

This theory also suggests that people can turn towards deviant behavior while
pursuing accepted social values/goals. For example, some people turn to crime for
the culturally accepted value of seeking to lead a wealthy life. Deviance can mean
breaking one norm to place another before it, which is a fundamental insight of
social strain typology.

Conflict Theory

Conflict Theory views deviant behavior as a consequence of material inequality

between various socio-political groups. Those groups might be drawn along the
lines of gender, religion, race, class, and so on. Each sociopolitical group has a
tendency to perceive its own interests in completion with others. In other words,
the members of various groups tend to perceive rights and other social privileges as
a zero-sum game, where gains for outsiders mean losses for your own group.

Groups that find themselves in an unequal social position in society will be

inclined to deviant behavior to change those circumstances, including the
structures which helped create them. As Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “A
riot is the language of the unheard.” From the perspective of Conflict Theory,
people often act in defiance from social norms to express a grievance.

6
Labeling Theory

Labeling Theory argues that deviant behavior is often a consequence of having a

deviant-like label applied to a person. For example, a teacher labeling a student as
a troublemaker. That label can then be mentally adopted by the person it’s been
assigned to, leading them to exhibit the actions, attitudes, and behaviors associated
with it.

In short, this theory tends to focus on how people become deviant as a result of
others forcing that identity upon them. It allows us to develop a better
understanding of how a person’s previous behaviors can be reinterpreted in relation
to the symbolic labeling they encountered over the course of their lives

Psychological Theories of Crime

Why does someone commit crime and at the same time, why crime is present in
our society are the two most important questions when we talk about psychological
aspect of crime. The Justice system of our society is concerned with such questions
and many jurists attempt to answer these questions. In reality it is very difficult to
answer why crime is committed. There exist many different theories and
explanations as to why crime is committed. One of the primary explanations is
based upon psychological theory. The explanation focuses on the association
among intelligence, personality, learning, and criminal behavior. Thus, in any
discussion concerning crime causation, one must contemplate psychological
theories.

When we consider psychological theories of crime we must understand three major

theories.  First is psychodynamic theory, which s based upon the notion that early
childhood experience of an individual influences his or her likelihood for
committing crime.  The second theory is behavioral theory which is based behavior
modeling and social learning. It basically an expanded form of Gabriel trade. Third
theory is cognitive theory and this theory suggests that perception of an individual
and how that perception is manifested affect his or her potential to commit crime.
Along with these three theories, theories of personality and intelligence give an

7
insight as to why an individual might commit crime. One should not be limited to
only a single explanation.

Charles Goring discovered a relationship between crime and flawed intelligence. In

research conducted by Goring it was found that though there was no physical
difference between criminals and non criminals however criminals were more
likely to be insane, to be unintelligent and to exhibit poor social behavior. It was in
1904 when Gabrial Trade said that individuals learn from each other and try to
imitate one another. Gabrial trade carried out his research on 100 individuals and it
was found that only 1 out of 100 individual  was creative or inventive while others
were prone to imitation.

Psychodynamic Theory

 Psychodynamic theory suggests that personality of an individual is controlled by

unconscious mental processes which are formulated in early childhood. Freud gave
this theory and said that there are three elements or structures that formulate human
personality.(1) the id (2) the ego (3) the super ego. The primitive part of mental
makeup that is present at birth in known as the id. It is the id that represents the
unconscious biological drives for food, sex and other necessities during one’s
lifetime. The pleasure principle says that the id is connected with instant pleasure
or gratification. In many cases it has been seen that criminal offenders have no
concern for anyone except themselves.  Hence it might be the case that these
individuals are driven by instant gratification.

The second element of human personality in the ego and is developed in early
phase of life. Best example of development of ego is when demands of children are
not complete and children tend to show tantrums. Freud said that ego tends
compensate for demands of the id by guiding actions of an individual to keep that
individual within the boundary of society. When a person incorporates the moral
values and standards of the community, friends, parents etc then the third element
of personality develops which is superego. Superego passes judgment on the
behavior and actions of individuals and has focus on morality. Ego mediates
between the desire for instant gratification and strict morality of superego.
Advocates of this theory suggest that an individual commits a crime due to
underdeveloped superego. The theory suggests that criminal offenders are
8
frustrated and aggravated. The past events that occurred during their childhood
hamper their thoughts.  Weak ego exists because of poor or absence of social
etiquette, immaturity and dependence on others. Persons with weak ego are more
prone to drug abuse.

Mental Disorders and Crime

Mood disorders are also part of psychodynamic theory of crimes. There are high
tendencies of high number of mood disorders which ultimately get converted into
rage, depression, narcissism and social cutoff. Conduct disorders exist in children
because of which they have difficulty in following rules and behaving in a manner
which is socially acceptable. Conduct disorders lead to emotional disorders. Such
disorders are usually considered as “trouble,” “bad,” “delinquent” or even
“mentally ill”. It is important to understand the development of such disorders.
some explanation for such disorder include child abuse, brain damage, genetics,
poor schooling performance and even an event which is traumatic can cause such
disorder.

Children with such disorders behave in more aggressive behavior and they may be
cruel to animals.  Other manifestations include fear, initiating fight; using a
weapon etc. people with such disorders can force someone for unwanted sexual
activity. Causing damage to property, stealing, entering abandon buildings and cars
etc are also other manifestation. Children suffering from this disorder may also
suffer from anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder, drug or alcohol abuse, or
attention deficit disorder etc. these problems must be treated otherwise they can
have long term impact. Though the treatment for such disorders is difficult but by
making patients trust other people and by creating a will to live socially acceptable
life can help them

Another disorder found in children is oppositional defiant disorder. It is diagnosed

in childhood. Manifestations or characteristics of oppositional defiant disorder
include defiance; uncooperativeness; irritability; a very negative attitude; a
tendency to lose one’s temper; and exhibiting deliberately annoying behaviors
toward peers, parents, teachers, and other authority figures, such as police officers.
No known cause of oppositional defiant disorder exists. One theory suggests that
these theories begin in children as early as when they are toddlers. Adolescents and
9
small children who develop this disorder might have experienced a difficult time
developing independent or autonomous skills and learning to separate from their
primary caretaker or attachment figure. Continuation of development issues is
considered as one of the factors.

 Mental Illness and Crime

Serious personality disturbance will result in mental disorders. Psychoses are the
most serious disturbances. Examples of mental health disorders include bipolar
disorder and schizophrenia. Bipolar disorders are marked by extreme highs and
lows behavior of an individual. A second mental health disturbance is
schizophrenia. Due to this disturbance people often exhibit illogical and incoherent
thought processes, and they often lack insight into their behavior and do not
understand reality. Someone suffering with paranoid schizophrenia also
experiences complex behavior delusions that involve wrongdoing or persecution.
Individuals with paranoid schizophrenia often believe everyone is out to get them.
The research shows that female offenders are considered to have a higher
probability of serious mental health symptoms than male offenders. These include
symptoms of schizophrenia, paranoia, and obsessive behaviors.

 Behavioral Theory

The second psychological theory which should be considered is behaviorism. This

theory believes that human behavior is developed through learning experiences.
The important aspect of behavioral theory is the notion that people change their
behavior according to the reactions they get from other people to their behavior. In
an ideal situation, behavior is supported by rewards and extinguished by negative
reactions or punishments. People who analyze behavior consider crimes as learned
responses to life’s situations. Social learning theory is a branch of behavior theory
and is the most relevant to criminology. Albert Bandura (1978). Bandura maintains
that individuals are not born with an innate ability to act violently. It was suggested
that, in contrast, violence and aggression are learned through a process of behavior
modeling. In other words, it is the observation of children through which they learn
violence. Aggressive acts are analyzed by three primary sources: (1) family

10
interaction, (2) environmental experiences, and (3) the mass media. Children with
aggressive parents of aggressive care taker are tend to be more aggressive.

The second source of behavioral problems, environmental experiences, says that

even the area in which an individual resides plays an important role in its behavior
and research shows that individuals who reside in areas that are crime prone are
more likely to display aggressive behavior than those who reside in low-crime
areas. There is an absence of conventional behavior. Manifestations of
unconventional behavior include the inability to gain employment; drug or alcohol
abuse; and failure to obey the local, state, and federal laws.

The third source of behavioral problems is the mass media. Media also plays an
important role in criminology. It is suggested that films, video games, and
television shows that depict violence are harmful to children. It is considered that
they hypothesize children who play violent video games and later inflict physical
or psychological damage to someone at school did so because of the influence of
the video game. Violence is often acceptable and even celebrated in above
mentioned media outlets. Over the past few time there have been many
documented cases of professional athletes who engaged in inappropriate behavior.
Many children follow these players and they tend to follow the same behavior.
Furthermore, consistent media violence desensitizes children and adolescents.

 Cognitive Theory

A third major psychological theory is cognitive theory. This theory has been used
significantly to study criminal behavior. Mental processes of individuals are
focused in this theory. More important, cognitive theorists try to understand how
criminal offenders perceive these thoughts and then mentally represent the world
around them. Cognitive theory is related to how individuals solve problems. The
first sub discipline in this theory is the moral development which focuses on
understanding how people morally represent themselves and rationale the world.
The second sub discipline is processing of information. Here, researchers focus on
how people acquire, retain, and retrieve information. Ultimately, it revolves around
three stages (i.e., acquisition, retention, and retrieval). It is considered that the
individual reasoning process is developed in an orderly fashion. Thus, from birth
onward an individual will continue to develop.
11
It was believed by Kohlberg that individuals pass through stages of moral
development. Most important to his theory is the notion that there are levels,
stages, and social orientation. The three levels are Level I, preconvention; Level II,
conventional; and Level III, post conventional. With respect to the different stages,
Stages 1 and 2 fall under Level I. Stages 3 and 4 fall under Level II, and Stages 5
and 6 fall under Level III.Most important factor for criminal justice and
criminology is the ideology that laws are valid only if they are based on or
grounded in justice.

It is important to recognize that justice is subjective. Thus, Kohlberg argued that

the quest for justice would ultimately call for disobeying unjust laws. He suggested
that individuals could progress through the six stages in a chronological fashion.
Important for criminology is that Kohlberg suggested that criminals are
significantly lower in their moral judgment development. The next sub discipline is
the information-processing branch. This area is works on the notion that people use
information to process and analyze their environment. When an individual makes a
decision, he or she engages in a sequence of cognitive thought processes.

 Personality and Crime

Personality was defined by Clark, Boccaccini, Caillouet, & Chaplin as something

that makes us what we are and also that which makes us different from others.
Ideally, personality is stable and same over time. Examinations relation between
personality and crime has often yielded inconsistent results. Big five model of
personality is one of the most well-known theories of personality used to examine
this relationship. This model provides a structure into which most personality
characteristics can be categorized. This model suggests that five domains account
for individual differences in personality: (1) Neuroticism, (2) Extraversion, (3)
Openness, (4) Agreeableness, and (5) Conscientiousness.

Antisocial personality, psychopathy, or sociopath is some terms which are used

interchangeably. Sociopaths are those who deal with destructive home
environment. Psychopaths deal with a defect or aberration within themselves. The
antisocial personality is seen as low levels of guilt, superficial charm, above-
average intelligence, persistent violations of the rights of others, incapacity to form
enduring relationships, impulsivity, risk taking, egocentricity, manipulativeness,
12
forcefulness and cold-heartedness, and shallow emotions. The origin of these
issues may include traumatic socialization, neurological disorder, and brain
abnormality.

If an individual suffers from low levels of arousal as measured by a neurological

examination, then the individual might engage in thrill seeking or high-risk
behaviors such as crime to offset their low arousal level. Other reasons that may
contribute to the psychopathic personality are a parent with pathologic tendencies,
childhood traumatic events, or inconsistent discipline. It is important to note that
many chronic offenders are sociopaths. Thus, if personality traits can predict crime
and violence, then one could assume that the root cause of crime is found in the
forces that influence human development at an early stage of life

 Intelligence and Crime

Criminologists suggest that there exists a link between intelligence and crime.
Some common beliefs are that criminals and delinquents possess low intelligence
and that this low intelligence causes criminality. The nature-versus-nurture debate
is a psychological argument that is related to whether the environment or heredity
impacts the psychological development of individuals. Science recognizes that we
share our parents’ DNA. However, the question remains: Where do individuals get
their love of sports, literature, and humor? The nature-versus-nurture debate
addresses this issue.

With respect to the nature side, research conducted on the prison population has
consistently shown that inmates typically score low on IQ tests. But there are many
individuals who have a low IQ but refrain from committing crime. With respect to
nurture theory, advocates suggest that intelligence is not inherited. There is some
recognition of the role of heredity; however, emphasis is placed on the role of
society (i.e., environment). Scholars have suggested that low IQ increases the
likelihood of criminal behavior through its effect on school performance. It was
argued that a child with a low IQ will perform poorly in school. In turn, this school
failure is followed by dropping out. Given the poor school performance, a child is
left with very few options. This ultimately leads to delinquency and adult
criminality.

13
Conclusion

The relationship between psychology and crime has still not been identified
completely. The above mentioned three theories and factors like personality and
intelligence play an important role in determining the psychological aspect of
criminal behavior. It is the responsibility of State to provide adequate environment
for an individual to live. Personal factors and experiences play more imp role in
developing the mindset of a criminal. What we need to consider is how to provide
a safe and healthy environ to any individual right from the time of birth and just in
case their occurs any event that may traumatize someone then adequate treatment
must be there so that mental development of that individual is not hampered. The
debate of nature vs. nature is a never ending one but we need to consider how we
can provide safe atmosphere and how other factors also can be improved so as to
avoid any chance of criminal thought. 

14
 MYTHS AND SUPERSTIONS IN PSYCHOLOGY
What is superstition?
Although there is no single definition of superstition, it generally means a belief in
supernatural forces – such as fate – the desire to influence unpredictable factors
and a need to resolve uncertainty. In this way then, individual beliefs and
experiences drive superstitions, which explains why they are generally irrational
and often defy current scientific wisdom.

Psychologists, who have investigated what role superstitions play, have found that
they derive from the assumption that a connection exists between co-occurring,
non-related events. For instance, the notion that charms promote good luck, or
protect you from bad luck.

For many people, engaging with superstitious behaviours provides a sense of

control and reduces anxiety – which is why levels of superstition increase at times
of stress and angst. This is particularly the case during times of economic crisis and
social uncertainty – notably wars and conflicts. Indeed, Researchers have observed
how in Germany between 1918 and 1940 measures of economic threat correlated
directly with measures of superstition.

How superstitions may relieve anxiety

Sometimes superstitions can have a soothing effect, relieving anxiety about the

unknown and giving people a sense of control over their lives. This may also be
the reason why superstitions have survived for so long — people have passed them
on from generation to generation.

As a result, superstitions have “evolved” to produce “a false sense of having

control over outer conditions,” and reduce anxiety. This is also why superstitions
are “prevalent in conditions of absence of confidence, insecurity, fear, and threat.”

15
 Superstitions may improve performance

Furthermore, by alleviating anxiety, superstitions may objectively improve

performance.“There is evidence that positive, luck-enhancing superstitions provide
a psychological benefit that can improve skilled performance. There is anxiety
associated with the kinds of events that bring out superstition.”

Indeed, one study that examined performance in “golfing, motor dexterity,

memory, and anagram games,” found that making gestures, such as keeping one’s
fingers crossed, or uttering words, such as “break a leg” or “good luck,” boosted
the participants’ performance. This mechanism is mediated by increased self-
confidence

Touch wood
Superstitious beliefs have been shown to help promote a positive mental attitude.
Although they can lead to irrational decisions, such as trusting in the merits of
good luck and destiny rather than sound decision making.

Carrying charms, wearing certain clothes, visiting places associated with good
fortune, preferring specific colors and using particular numbers are all elements of
superstition. And although these behaviours and actions can appear trivial, for
some people, they can often affect choices made in the real world.

Superstitions can also give rise to the notion that objects and places are cursed.
Such as the Annabelle the Doll – who featured in The Conjuring and two other
movies – and is said to be inhabited by the spirit of a dead girl. A more traditional
illustration is the Curse of the Pharaohs, which is said to be cast upon any person
who disturbs the mummy of an Ancient Egyptian person – especially a pharaoh.

Numbers themselves can also often be associated with curses. For example,
the figure 666 in a license plate is often featured in stories of misfortune. The most
famous case was the number plate “ARK 666Y”, which is believed to have caused
mysterious vehicle fires and “bad vibes” for passengers.

16
Sporting superstitions
Superstition is also highly prevalent within sport – especially in highly competitive
situations. Four out of five professional athletes report engaging with at least one
superstitious behaviour prior to performance. Within sport, superstitions have been
shown to reduce tension and provide a sense of control over unpredictable, chance
factors.

Superstitions practices tend to vary across sports, but there are similarities. Within
football, gymnastics and athletics, for example, competitors reported praying for
success, checking appearance in mirror and dressing well to feel better prepared.
Players and athletes also engage with personalised actions and behaviours – such
as wearing lucky clothes, kit and charms.

Famous sportspeople often display superstitious behaviours. Notably, basketball

legend Michael Jordan concealed his lucky North Carolina shorts under his
Chicago Bulls team kit. Similarly, the tennis legend Björn Bork, reportedly wore
the same brand of shirt when preparing for Wimbledon.

Walking under ladders

What all this shows is that superstitions can provide reassurance and can help to
reduce anxiety in some people. But while this may well be true, research has
shown that actions associated with superstitions can also become self-reinforcing –
in that the behavior develops into a habit and failure to perform the ritual can
actually result in anxiety.

This is even though the actual outcome of an event or situation is still dependent on
known factors – rather than unknown supernatural forces. A notion consistent with
the often quoted maxim, “the harder you work (practice) the luckier you get”.

So the next time you break a mirror, see a black cat or encounter the number 13 –
don’t worry too much about “bad luck”, as it’s most likely just a trick of the mind.

17
Here are some other popular superstitions:
 Knocking On Wood
The phrase "knock on wood" is used to ward off bad luck. This superstition
is said to have originated in Europe. During the Medieval period, many
churches claimed to have pieces of Jesus' cross. Church officials would say
that knocking on the wood would bring good luck.
 Chewing Gum at Night
According to a Turkish legend, when a person chews gum at night, it turns
into the flesh of the dead. As a result, people are strongly advised against
chewing gum after dark in Turkey.
 Breaking Mirrors
It has been said that breaking a mirror sets you up for seven years of bad
luck. That may be because seven years is the time it takes to replace all the
cells in your physical body.
 Opening Umbrellas Indoors
Some believe that opening an umbrella inside brings bad luck, since it
presents a risk of breaking valuable items and poking someone in the eye.
 Black Cat
In the Middle Ages, it was thought that witches kept black cats as
companions. Some people even believed that cats could turn into witches or
demons after seven years.

 Walking Under a Ladder

The shape of an open ladder is a triangle, which signifies life in some
mythologies. When you walk through the triangle, it's thought that you are
tempting fate or awakening evil spirits.

18
 What is a Myth?
A myth can be defined as an ancient legend, story or even a fable of the early
history. Greek legends of gods such as Zeus and mortals such as Odysseys are
some great myths of our history. A myth can also be used to explain a natural event
especially involving supernatural beings. Myths began to develop since the
beginning of human existence and civilizations where people had the urge to
comprehend the world around them. As science and technological development
were rather limited during these times, myths were used as a form of
rationalization. It allowed people to make sense of the world in a creative manner.

The very creations of the world, the natural elements were all understood through
myths. These myths consisted of various characters such as gods and supernatural
beings that had various powers and potentials to bring about changes in the human
world. Myths were also used to sustain the prevailing social order of the society
through traditions, customs, and various rituals. Another function of myths was to
operate as a moral tale.

A scientific discipline that studies mental states and processes and behaviors in

humans and other animals.
Myth 1
Can Psychologists read minds? Since the day I started my study of psychology, till
today [a span of over 45 years] people ask me this question. I wish I could!
There is no magic wand to extract thoughts from people. A lot of skill and patience
is involved in understanding and interpreting how/what others think and believe
and to develop a rationale for their actions.
Myth 2
Psychology is not an exact science. Now with online free tests offering tests of IQ,
EQ, psychiatric disorders, it has become very easy for laypersons to test, diagnose,
and treat themselves – an unhealthy trend being increasingly seen. Methods of
experimentation, sampling, randomisation, generalisation have to go through
several levels of verification before being accepted by psychologists. Development
of norms for psychological tests and their applicability to certain populations may
take years of development involving complex data analysis methods.
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Myth 3
Any person who is a smooth talker, good communicator, effective people manager
is a ‘psychologist’. As psychologists we go through several years of training in the
laboratory and real life and we study hours of theory before we graduate as
psychologists. A person with prerequisite aptitude should learn the skills and train
to be a good psychologist - merely possessing certain abilities does not make
him/her a psychologist.
Myth 4
Psychology is linked to esoteric practices such as astrology, palmistry, face
reading, tarot cards, etc. I beg to differ. There are strong scientific principles and
rationale for psychological theories and practices and we have proven their benefits
to mankind time and again.
Finally, Myth 5
Psychologists are eccentric and impractical people. They are either half mad or
fully mad themselves! It is asked, why would anyone in their sane mind spend
hours in listening to people, observing them, studying them and interpreting their
world to help them live better, in return for no substantial financial profit? There is
enormous potential in our field today. The satisfaction one gets for healing/helping
someone or improving the lives of others is immense. The as yet untapped
potential to make it financially remunerative is certainly there. Psychologists are
more relevant today than at any other time and can contribute significantly in
alleviating not only human suffering but also fostering good health and improved
relationships leading to a better world. Would I trade my profession for any other,
given these misconceptions that abound? Never! Looking back over decades in this
profession I can truly say there is no other profession like psychology!

REFRENCES

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1. www.differencebetween.com
2. www.britannica.com
3. www.medicalnewstoday.com
4. theconversation.com
5. www.odu.edu
6. www.thenewsminute.com
7. www.researchgate.net
8. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
9. www.psychologs.com
10.www.speakingtree.in
11.indianlawportal.co.in
12.www.encyclopedia.com
13.www.legalserviceindia.com
14.criminal-justice.iresearchnet.com
15.study.com
16.www.victimsupport.org.uk
17.lawhandbook.sa.gov.au
18.www.merriam-webster.com
19.www.nu.edu
20.en.wikipedia.org

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