What is the Difference Between Psychology and Educational Psychology?

The main difference between psychology and educational psychology is that psychology refers to the overall study of human condition and behavior, while educational psychology specifically studies the psychological issues concerned with human education and learning. Here are some key differences between the two fields:

Scope: Psychology is a broad discipline that encompasses various sub-disciplines such as abnormal psychology, social psychology, and developmental psychology. Educational psychology is a sub-discipline of psychology that focuses on the study of learning throughout the human lifespan.
Focus: Educational psychology pays specific attention to the study of learning processes, including emotional, social, and cognitive processes in learning. In contrast, psychology as a whole deals with a wide range of mental processes and behavioral patterns of human beings.
Research and Analysis: Educational psychology programs typically focus more on research and analysis, while other areas of psychology, such as school psychology, focus more on counseling, testing, and behavior modification.
Application: Educational psychologists often work on a macro level, developing solutions and policies to improve the learning process in school settings. In contrast, other psychologists, such as school psychologists, work more directly with students, providing counseling, assessments, and interventions.
Educational Requirements: To practice in the field of educational psychology, a bachelor's degree in an applicable subject like psychology, education, or social work is essential, followed by a graduate degree in educational psychology or a related field.

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Comparative Table: Psychology vs Educational Psychology

Here is a table comparing the differences between Psychology and Educational Psychology:

Aspect	Psychology	Educational Psychology
Definition	The scientific study of the human mind and behavior, encompassing various topics, perspectives, and approaches.	A branch of psychology that primarily focuses on the ways learning occurs in schools, incorporating elements of cognitive, neuro-, social, behavioral, and developmental psychology.
Focus	Broad and multifaceted, including topics such as biological psychology, cognitive psychology, and social psychology.	Specifically focuses on how people learn, teaching methods, instructional processes, and individual differences in learning.
Role	Psychologists study the human mind and behavior, and apply their knowledge to various settings, including educational contexts.	Educational psychologists research, test, and help provide conducive learning environments for all types of students, assess teaching or testing methods, and develop new resources to improve curricula and learning outcomes.
Responsibilities	Psychologists assess, diagnose, and treat mental health issues, conduct research, and provide therapy or counseling services.	Educational psychologists conduct studies related to students and their education, assess current teaching or testing methods, and develop new resources to improve curricula and learning outcomes.
Training	Psychologists typically complete a Bachelor's degree in psychology, followed by a Master's or Doctorate degree in a specific area of psychology.	Educational psychologists often complete a Bachelor's degree in psychology, followed by a Master's or Doctorate degree in educational psychology.

Guilherme Mazui

Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.