A number of important questions have been debated throughout the history of psychology. This essay will examine two key questions regarding the way psychology is conducted and understood. These questions include the scientific status of psychology and the ethical dilemma of how far psychologists should go in the pursuit of knowledge? To decide whether psychology is a science, we must first define a science. Science constructs and organizes knowledge in the form of testable explanations and predictions about the universe. Science uses a particular methodology that is objective and produces quantitative data. Data collection uses a standardized approach and is collected under controlled conditions. Science generates theories that lead to clear and testable hypotheses. The results should give rise to further research leading to a better understanding of the subject. Science must also be falsifiable, a concept introduced by Popper in 1969. Psychology is widely recognized as the study of mental processes and behavior and meets many of the requirements of a science. Psychology establishes a body of knowledge and provides textbooks and journals based on explanations and predictions. Psychology is also an evolving science that features ongoing research and experiments on humans and animals, similar to biology. Some of the most famous experiments that have contributed to psychology include Pavlov's research on dogs, Milgram's obedience studies, and Harlow's work on rhesus monkeys. Research in most areas of psychology is conducted according to the standards of the scientific method. Psychology researchers gather hypotheses from data, using qualitative or quantitative methods (or both). Usually in the scientific field...... middle of paper ...... even unethical. However, it could be argued that Watson and Rayner's study is very valuable to psychology and is one of the most famous experiments in behaviorism. Experience has shown that fears and phobias can be learned and that classical conditioning is a method that can be used to eliminate fears and anxieties. In conclusion, it is essential that ethical guidelines are followed as much as possible when conducting psychological research. Although psychologists have a responsibility to protect participants, they also have an obligation to pursue and share knowledge that will benefit humanity. In some cases, violation of ethical standards has been necessary to advance understanding of humans and human behavior. Overall, psychologists must weigh the potential benefits against the potential costs of research and decide whether the means justify the ends..