Concepts | Definition | Example (Providing MY OWN Psychology related examples) | Epistemology | According to sources, Epistemology is defined as being that which studies the origin, nature, methods, and limits of human knowledge. Epistemology is the study of knowing. It deals with the nature of knowledge, how do we know things, what do we know, why we know, is what we know true, and what are the limits of knowledge. Epistemology is a complicated “term” (for me) because it questions what often cannot be measured or accounted for. | Example:If I was asked to discuss a “Tsunami”. I would say that I “know” that a Tsunami is an under-water earthquake. That would not be an opinion as much as it would be fact based on research and findings that explain the process shifting tectonic plates that cause Tsunamis. So my knowledge about this grounded in my acceptance of the claims from trustable authorities and therefore my “knowing is shaped by what I accept to believe as true.Epistemology questions “frames of reference” and basically asks the question…”what informs this?” Often our Religious beliefs and our claim to “know” is challenged by “modern thinkers” who question – is it true because “someone” says it is…? | | | | Theory | Theory is a supposition or a system of ideas intended to explain something, especially one based on general principles that can be used to investigate other/ different phenomenon in society. Theories exist because of documented experiences and research and it presents a concept or idea that is both applicable and testable in varying contexts. | Example : Sigmund Freud’s theory on Personality Development believes that the personality is made up of three components, the ID, Ego and Superego.Although his theory has been challenged (on the basis of what informed it) he has provided an explanation for Human development and behaviour enough to