Final answer:
Psychology is distinguished from pseudoscience by its reliance on empirical evidence and scientific methodology, which involves observable, testable measures and avoids intuitive or anecdotal claims.
Step-by-step explanation:
Psychology is differentiated from pseudoscience because it relies on empirical evidence and scientific methodology. This means that psychology is grounded in objective, tangible evidence that can be observed and verified, rather than on intuition, subjective personal experiences, or untestable claims. Empirical evidence comes from direct experience or scientifically gathered data, which is the crux of the scientific method used in psychology. This method is contrasted with approaches that rely on intuitive reasoning and anecdotal observations that often characterize pseudoscience.
Empiricism is a pillar in the philosophy of science, necessitating that all hypotheses and theories be tested against natural world observations. Psychology stands out from pseudoscience by applying an empirical method for acquiring knowledge, including experimentation, rather than a method based only on logical argument or previous authorities. In psychology, this translates to the systematic study of mind and behavior using the scientific method, where researchers propose hypotheses and conduct experiments to test them. This empirical approach ensures the discipline's credibility and distinction from pseudoscience.