Download - Chapter 1: The Evolution of Psychology
Chapter 1: The Evolution of Psychology
What is PsychologyPsychology is
– the science that studies behavior and
– the physiological and cognitive processes that underlie it, and
– it is the profession that
– applies the knowledge to solve practical problems.
How Psychology Developed
• Prior to 1879– Physiology and philosophy –Parents of Psy.
• Wilhelm Wundt (1832-1920) University of Leipzig, Germany – Psychology an independent discipline– Established the first laboratory for the study of
psychology in 1879
The Battle of the “Schools” in the U.S.: Structuralism vs. Functionalism
Structuralism – Edward Titchener
– Analyze consciousness into basic elements
– Experimental Introspection – • careful, systematic observations of one’s
own conscious experience
The Battle of the “Schools” in the U.S.: Structuralism vs. Functionalism
Functionalism – William James– Investigate function/purpose of consciousness
– Stream of Consciousness
– Led to investigation of mental testing, developmental patterns, and sex differences
– G. Stanley Hall – Founder and1st APA President
Behaviorism: Redefining Psychology
John B. Watson (1878-1958): United States– Behaviorism
• Psychology = scientific study of behavior• Behavior = overt or observable responses or
activities
John Watson and the Nature-Nurture Debate
• Nurture, not nature (Heredity vs. Environment)
– “give me a dozen healthy infants, well-formed, and my own special world to bring them up in and I’ll guarantee to take any one at random and train him to become any type of specialist I might select – doctor, lawyer, artist, merchant-chief, and yes, even beggar-man and thief…”
Behaviorism: Redefining Psychology
• Radical reorientation of psychology as a science of observable behavior
• Animals can be studied to understand humans
Are people free?B.F. Skinner
B.F. Skinner (1904-1990): United States
– Responses that lead to positive outcomes are repeated
– Responses that lead to negative outcomes are not repeated
– Behavior is Lawful
Behaviorism Today
Albert Bandura (1925 - ): United States – Cognitive Behaviorism (Neo Behaviorism)
– Cognitions and social situations influence learning.
– Humans are active agents.
Sigmund Freud and the Concept of the Unconscious Mind
Sigmund Freud (1856-1939): Austria– Psychoanalytic school of thought
– Thought that Consciousness should not be the focus of Psychology
– Emphasis on unconscious processes influencing behavior
Freud’s Ideas: Controversy and Influence
• Unconscious exerts great influence on behavior; behavior is not accidental
• Unconscious conflict related to sexuality plays a central role in behavior
• Personality is developed in first 5 years
• Significant influence on the field of psychology
The 1950’s: Opposition to Psychoanalytic Theory and Behaviorism
• Charges that both were de-humanizing
• A new school of thought emerged – Humanism
– Abraham Maslow (1908-1970) and Carl Rogers (1902-1987)
– Emphasis on the unique qualities of humans: freedom and personal growth
Putting the Psyche Back in Psychology:The Return of Cognition
• Cognition = mental processes involved in acquiring knowledge
• 1950’s and 60’s – Piaget, Chomsky, and Simon
– Application of scientific methods to studying internal mental events
Biological Psychology:The Biological Basis of Behavior
Biological perspective - behavior explained in terms of physiological processes – Brain, biology and genetics
• Human Genome Project
• Pharmaceuticals
Evolutionary Psychology: Human Adaptations
• Natural selection occurs for behavioral, as well as physical, characteristics
• Buss, Daly & Wilson, Cosmides & Tooby – 80’s and 90’s
• Mating preferences, jealousy, aggression, sexual behavior, language, decision making, personality, and development
Positive Psychology
• Martin Seligman’s epiphany
• Humanist concerns revisited
• Uses theory and research to better understand the positive, creative, and fulfilling aspects of human existence– Positive subjective experiences– Positive individual traits– Positive institutions and communities
Psychology Today:A Thriving Science and Profession
• Research: Seven major areas
• Applied Psychology: Four major areas
Figure 1.7 Employment of psychologists by setting
Psychology Today:Research Areas
• Developmental• Social• Experimental• Physiological• Cognitive• Personality• Psychometrics
Figure 1.8 Major research areas in contemporary psychology
Psychology Today:Professional Areas
• Clinical• Counseling• Educational and School• Industrial and Organizational
Figure 1.9 Principal professional specialties in contemporary psychology
Psychology Today:Degrees
• Psychiatrist / Psychologist • MD• PhD• PsyD• EdD• MA, MSW