History of Psychology

What is the definition of psychology?

It is derived from two Greek roots meaning “mind” and “study”. Our definition states psychology is the scientific discipline that studies behavior and mental processes.

Greek Philosophers

Socrates /Plato-“know thyself”-emphasized self-examination and personal reflection

Aristotle-knowledge can be acquired by the senses and careful observation-influenced the development of modern science

Other Systems

At the same time– 1. Africa– 2. Middle East– 3. Far East

Confucius– People have inborn capacity to do good– Environmental influences play a key role in

behavior– Morality is important

Emergence of Science

Psychology emerged as a scientific discipline in the nineteenth century

-German Theodor Fechner studied psychophysics—wrote a book in 1860

-German Hermann Von Helm—developed theory on how people perceive color--1860

Founding of Psychology:

Wilhelm Wundt receives credit because he established the first scientific laboratory dedicated to the study of psychology.

-established in 1879 in Leipzig, Germany

Historical Approaches

Structuralism-understanding the mind by breaking it down into its basic elements

Wundt

-interested in studying mental experiences

-used a method called introspection or self-examination

Titchener

-brought Wundt’s teachings to US

Functionalism: focuses on how behavior and mental processes help adapt to the environment

William James (1842-1910) Recognized as the father of American

psychology Believed that mental experience is best

understood in terms of the functions or purposes it serves

“why” we do “what” we do

Heredity vs. Environment

Sir Francis Galton

Looked at the issue of how heredity (nature) determines behavior

Gestalt Psychology

Wertheimer Kohler Koffka

Viewed behavior in relation to the “whole”—how sensations are assembled into perceptual experiences

Contemporary Approaches

Psychoanalytic—unconscious motives determine behavior, feelings, thoughts

Sigmund Freud

-Used free association

-Interested in the unconscious mind

-Dream analysis

Case study: analysis of thoughts, emotions, feelings, beliefs, behavior

Behaviorism: psychology should limit itself to the study of overt, observable behavior

John Watson—early 1900’s Only what can be observed, measured, and

recorded should be studied Rejected introspection Eliminated mentalistic concepts like mind,

consciousness, thinking, and feeling.

Behaviorism: psychology should limit itself to the study of overt, observable behavior

B.F. Skinner (1904-1990) 1920’s it was the main school of psychology Behavior can be shaped by rewards and

punishments

Behaviorism: psychology should limit itself to the study of overt, observable behavior

Pavlov Experimented with dogs Conditioned responses

Humanistic Psychology-each person has freedom in directing future and personal growth

Maslow Rogers

Emphasizes uniqueness of the individual with the capacity for personal growth and a satisfying life

Cognitive-how info is processed, stored, retrieved and how it influences behavior

Piaget Ellis Beck

Perception, memory, expectation influences behavior

Biological Psychology (Psychobiology)

Study physical and chemical changes in the body

Use drug therapy ECT Scans

Sociocultural

Study how the cultural and ethnic similarities and differences of people influence behavior

Interested in gender, socioeconomic status

Doob—the cultural implications of a sneeze