The Evolution of Psychology

From Speculation to Science:How Psychology Developed

• Prior to Wilhelm Wundt – Philosophy scholars studying questions about the

mind and human nature

• Wilhelm Wundt (1832-1920) University of Leipzig, Germany

– Established the first laboratory in 1879– Campaigned to make psychology a discipline– More than just “Observation”– More than just “Common-sense”

Is mere Observation enough?

• What appears on the back of a $1 bill?• Do police officers wear their badges on the

left or right side of their uniform?• How many sides does a pencil have?• How many prongs are there in a regular

dinner fork?• Which way does Lincoln face on the penny?• In which hand does the Statute of Liberty

hold her torch?• On our flag, is the top stripe red or white?• Which way does water go down the drain?

Is mere Common-sense enough?

• Opposites attract. • Everyone dreams.• If told to do it, most people will shock someone

almost to death.• Blind people have a more sensitive sense of

hearing and touch.• Animals process information in the same way that

people do.• A well-trained psychology can determine a

person’s hidden problems by analyzing their dreams.

• Playing classical music for a young infant will result in an increase in IQ.

• Drug addiction is a major cause of violent crimes, such as murder.

Figure 1.1 Early Research Laboratories in North America

The Battle of the “Schools” in the U.S.: Structuralism vs. Functionalism

• Structuralism – Edward Titchener– “structure” of conscious experience– Analyzed into basic elements– Introspection – careful, systematic observations of one’s

own conscious experience

• Functionalism – William James– “function” of conscious experience– Led to investigation of mental testing, developmental

patterns, and sex differences

John Watson and the Nature-Nurture Debate

• Nurture, not nature– “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…”

Psychology Today:A Thriving Science and Profession

• Explosion of ideas, theories, researchers…

• Hot topics– Positive psychology– Interpersonal – Neuropsychology