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