History of Psychology

Definition

The history of psychology refers to the evolution of the field that studies mental processes and behavior, which began as a philosophical inquiry before becoming a distinct scientific discipline in the 19th century. This development was marked by significant advances in methodology, including the use of experiments and observations, and was heavily influenced by prevailing scientific discoveries and theories during the period from 1815 to 1914.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Wilhelm Wundt is often regarded as the 'father of experimental psychology' for establishing the first psychology laboratory in Leipzig, Germany, in 1879.
2. Sigmund Freud's psychoanalysis introduced groundbreaking ideas about the unconscious mind and its influence on behavior, significantly shaping modern psychology.
3. The period saw a shift from philosophical approaches to empirical methods, as psychologists sought to establish psychology as a rigorous science.
4. The development of new psychological schools, such as behaviorism led by figures like John B. Watson, shifted focus away from introspection toward observable actions.
5. Psychology's relationship with natural sciences grew stronger during this period, with advancements in biology, chemistry, and physics influencing psychological theories.

Review Questions

• How did the establishment of experimental psychology change the approach to studying human behavior and mental processes?
  • The establishment of experimental psychology marked a significant shift from philosophical speculation to scientific investigation. With Wilhelm Wundt's creation of the first psychology laboratory, researchers began using controlled experiments to study perception, sensation, and other mental processes. This empirical approach enabled psychologists to gather data, test hypotheses, and develop theories based on observable evidence rather than mere introspection.
• Discuss the influence of Sigmund Freud's theories on the development of psychology as a discipline during this era.
  • Sigmund Freud's introduction of psychoanalysis had a profound impact on psychology by emphasizing the role of the unconscious mind in influencing thoughts and behaviors. His theories challenged existing notions about human nature and introduced concepts such as repression and defense mechanisms. Freud's work not only expanded the scope of psychological inquiry but also led to the emergence of various therapeutic practices and furthered discussions on mental health, making it a pivotal point in psychology's evolution.
• Evaluate how the transition from introspective methods to behavioral approaches reflected broader scientific trends during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
  • The transition from introspective methods to behavioral approaches in psychology mirrored broader trends in natural sciences emphasizing objectivity and measurable phenomena. As fields like biology adopted rigorous scientific methodologies, psychologists began rejecting subjective reports in favor of studying observable behavior. This shift was epitomized by behaviorism's rise, which prioritized empirical data over mental states. Such changes reflected an overarching movement toward establishing psychology as a legitimate science aligned with other empirical disciplines during this transformative period.

Related terms

Structuralism: An early school of psychology founded by Wilhelm Wundt that aimed to analyze the structure of the mind through introspection and the examination of conscious experience.

Functionalism: A school of thought in psychology that focused on the purpose of consciousness and behavior, emphasizing how mental processes help individuals adapt to their environments.

Behaviorism: A major psychological perspective that emerged in the early 20th century, emphasizing the study of observable behavior rather than internal mental processes.