Pre-history1Key Concepts in Pre-History of Psychology

Dualism

Philosophical belief that divides all things into a physical body and non-physical spirit.

René Descartes

Philosopher who studied dualism; believed animals behave mechanically, while humans have a mind that interacts with the body through sensory input and voluntary control.

John Locke

Proposed empiricism, the belief that knowledge comes from experience and observation. Described the mind as a tabula rasa (blank slate) at birth. Supported NURTURE in the nature vs. nurture debate.

Thomas Hobbes

Rejected the existence of soul/spirit and proposed materialism—only matter and energy exist. Believed behavior is a product of brain processes. Influenced behaviorism.

Charles Darwin

Developed the theory of natural selection, proposing that traits promoting survival are passed on. His ideas influenced evolutionary psychology, explaining behavior through adaptation.

Wilhelm Wundt

Known as the founder of modern psychology; studied consciousness and established the first psychology lab.

Edward Titchener

Wundt's student who introduced structuralism in the U.S.—studying the mind's structure via introspection to find patterns in thoughts and experiences.

William James

Opposed structuralism and developed functionalism, focusing on how mental processes serve a purpose. Influenced by Darwin.

Dorothea Dix

Advocate for the mentally ill and poor; helped establish the first public mental hospitals in the U.S.

Mary Whiton Calkins

First female graduate student in psychology; denied a PhD due to gender despite top performance.

Margaret Floy Washburn

First woman to earn a PhD in psychology; second female APA president; her thesis was published by Wundt. Excluded from official experimental psychology groups due to gender.

Biological

Studies the connection between the brain, nervous system, and behavior; uses physiological methods to understand psychological issues.

Behavioral Genetics

Examines how genetic and environmental factors influence behavior and the expression of traits.

Behaviorist

Focuses on observable behavior. Based on classical conditioning (Pavlov) and operant conditioning (Skinner). Key experiments: Little Albert (Watson & Rayner). Used today in behavior modification therapy.

Cognitive

Focuses on mental processes like thinking, memory, and problem-solving. Combines structuralism and functionalism. Currently the dominant psychological approach in the U.S.

Humanistic

Emphasizes free will, self-awareness, and personal growth. Promotes a holistic view of individuals. Key figures: Abraham Maslow (self-actualization) and Carl Rogers (unconditional positive regard).

Psychoanalytic/Psychodynamic

Founded by Sigmund Freud; explores the unconscious mind and childhood experiences. Therapy focuses on resolving repressed conflicts and bringing the unconscious to awareness.

Sociocultural

Studies how environment, culture, and social context influence behavior. Considers factors like race, class, education, and societal norms.

Evolutionary

Based on Darwin's theory; studies how behaviors and traits have evolved for survival (e.g., fear as an adaptive trait).

Biopsychosocial

Integrative model combining biological, psychological, and social factors to explain behavior and mental processes.