History of Psychology

Christian Wolff

Popularized the idea that psychology is the study of the mind, dividing the discipline into empirical and rational psychology.

Empirical Psychology

The data of the mind that results from observing ourselves and others and through experience.

Rational Psychology

The interpretation of the data from empirical psychology through reasoning and logic.

Wilhelm Wundt

A German physician and physiologist, he founded the first laboratory in experimental psychology at the University of Leipzig.

Hermann Ebbinghaus

Pioneered the experimental investigation of memory using precise quantitative methods.

Georg Elias Müller

One of Ebbinghaus's best students who conducted experiments on how sounds affect memory and learning.

Charles Darwin

Authored 'On the Origin of Species' and introduced the theory of evolution and natural selection.

Psychology in the United States

During the Civil War period, Americans became attracted to German psychological ideas, influencing the development of psychology in the US.

William James

Suggested in a letter that psychology should be established as a science.

British Philosophy

Primarily empirical, focusing on observations as a foundation for psychology.