AP Psychology: Unit 1 - People

Wilhelm Wundt

(1832-1920) Set up the first psychological lab (1879). Trained subjects in introspection. Eventually described his theory as structuralism. He is also referred to the father of modern psychology because of his new 'lab approach' to studying psychology.

G. Stanley Hall

A student of Wilhelm Wundt who went to establish the first psychology laboratory in Johns Hopkins University in 1833.

William James

(1842-1910) Published "The Principles of Psychology", the science's first textbook. Established the Theory of Functionalism: How mental processes function in our lives. Was also the mentor for Mary Whiton Calkins.

Mary Calkins

First woman president of the American Psychological Association/ Functionalist. Also the first woman to gain a PhD in psychology, but was denied the degree by the university. Was taught by William James.

Margaret Washburn

First female to be awarded a PhD in psychology; 2nd president of the APA (1921, after Mary Whiton Calkins). She was technically not the first to earn a PhD seeing as how Mary Whiton Calkins had all the education before Washburn, but was denied the degree on the basis of being female.

Sigmund Freud

(1856-1939) Austrian physician whose work focused on the unconscious causes of behavior and personality formation; founded psychoanalysis. One of the most influential psychologists and is considered the "father of modern psychiatry."

John Watson

(1878-1958) American psychologist who founded behaviorism, emphasizing the study of observable behavior and rejecting the study of mental processes

BF Skinner

(1904-1990) A leading behaviorist, Skinner rejected introspection and studied how consequences shape behavior (Myers Psychology for AP 2e p. 006).

Carl Rogers

(1902-1987) Leader of humanistic psychology rejected Freud's pessimistic view of human nature. Instead, offered the optimistic view that people are innately good, and, thus, "positivie, forwar-moving, constructive, realistic, and trustworthy". Argued that self-concept is the cornerstone of a person's peronality. People whose self-concept matches their life experiences usually have high self-esteem and better mental health. Influenced by Abraham Maslow, believed that people are motivated to achieve their full potential or self-actualize.

Ivan Pavlov

(1891-1951) Discovered classical conditioning; trained dogs to salivate at the ringing of a bell. he pioneered the study of learning.

Jean Piaget

(1896-1980) A Swiss cognitive psychologist who was the last century's most influential observer of children; most known for his theory of stages of cognitive development. He suggested a four-stage model that children go through as they develop more complex reasoning skills.

Charles Darwin

(1809-1882) English scientist whose theory of evolution through natural selection was first published in 'On The Origin of the Species" in 1859.

Dorthea Dix

(1802-1877) Tireless reformer, who worked mightily to improve the treatment of the mentally ill. Appointed superintendant of women nurses for the Union forces.

Edward B Titchener

English psychologist who studied under Wilhelm Wundt for several years. Best known for creating his version of psychology that described the structure of the mind: structuralism