History and Subfields of Psychology

What was the early history of psychology?

Historically, psychology was part of philosophy and involved contemplation but not experimentation.

Who created the first full-scale psychology lab in Leipzig University in Germany?

In 1879, Wilhelm Wundt used experiments, observations, and introspection to answer basic questions of thought processes and perspective.

What was psychology used for in the 19th century?

Psychology was used in the 19th century to validate spiritual claims, and why claims were happening. Later in the 19th century, psychologist were curious on why people believed in spirits, leading to studies on self deception and human error.

What are Early Theoretic Frameworks?

Ideas to explain all human behavior

Structuralism (Edward Tichener)

Use of introspection to understand the entirety of conscious experience as individual parts. Attempted to “map” elements of experience

Flaws of Structuralism

People have different reactions to the same stimuli and some thoughts are automatic.

Gesalt

The unity of human experience is more important than individual parts. Parts of experience cannot explain the entirety of experience.

Functionalism (William James)

Influenced by Darwin and attempted to explain why certain behaviors and thoughts happen. Focused on function of consciousness and behavior in adaption to the environment.

Behavioralism (John B. Watson; B.F Skinner)

Studied behaviors (measurable phenomena), not thoughts or consciousness. All behavior can be explained by looking outside the organism. Behaviors are entirely driven by rewards and punishments.

Psychoanalysis (Sigmund Freud)

Set the stage for psychotherapy. Focused on internal, unconscious processes (unmeasurable phenomena) as the primary influence of behavior. Observations on dreams, habits, slips of the tounge.

Biological psychological

Investigates the physical mechanisms that creates the bases of thought and behavior in humans and animals

Cognitive psychology

Study of mental process and cognition (thoughts). Includes, reasoning, perception, intelligence, memory, consciousness

Social psychology

Study of everyday behaviors and interactions. Includes group behavior, biases, and influences.

Development psychology

focus on babies, children, and adolescents. How and why do people (of all ages) change over time?

Clinical psychology

Asses, diagnose, and treat mental disorders. Conduct research on mental disorders (psycho pathologist)

Counseling psychology

Work to help people with temporary or specific life problems relationship conflict, sexual difficulties, home/work stress, occupational uncertainty. Does not work for people with severe mental disorders

School/Educational Psychology

improve education of or help individual students

May research effect teaching methods, coordinate educational programs, test IQ and learning disorders and/or to help individual students

Industrial/Organizational Psychology

Work in companies to select and evaluate productive employees. Support positive leadership and motivation. Increase job satisfaction and reduce job stress.