Ch. 1: History of Psychology

Flashcards covering the history of psychology, major schools of thought (Structuralism, Functionalism, Behaviorism, Psychoanalysis, Humanism), and foundational figures like Wundt, James, Watson, Freud, Skinner, Maslow, and Rogers based on lecture notes.

What is the etymological meaning of 'Psychology'?

Derived from 'Psych' (soul or mind) and 'Logos' (to study), meaning 'The study of the mind'.

1879

what year was the first laboratory for th study of psych established

Leipzig, Germany

Where was the first laboratory found

Who is considered the 'father of psychology'?

Wilhelm Wundt

When and where did Wilhelm Wundt establish the first laboratory for the study of psychology?

1879, in Leipzig, Germany

What did Wilhelm Wundt declare psychology's subject matter and method should be?

Consciousness and a rigorously scientific method, modelled after physics and chemistry.

What was the main focus of Structuralism, led by Edward Titchener?

The fundamental components of conscious experience, such as sensation and perception, investigated through introspection.

What was the main focus of Functionalism, led by William James?

The function or purpose of consciousness, and how people adapt to the demands of the real world.

Who is known as the 'Father of American Psychology' and established the first psychology department in the U.S. at Harvard?

William James

Who was the founder of behaviorism, proposing that psychologists should abandon the study of consciousness and focus on observable behavior?

John B. Watson

What was John B. Watson's stance on the Nature vs. Nurture debate?

He argued that individuals are 'made, not born,' discounting heredity and stating behavior is entirely governed by the environment.

Who founded psychoanalysis, emphasizing that behavior is influenced by unconscious conflicts, particularly unconscious sexual conflicts?

Sigmund Freud

According to B.F. Skinner's version of behaviorism, what determines behavior?

Environmental factors dictate behavior, with responses leading to positive outcomes being repeated and negative outcomes not.

Who were the leaders of the Humanism school of thought?

Abraham Maslow and Carl Rogers

What are the core tenets of Humanism?

It is optimistic and focuses on the unique qualities of humans, emphasizing freedom, personal growth, and the idea that psychological disturbances occur when needs are thwarted.

What is 'cognition' in the context of psychology?

Mental processes involved in acquiring knowledge.

How does Cognitive Psychology differ from strict behaviorism?

Cognitive psychology asserts that internal mental events (like reasoning, attention, problem-solving) must be studied to fully understand behavior, a concept discouraged under behaviorism.

How does neuroscience explain behavior?

Behavior is explained in terms of physiological processes, such as right versus left brain functioning.