Unit 1 psychology: Schools of thought

Structuralism

Developed by Wilhem Wundt. Focused on understanding the basic parts of the conscious experience through introspection and analysis. Decided conscious could be broken down into two structures: 5 senses & feelings (reactions to those experiences)

Functionalism

Founded by William James. Focuses on what the mind & behavior do and how they help people adapt to their environment. Also believed behaviors form to serve a function.

Gestalt

Focuses on how people see things as a whole rather than just individual parts. Looks at perception & how the brain organizes information based on past knowledge & experiences

Psychoanalytic/psychodynamic

Founded by Sigmund Freud. Behavior can be influenced by unconscious thoughts & desires. Early childhood & parents can shape personality and behavior. (Unconscious can come through in dreams or freudian slips)

Behaviorism

Founded by John B Watson. Says “We are a product of our environment”. Data is observable & measurable. Behavior is also shaped by rewards, punishments, and experiences.

humanism

Abraham Maslow - Hierarchy of Needs. Believes people have the ability to make their own choices. Focuses on becoming the best version of yourself. (Self-Actualization)

Biological

Focuses on how the nervous system affects behavior & mental process. Believes behavior can be influenced by biology. It also looks at brain structure and activity.

Cognitive

Focuses on how people think & process information. Studies memory, thinking, learning, attention, and problem solving. Also looks at how we take in and store information.