Historical Context of Psychology in the Philippines

• Awakening of Asian Psychology

  • Recognition by Asian psychologists of the inadequacy of Western psychological concepts in Asian contexts.

  • Questioning the relevance of Western theories in describing and predicting Asian behavior.

  • Need for a psychology based on local experiences and identity.

Pioneers in Philippine Psychology

• Early Foundations

  • University of Santo Tomas (UST) and University of San Carlos were key institutions.

  • UST established a formal psychology department in the early 1930s and offered a BS in Psychology in 1948.

Notable Personalities

• Fr. Angel de Blas

  • Established the Experimental Psychology Laboratory at UST in 1938.

  • Served as chairman of the psychology department until 1954.

• Dr. Agustin S. Alonzo

  • Established UP's Psychology Department in 1926.

  • Completed his Ph.D. in Experimental Psychology in Chicago.

• Dr. Sinforoso Padilla

  • First Filipino to major in Psychology at all academic levels.

  • Established a psychological laboratory and clinic at UP in 1932.

• Dr. Jesus Perpiñan

  • Established the FEU Psychological Clinic.

  • Served as head of the Department of Psychology.

Growth and Institutionalization

• Formation of Organizations

  • The Psychological Association of the Philippines founded to promote psychology's advancement.

  • Advocated for the regularization of psychology practices leading to the Philippine Psychology Act of 2009.

Advances in Psychological Methods

Experimental Method

• Developed by Wilhelm Wundt in 1897, focusing on controlled observations in laboratory settings.

• Key Variables:

  • Independent Variables: The manipulated treatment.

  • Dependent Variables: The measured effect (e.g., test scores).

  • Extraneous Variables: Factors that may affect the dependent variable unintentionally.

Observational Methods

• Participant Observation:

  • Researcher engages with a community to understand behaviors and social norms.

• Naturalistic Observation:

  • Observing behavior in its natural setting without interference, e.g., risk-taking in teenagers.

Research Designs

• Correlational Studies:

  • Examine relationships between variables without manipulation.

• Surveys:

  • Self-reported data collection on facts and opinions from participants.

• Case Studies:

  • Comprehensive analysis of individuals/groups utilizing various techniques such as interviews and direct observation.

Notable Case Studies

• Phineas Gage: Example of trauma impacting behavior and personality.

• Genie the Feral Child: Illustrated effects of social isolation on development.

Indigenous Research Methods

• Pakikipagkuwentuhan: Facilitated storytelling sessions for gathering insights.

• Panunuluyan: Research conducted in participants' homes to deepen engagement.

• Pagtatanung-tanong: Questioning derived from participants' responses rather than pre-set queries.

• Pakikiramdam: Evaluating readiness for participation through the researcher’s intuitive feelings.

Conclusion

• The evolution of psychology in the Philippines reflects the integration of indigenous perspectives and Western methodologies, aiming for a comprehensive understanding tailored to the local context.