Chapter 1 History & Approaches

Chapter 1: History & Approaches

Overview

• What is Psychology?

  • The study of the brain, mental processes, observable behavior, human and animal development, and social interactions.

• History/Philosophy

  • Examination of psychological foundations through historical thinkers and philosophers.

• Schools of Thought

  • Various theoretical perspectives within psychology.

• Summary

  • Overview of the chapter and key psychological concepts covering key historical figures and contemporary approaches.

• Warm up with Crash Course’s Introduction

What is Psychology?

• Defined as the scientific study focusing on:

  • Brain functions

  • Mental processes

  • Observable behaviors

  • Development across the lifespan

  • Social interactions

History of Psychology

• Psychology’s roots lie in philosophy; early philosophers like Rene Descartes, John Locke, and Thomas Hobbes laid the foundations for psychological thought.

Philosopher Ideas

• Rene Descartes:

  • Proposed that the universe follows physical laws.

  • Suggested that humans possess minds, distinct from the physical laws governing the universe.

• John Locke:

  • Asserted that humans start as a tabula rasa (blank slate). Knowledge is gained through experience.

• Thomas Hobbes:

  • Advocated for materialism, stating that consciousness is a by-product of brain activity; denies existence of spirit/soul.

Details on Each Philosopher

Rene Descartes

• Argued for distinguishing between body and mind.

• Believed in predictable behavior akin to machines, where the mind interacts with the body through the pineal gland.

John Locke

• Introduced empiricism, emphasizing observation and experience.

• Insisted knowledge is learned, with no innate ideas or principles present at birth.

Thomas Hobbes

• Believed only material and energy exist, framing consciousness as a mechanical function of the brain.

Schools of Thought

• Psychological theories are categorized into distinct schools:

  • Structuralism

  • Functionalism

  • Psychoanalysis

  • Behavioral

  • Cognitive

  • Humanistic

  • Biological/Biomedical

  • Evolutionary Psychology

  • Sociocultural

  • Biopsychosocial model

Structuralism

Introduction

• Founded by Wilhelm Wundt, who set up the first psychology lab in Leipzig.

• Aimed to break down mental processes into their most basic elements.

Key Concepts

• Emphasizes introspection as a method to analyze consciousness.

• Examines basic sensations and perceptions such as color and texture without naming objects.

• Not actively studied in contemporary psychology.

Functionalism

William James

• Authored The Principles of Psychology, forming the roots of Functionalism.

• Focuses on how mental processes help individuals adapt to their environments.

• Concepts influenced by Darwin and evolution.

Gestalt Psychology

Max Wertheimer

• Opposed the segmentation of thought and behavior practices like Structuralism.

• Key principle: "The whole is greater than the sum of its parts."

• Concepts somewhat embedded in contemporary cognitive psychology yet not distinctly active anymore.

Psychoanalysis

Sigmund Freud

• Emphasized the unconscious mind’s influence on behavior and personality.

• Developed therapeutic approaches based on uncovering unconscious thoughts through techniques such as dream analysis.

Behavioral Perspective

Ivan Pavlov

• Discovered classical conditioning through studies with dogs.

Key Figures

• John Watson: Created fear conditioning paradigms.

• B.F. Skinner: Expanded behaviorism to include reinforcement/punishment concepts.

Humanistic Perspective

Major Contributors

• Abraham Maslow: Developed Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, emphasizing personal growth and self-actualization.

• Carl Rogers: Advocated for client-centered therapy, prioritizing individual potential.

Biopsychology

• Examines behavior strictly through biological processes (genes, neurotransmitters, etc.).

Evolutionary Psychology

• Investigates the role of natural selection in psychological traits, considering adaptive functions of behavior.

Cognitive Perspective

• Analyzes thoughts and interpretations influencing behavior, utilizing theories like Jean Piaget’s cognitive development stages.

Sociocultural Psychology

• Studies cultural influences on thoughts and behaviors, contrasting individualistic versus collectivistic cultures.

Biopsychosocial Model

• Integrates biological, psychological, and social factors in understanding behavior and mental conditions.

• Example: Anorexia explained through multiple contributing factors.

Summary of Approaches

Overview of Causes of Behavior and Investigation Methods

Conclusion

• Understanding psychological concepts through a historical lens provides insight into modern practices. Different schools of thought have shaped the field of psychology, each contributing unique perspectives on human behavior.